Local band Potato Hill members include Carson Ashby, Nick Unger, Eyndia DeHaven and Izzy Huesz. (Photo by Ainsley Hall)

MARTINSBURG — Local band Potato Hill is releasing its first song, titled “Build Myself A House.”

Described as folk alternative, the song takes inspiration from indie artists and the lyrics reflect real life experiences. It can be found on platforms including Spotify and Amazon Music.

Eyndia DeHaven, Carson Ashby, Izzy Huesz and Nick Unger first met through the Martinsburg Rock School. DeHaven discovered music when she was 16 and started teaching herself how to play the guitar. She eventually met Ashby, who played music with his dad for as long as he can remember, and he introduced her to the school.

“Coming to the school was my first experience in the music community, and it was really nice,” DeHaven said. “I mean, I was always into bands, and I wrote (a) lot of poetry until I turned them into songs.”

For several years, DeHaven tried forming a band, but it wasn’t until these four came together that the band began to stick.

Huesz started playing piano when she was 5 years old and is now studying at Shepherd University to earn a degree in music. Unger had a similar story to DeHaven, discovering music as a teen. With DeHaven on guitar and lead vocals, Ashby on drums, Huesz on piano and Unger on bass, the band Potato Hill finally took shape.

“In Hedgesville there’s a sign that says Potato Hill, and I really like it, so it just fit,” DeHaven said. “That’s the street I grew up on, so it just seemed to work.”

The band released their first song on Dec. 4, though they started recording all the way back in July. It took a lot of work to write each part and get the music just right so they can share it with others. Unger said it felt surreal when the song finally dropped after putting so many hours into making it.

“For me, it felt like I could finally die,” DeHaven said with a laugh. “I feel like my life purpose was finally fulfilled, just because it’s something I’m so passionate about, knowing that something I created is out there and other people can relate to it. It just felt so rewarding.”

DeHaven explained that as she was writing the song, she was dealing with a difficult breakup and going through a hard time. The song helped her process some of those emotions.

The band’s passion for their music comes from being able to express emotions and connect with people. They love sharing music with others and creating something unique for people to enjoy.

Huesz believes music is a powerful tool that can have a huge impact on someone’s life.

“Everyone can take something from a song,” Huesz said. “It might be different than what was originally written, but I think everyone can find something they connect with. It’s a really powerful thing for me.”

Potato Hill’s next goal is to get their song on their radio. The band hopes to continue to make new music and play more live concerts throughout the area. Their next show will be on Jan. 18 at the Backseat Event Center with Martinsburg Rock School.

For more information, check out Potato Hill on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.