| Interview with Kirsty Hawkshaw ( 18.12.2006 - 17:50 GMT UTC )
Hi Kirsty :) I`m so glad I have the interview with the most female vocalist I love the most, and I`m not joking :) therefore please introduce Yourself to the TranceSound.net forum members, therefore tell us a few things about Kirsty Hawkshaw as a person in real life and as an artist on the stage or studio, thanks
Kirsty Hawkshaw: Hello :) firstly let me say how nice it is to be given this opportunity to reach a few more people and perhaps shed some more light in what Kirsty Hawkshaw is about.
1. Which male DJ You like the most, and the one that You reckon is more flexible and easy to work with ? Hope this is not personal for You :)
Kirsty Hawkshaw: In answer to number 1, I just don't have a number 1. I was raised in a way as not to be too competative, that each individual is a shining star, and that we are all in this beautiful world together reflecting all our qualities in the people that come into our lives along our path of discovery. I have enjoyed working with all the producers be it good or bad as each has been a new and unique working experience. I guess the ones that I tend to keep on working with, are the producers that treat me with respect, pay me on time, and connect with me telepathically or verbally, that is when it is special and I seem to get the best results which can then be felt by the listeners. If I am writing a song with somebody there has to be some kind of understanding and connection. This year, I have really had some magic moments with Mr Sam, Tenishia, Jose Amnesia, (Joven and Cyprian), Arnold Toutain Sleepthief, and Pentatonik. Also Armin Van Buuren signed my record Outsiders which Tenishia produced, so it's really exciting to have a new Kirsty Hawkshaw and Tenishia track out finally. Mr Amnesia gave it the edge needed to be taken on by Armins label Armand, so what can I say more than next year will be very exciting for me. Also I just visited the States on a 10 day tour and did two gigs with Seth Hutton in Portland and Seattle. Seattle 'Whiteout' went down a storm, and I haven't felt that kind of love and electricity since the early 90's.. There is something in the air thats for sure!
2. If it wasn`t the music the main personal ocupation, what else ?
Kirsty Hawkshaw: Well there are many different dynamics to Kirsty Hawkshaw, and the one that is my home life remains strictly private and sacred so I am not willing to share that.. I'm sure you will understand, but I am not a celebrity so don't need to sell that side of my life ;)
3. How would you describe yourself as a person to the people who don't know you yet ?
Kirsty Hawkshaw: Somebody who gives people the benefit of the doubt. Somebody who still believes in trust despite being taken advantage of as the years have gone by occasionally, somebody who makes music because it's a passion not a means to 'show off and think I am better than anybody else', and somebody who isn't scared to stand up for herself if crossed. I am a strong woman, but I also realise that humility is far more important than success without that quality.
4. Your parents had an impact on your music and were you taught to play any instruments when you were young ?
Kirsty Hawkshaw: I learned to play piano by ear only. My Father is a very talented and funky keyboard player/composer.. so he was the apple of my eye. Also my Grandmother was an opera singer.. I still feel her spirit around me occasionally, we were very close.
5. Many people think that trance scene is having a dead time at the moment what do you think about that ?
Kirsty Hawkshaw: I don't care because I still like it and don't follow 'trends' so it doesn't affect me in anyway. Also I make so many different styles of music which people aren't even aware of I just go with the flow. There is no way anybody could ever 'pigeon hole' kirsty hawkshaw.. it's more like 'catch me if you can'! Fame is not my 'lure' in life.
6. Have you ever had a song at the international eurovision yet ? If not will you ever try to ?
Kirsty Hawkshaw: Next question ;)
7. Do you write your own songs ?
Kirsty Hawkshaw: Mostly yes. I also compose and produce alot of my own music and run my own studio. I have spent the last 3 years learing how to work the equipment and record all my own vocals now. That way I feel that nobody can try and take advantage of me.. I own all the master rights to my vocal recordings now.
8. How do you describe your music to people ? Please tell more about it and try to evolve it for us, thanks :)
Kirsty Hawkshaw: My music is from the heart. It's not always fluffy and nice, sometimes it's wraught with anger and frustration or perhaps a good purge... Most the music I seem to write about is when I need to work something out in myself, or if I am trying to help somebody else in some way.. Each song I do with a producer I try to see it as a 'gift' to them or sometimes myself even. we all have a higher self, and sometimes when I"m in my lower self, I call on my higher self to give me a good healing session.. I try to tune into what real feelings are, rather than 'verse chorus verse chorus'..
9. Which are your plans for the future ? Any new release You wanna shout about ?
Kirsty Hawkshaw: LOADS! I am currently working on 5 projects believe it or not. I am making a 'chillout' album, of ambient texures and relaxation peices. Also working with Jan Johnston on an e.p under the name 'F-used'. I am doing some Drum and Bass production with Outrage and Aperture and we are starting our own recording label called Whisper Audio. I am also going to sell my own music through my website now www.kirstyhawkshaw.co.uk rather than go to mainstream labels.. Then there is the Trance album which I am half way through, first single of that signed to Armada. I'm not sure if an album will be signed out of that, because it's hard to tell right now and I would rather just do single by single rather than commit fully until we see a result, but my intention is to keep writing tracks in the style of Outsiders and Just Be. There is also a secret album which I have started with an incredible producer who is my biggest secret right now. I have learned with myspace to keep things under my hat until they are done and dusted as there are so many 'copy cats' out there who go to the producers your working with before you've even completed your own projects with them, try and jump on the sound you are trying to create before it's even been finished.. I find that 'very' rude, especially if they know you personally already.. I don't mind hooking people up at all, but I don't keep quiet if I feel people are taken advantage of me.
10. Do you feel like you are being a star, or You`re miles away from that feeling ?
Kirsty Hawkshaw: Every brother and sister is a 'Star' and I am too but only when I am on stage with my make-up and nice clothes on and a crowd to entertain. When I am 'off' stage I slack around the house in my tracksuit and cosy socks with my hair in a mess, writing and drinking copious amounts of yerba mate, and being a family person. Acting the star around the house is just annoying to all those around you...
11. Please tell me more about "Outsiders" with the Maltese duo, Tenishia, it had been played 3rd track in Armin van Buure`s weekly show, A state of Trance, 3 weeks in a row.
Kirsty Hawkshaw: Outsiders is a special track, and all I can say is it's one of those 'Just Be' moments... they don't come very often. Tenishia once again did a fine job. And Jose Amesia made it the 'signed' version so what can I say, I hope we have a big record on our hands.
12. If You would ever have the chance to write down a book about Your life and music, therefore biography and discography what the name would be ?
Kirsty Hawkshaw: 'Silence speaks volumes'. There won't be a biography because my memory is absolutely 'terrible'. I live in the present. I like the blogging thing because I can now remember stuff easily, but I feel that I can say so much more about who I am through my singing voice and music than writing a few paragraphs about this n that. My head is so busy I would get bored having to go over old ground. I had a very 'shamanic' early 20's, and there are no words to describe the places I went to in that State.. there just wouldn't be the words, and that as the most interesting bit of my journey really.. the Discovery of who I was, and what I wanted to do in life.. All my dreams have come true, and there are still more to come. There are very few 'interesting' Biographies in this world.. I enjoyed Francis Farmers and Anne Franks and that is about it. I must say though that I do have some amazing stories.. i've 'seen' it all beleive me and I could probably spill quite a few beans if I wanted to, I know it sounds weird to say, but God has protected me from over exposure, and always warned me when I have started playing into the wrong hands... There is way too much in me still to focus my energy on. My music is my biography. Maybe one day I will change my mind but I am not a tabloid celeb and never will be.
13. A question that it had been always asked nowadays: Please tell us more about Your studio :)
Kirsty Hawkshaw: no :).. But it is fully alarmed and I have very very nosy neighbours who look out for me.
14. Have You ever played live in any countries in Asia and where, also please tell us the fever of Aasian clubs.
Kirsty Hawkshaw: I spent the Millenium NYE in Cambodia in Phnom Penn with my boyfriend at the time and another mate. We had the police after us, two asshole promotors who wouldn't get us return tickets home, no credit card, and no money to eat after we ran out after a week. Luckily I met a journalist called Rob Shwartz who helped us out of a very difficult situation. Aside from that I loved the capital Phnom Penn, the people were amazing... It's just a terrible shame that those girls are so used by westerner 'losers' who go there to exploit them rather than help them to build a better life after everything they went through with the Khmer Rouge regime.. Phnom Penn is infested with the tourist scum of the earth, who go there.. like Gary Glitter, and other paedophiles.. I will go back there one day hopefully, but only if I have the power to do something useful not just for leisure.. I don't enjoy seeing such things.. It's the first time I've been in a situation where I was truly humbled by my own luck in life. It was also the reason why 'when I heard 'the demo of Just Be that I wanted to make that song into what it was.. It touched me deeply and reflected my experience in Cambodia.. Judie Tzuke had a similar experience in Thailand, so when she played it to me I said to her 'Let me make this massive for you', it's a huge track that alot of people will be able to relate to. The rest is History.
Kirsty Hawkshaw: Thank you once again kindly for giving me this opportunity
Love kirsty
Interview made by Cosmin Lukacs aka Dj K8oard (TranceSound.net admin/founder)
Links:
Kirsty Hawkshaw official website
Kirsty Hawkshaw @ Mypace
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