In our next Band Spotlight, we chat to Hawk Eyes’ drummer John MacKenzie about the band’s return and new music.
S] Hi John, how are you today?
I’m very well thank you. I’m on holiday in Edinburgh for the Fringe festival and I’m having a lovely time
S] What does Hawk Eyes mean to you now?
Idiots that never gave up! I think we all just enjoy hanging out with each other and that’s our main motivation these days. We’ve been through a lot together, good and bad.
S] Indeed, how do you define success as an artist?
Making your own art on your own terms, which is what we’ve always been able to do. And we’ve played with some of the biggest bands in the world so if that’s a measure of success then I guess we’ve done okay in that respect as well!
S] What are the biggest challenges you face now?
We’ve been ‘away’ for about four years and a lot has happened in that time. We have some longterm hardcore fans who have stuck with us and it’s great to be able to deliver them some new material. But will anyone else care? Well, I suppose that’s the challenge for every band, when you’re competing against the wall of light and sound that is the internet. It’s a bit of a cliche but we simply try and write the best songs that we can, then do them justice by polluting people’s personal space with them.
S] How do you look back at ‘Ideas’ at this point?
The reception that it got was amazing and opened a lot of doors for us. The promotion and touring for that album that ended up with opening for System of a Down and sharing a stage with Iron Maiden in Bologna so no complaints here.
S] Talk us through the inspirations and ideas behind ‘Perfect Again’?
It’s probably the most ‘pop’ song on the new album. Kind of reminds me of Fugazi in places, a little bit of A Perfect Circle, definitely some Foos. Lyrically, none of our songs are really about one thing but there’s a vibe in this one about overcoming, weathering the storm and coming out the other side. There’s a lot of cynicism in this world of ours, so there’s always room for a little hope.
S] Thanks so much for your time!
Thanks Dom! Treat yo’self!
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