John Hawkes
I started writing songs almost as soon as I started playing the guitar. It seemed the natural thing to do.
I’ve always been fascinated by great songs and by that I don’t necessarily mean a particular production, but the naked melody and lyric of the song.
People ask me what kind of songs I write I’m sure expecting an answer like rock or hip hop or folk etc. Having had one song, that I wrote with a folk /rock style in mind, be produced as an out and out pop song, I do believe that good songs can often travel across different genre. My answer to the question therefore is…’have a listen.’
I enjoy the actual writing of the song and in particular the crafting of both the sound and phrasing of the lyric to fit the music. The great lyricist Don Black said of composer John Barry that he thought great lyrics ‘have to hug the contour of the melody.’ Exactly.
I have been told that my songs are ‘singers’ songs meaning the lyrics and phrasing are natural and enjoyable to sing, which I take as a great compliment.
It is certainly something I want to strive for as I continue to write.
I hope you like what you hear and if you are interested in performing, hearing more of my work, producing or anything else please contact.
It’s all about the song.