We recently connected with Erik Hawks and have shared our conversation below.
Erik, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Songwriting is a process. I think the only way to learn how to do it is just jump in and start writing. I’ve been able to pick up tips and pointers along the way from other songwriters, but it really just takes time and elbow grease. You have to keep plugging away until the song is where you want it. I’ve learned that a song will always come out the way it was supposed to, regardless of your own ideas as to how it would. Sometimes it’s the same and sometimes it goes in another direction.
Another thing that I have learned along the way is that there is real value in collaboration. Being able to bounce ideas off of another songwriter (or songwriters) can be extremely rewarding. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy solo writes. However, there are times when I find myself stuck on a song and I need help in order to finish it. There are also times when I have an idea for a song, but I don’t know just how to get started. Those are the times I find co-writing to be the most helpful. The point of view of others often provides a refreshing take on my own ideas.
I’ve been writing songs for about 16 years now, and I don’t think there is anything I could have done to help speed up the process. Songwriting just takes time. When I look back at the first songs I wrote, I think they were terrible. However, you have to wade through the bad songs to eventually find your way to the ones that are good. What I’m writing now is so much better than those early songs. As far as skills go, I think those are picked up the longer a writer does it. Patience and persistence are two key traits to possess when getting into songwriting. You just have to keep at it in order to get better. You also have to be open to a song taking a different direction than you originally intended, or to an idea that another writer may give you. That’s a skill in itself — one that I’m still working on myself.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Gladly.
I grew up in Rockingham, North Carolina, but my family and I now live In Fayetteville. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I remember the first time that I ever sang in public was in a wedding when I was four years old. Music has always been a part of my life. I’ve always enjoyed listening to music and, once I was able, I began to enjoy writing and performing my own songs.
I joined the band Young Yonder in 2012, and that’s when I also fell in love with performing in front of a live audience. There’s no way for me to describe the rush I get from singing on stage and having people sing the songs back to me. After Young Yonder had run its course, I decided that it was time to go out on my own. I formed Erik Hawks & Hard Luck in 2019, and we have really enjoyed what we’ve been able to accomplish up to this point. The best is yet to come.
I think what sets me apart from other artists is my drive and work ethic. I am constantly trying to book a show, write and record more songs, and stay active on social media. It’s important to me that people come and see see us perform. It’s important to me because I know that, once they do, they will be fans. Easily the thing I’m most proud of is being a husband and father. My wife Sarah is my best friend and biggest supporter. We have a one year old son named Wyatt, and he’s the best thing that ever happened to us.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I don’t think that anything in life worth chasing after comes easy, and that especially goes for being an independent artist. You have to work three times as hard to get your name out there, to record and release music, and book shows. The best way for someone to support an independent artist is to follow them on social media, buy their music, buy their merchandise, and buy tickets to see them live. Word of mouth also goes a long way. Unfortunately, streaming an independent artists’ songs does not provide much financial support. I started releasing music in 2021. Since then, I’ve made just over $83.00 via streaming platforms (i.e. Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon). Not only does buying merch or a physical copy of our music help spread the word to others about who we are, but 100% of that money goes to helping us keep recording music. We also see more of the ticket money we receive from people coming to see our shows. The more music we’re able to release, the better.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect of my music career is that it has never once felt like work. Songwriting and performing with my band have never felt like a job. I think it is so important for us to find something we love to do and pursue it whole heartedly. Music has provided me with some incredible opportunities, and I’m thankful for that. I also think that success is a deeply personal journey. I think success means you get to do what you love and make a decent living doing it. As far as success with the music goes, I’d say that as long as people keep listening to our songs and coming to see us play, then I’d say that’s a success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erikhawksmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikhawksmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikHawksMusic/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@erikhawksmusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/66ITiLqIK9SnW8rTP2XDJr?si=_57NLHfDSOu723pFHwcrfA
Image Credits
Photos by Jeff Babajtis.