We were lucky to catch up with The J Hawkins Band recently and have shared our conversation below.
The J , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
As an artist, especially when you are doing original music, there is always going to be someone who does not like your genre, your vibe, your voice, song, etc. You have thick skin if you want to write and perform your songs. We, as songwriters and performers, try not to get too high or too low with the compliments or criticisms. We have been fortunate to have a strong following that helps us believe in what we are doing, and they are very supportive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
The J Hawkins Band—fronted by singer/songwriters J and Danielle Hawkins—mixes raw, heartfelt songwriting and electrifying performances. The J Hawkins Band continues to carve its path, drawing comparisons to Michigan greats like Kid Rock, Bob Seger, and The White Stripes. From the anthemic title track to their new release Long Way to Nashville to gritty ballads that capture the struggles and triumphs of chasing success, the album resonates with authenticity and determination.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Danielle Hawkins adds, “Being a husband-and-wife team in this industry hasn’t always been easy, but we’re proving that passion, love, and hard work can overcome anything. This new record is our story, and we couldn’t wait to share it.” We took a lot of experience over the last couple of years and poured that into these songs. The new record marks a milestone in the band’s journey, bringing together years of hard work, road-tested grit, and a sound that blends Southern rock soul with country fire. In an exciting collaboration, Long Way to Nashville features the legendary Kenny Olson, former guitarist of Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band. Olson not only contributes his signature guitar work but also steps into the producer’s chair, shaping the record into a bold new chapter for the Hawkins.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
We love to see other musicians perform and would like to collaborate with a lot of them. We have supported and championed folks like The Boardman River Band, The Timebombs, Rolling Dirty, UKR, Detroit Trouble, Smokey Links, so many to mention. We just want to continue building those relationships and supporting those artists.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thejhawkinsband.com/home
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejhawkinsband
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejhawkinsband4748
Image Credits
Jason Williams
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