Meet The SXSW Band: Hamish Hawk
The day is coming to a close and you know what that means, we are one day closer to things going wild in Austin for SXSW music festival. Of course some stuff kicks off this weekend, like our annual Sunday day show, but things will really be kicking into high gear about a week from RIGHT NOW. It’s time to get ready people. Ending our day today is a nice interview from Scottish based artist Hamish Hawk. Hit the jump for everything you need.
What’s the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
I am Hamish Hawk, we are Hamish Hawk. I’m a singer, songwriter and frontman based in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Describe your group’s sound using only adjectives or superlatives.
Wordy. Exuberant. Moustachioed.
What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2023?
Our new album, Angel Numbers, came out this month, and we’re gonna be heading back into the studio in the next couple of months to record the follow-up.
Why play SXSW? What’s the draw for the band? What about this festival will bring you to Austin?
We played SXSW last year, so we are delighted to be invited again. Admittedly we ran into a few obstacles last time, namely illness and tornados, so armed with those experiences we’ll bring a certain wind-swept danger to SXSW. You get the sense there’s a world of possibility at SXSW, and it’s a thrill to feel a part of that – again!
There are tons of bands coming into town, but if you could create your own perfect festival, who would you have playing? Would it have a sick name? Where would it take place? Feel free to disregard the rules of time and space.
I was a regular festival goer in my teens and associate them with a feeling of new-found fun and freedom. I’d be keen to have a line-up that’s properly joyous, in the business of ensuring everyone’s having a good time. Bob Marley & The Wailers headlining. The Flaming Lips somewhere up there. Dolly Parton. Sly & The Family Stone. ABBA. You get the ridiculous idea. As much as I grew used to trudging around in the mud at Scottish festivals, I’d like to be somewhere warm, with a big lake for swimming.
What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus
We’ve gotten into the habit of being geographically specific with our music choices in the van. Beatles en route to Liverpool. Sabbath en route to Birmingham. At SXSW I’m gonna have to go Texas wide. I’ll be listening to Willie Nelson on the plane over.
Obviously you have seen or heard about the issues coming up this year about fair pay for artists at SXSW? Care to offer any insight or comment?
The money, sweat and toil it takes to put together a show fit for an audience, to tour it, and to ensure everyone is fed, watered and accommodated would most likely shock anywhere unfamiliar with that world. I think any argument against “fair pay” is a fairly shameful signal to send to artists, to those who make it their lives’ work to put these shows on and bring them to people’s doorsteps. Sadly it’s a trend that continues to worsen, and there are those who are in a position to improve things, and do their utmost to make it worse. We’re in a very precarious place.
Thanks again for this Hamish! Here are current show dates for the band:
- 03/14 @ 11:00 PM | The 13th Floor
- 03/17 @ 4:40 PM | British Music Embassy, The Courtyard
- 03/18 @ 12:00 AM | Swan Dive Patio
We are officially counting down the days at this point as we build our anticipation for 
We ready, are you ready? Somehow it is March and now officially THE month of 
Austin’s favorite left of center festival 
