Check Out Erik Hawks’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Hawks

Hi Erik, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been singing. I do remember the first time that I ever sang in public. It was in a wedding when I was just 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 playing and making my own music. I picked up the guitar at eighteen and never looked back.

I was fortunate to grow up with parents who didn’t put any limitations on what types of music I could listen to, and I took full advantage of that. I remember listening to anything from The Temptations to the Eagles, The Beach Boys, Merle Haggard, Alison Krauss & Union Station, and even Blink-182 or the Foo Fighters. If I liked something, I listened to it. Genre didn’t matter to me. Just the songs themselves.

I began writing my own songs in my early twenties. I quickly fell in love with the process of songwriting. There’s just something about the storytelling aspect of it that draws me in. I love telling stories through songs, and I love writing about real life experiences and situations that we all go through. Things like love, heartbreak, loss of loved ones, and working hard to make ends meet or even to accomplish your goals. I feel that there is great power in that.

I joined the Raleigh area band Young Yonder around 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. It’s simply euphoric.

After Young Yonder had run its course, I decided that it was finally time to go out on my own and write, sing, and perform with my own band. I formed Erik Hawks & Hard Luck in 2019, and we have really enjoyed what we’ve been able to accomplish up to this point together. I have the best band in the world, and we’ve all decided we’re in it for the long haul. We want to take this thing as far as we possibly can. That said, we’ll keep playing shows and releasing new music as long as we are able. The best is yet to come, and we’re willing to work for it.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think that anything in life worth chasing after comes easy. I believe that you have to work hard for the things you want. Although things may seem tough in the short term, they always seem to work out once the full picture comes into focus. Relationships end, but we eventually find who we were meant to be with. We lose people we love, but we get to hold on to the good memories they left us forever. Bands break up, but you eventually find your niche.

The most difficult part about pursuing music is 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. However, the longer you do it, the more loyal followers you gain who recognize your hard work and determination.

In 2024, I was awarded the Carolina Country Music Association’s Male Artist of the Year award. That was definitely affirmation for all the elbow grease and late nights. Hard work most definitely pays off.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a singer/songwriter, and I’ve always been passionate about country music in particular. As Ray Charles once said, people love country music because of the stories those songs tell, and I completely agree. I hang my hat on writing deeply emotional songs that will resonate with anyone and everyone. Songs that have “meat” to them.

Easily the thing I’m most proud of is being a husband and father. My wife Sarah is my best friend and biggest supporter. She inspires me to be better everyday. We have a one year old son named Wyatt, and he’s the best thing that ever happened to us. He has made our family whole.

As for what sets me apart from others, I’d say it’s my drive and work ethic when it comes to my music. I am constantly trying to book a show, record more songs, and stay active on social media. It’s important to me that people see us live because I know that once they do, they will be fans. We take pride in the fact that we put on a great show.

What does success mean to you?
I think success is a deeply personal journey. I think I’m successful now because I have the love of a good woman and a little boy who loves me without even knowing a thing about my music career. 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 we’re living the dream.

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