ItBegins with Steven Hawkes
January 9, 2021, I am at Come and Take It Live. Music is slowly coming back to Austin. I am here to photograph the group “ItBegins“. Their heavy Rock ‘n Roll beat grabs me. My ears are entertained. My eyes attention are grabbed by the lead singer, Steven Hawkes. It is not only his voice that focuses me but his use of the mic stand, that bends, as a prop while singing. I am less than 5 months into this adventure and I have never seen it. It is neat. And so my adventure with “ItBegins”, begins. I ask Steven to tell us about himself. Here is what he had to say:
1. Who is Steven Hawkes?
I like to be called Steve. I asked my Mom about changing my name very young, while growing up in Issaquah WA. We agreed that Steve was the logical choice for a “persona”. Things you do when growing up in a small town. Played youth Soccer for 10 years into early teens. Found my teens were somewhat rebellious. Kind of found a path to get me from here to Austin TX. Being a Musician is a fraction of who I am in full. I do feel very fortunate to be compartmentalized enough to make it feel like 120%. Because the return therapy for the time spent in consistent application, has return in 10 Fold.
2. Tell me about your projects.
Last couple of years has been focused around my current Band “ItBegins” Writing and collaboration with the band has been fairly simple. Or if I could brush aside my ego and say its been very symbiotic, for the most part.
I’ve also been working on writing lyrics and singing on some tracks produced by my Cousin Greg Williamson. (Founder of Greedtone)
There is about 25 songs in the mix and has an array of musicians featured on the tracks. Set for release next year(2024).
3. Give me your interpretation of the Austin Music Scene of the past, present, and your hope for the future.
I grew up in Seattle Area. I’ve enjoyed every minute of Austin and the Music Scene as a Musician. It has such a historic past and it really vibes on tradition of similar ideas founded in the Seattle Music Scene, over the course of history. Being an all Originals Singer from birth, is always a feat on the street. Its Imperative to have a supplemental income and is absolutely necessary unless you are an Amazing Musician, like my Buddy Henry Invisible. Just a great example of Austin’s Locally Based Musical Talent. Happening Right here, right now!
4. A.I. and music, your thoughts.
Ai is something I understand as the Future of all knowledge based MetaData, placed into a sub-human like shoes. Let’s hope us humans can keep up.. Run Forest, Run !!
5. What is the question you are never asked?
My Age
