London's Domi Hawken invites listeners into her upcoming EP 'Water and The Wine' (out April 25th) with her latest single 'The Moment I Need You The Most'
Following her debut EP 'Sociable Pariah', Hawken's sophomore effort embraces a more collaborative approach with her band members, moving beyond the rigid framework of her earlier work. This latest offering showcases a grittier soundscape, drawing from diverse influences ranging from Leonard Cohen to Arctic Monkeys to Lana Del Rey and beyond.
Erupting with raw rock 'n' roll energy 'The Moment I Need You The Most' dives deep into unrequited love while transcending conventional heartbreak through Hawken's signature blend of punk swagger and folk storytelling. "To me, the song is unhinged," Hawken reveals "It isn't about pining over someone you're in a relationship with - the protagonist is desperate, maybe the person she's singing about barely knows her, their relationship being completely overblown in her mind."
Following the single's release, we sat down with Domi to explore the inspirations behind her sound as she prepares to unveil what promises to be her most ambitious work yet.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar. It wasn’t the first instrument I learned to play, I’d had piano lessons, cello lessons, I played double bass for a bit, but guitar was the first instrument that I was playing for fun. I didn’t do grades in it, I wasn’t playing it in a school orchestra, it was just for me.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
All sorts, it was a real mix. There was all the older stuff that my Dad was showing me, which I loved, mixed in with what my older sister was showing me. So I loved led zeppelin but I was also super into Steps, then when I was 14 I ‘discovered’ Bob Dylan and that literally changed my life forever.
What was the first album you remember owning?
It was either Maroon 5, Songs about Jane or White Stripes, Elephant. We did have a Spice Girls cassette, but I’m not sure I can claim ownership, it was probably my sister’s.
What’s one song you wish you’d written yourself?
Til The Real Thing Comes along - Judy Henske
Do you have any habits or rituals when writing new music?
None that I can think of, apart from isolation, if that’s a habit. If I haven’t had some time alone I can’t come up with anything. I think I need time to process general life and whatever stimulus I’m getting for any ideas to come.
Who are your favourite artists right now?
Amyl and The Sniffers, Goldie Boutilier, Sierra Ferrell
What’s the most rewarding part of being a musician? And the most frustrating part?
The people who listen to the music, it’s a double edged sword. I’ve had messages from people saying they listened to a song of mine before going on a date and it made them less nervous, or on the way to work to pump themselves up, and that’s great seeing a song become bigger than what you created, watching it mean something to complete strangers. But also, you can’t control any of it. I can’t make anyone like what I’m doing, or come to a show, or listen to a song, and sometimes it can feel like you’re just throwing stuff into the void and hoping someone notices it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a musician?
Stop thinking. You’re not a musician if you’re not engaging in some kind of music, playing or writing. Don’t overthink or question ‘will this be popular?’ The very worst songs I’ve ever written were when I was trying to write like somebody else or in a way I thought people wanted. I have no control over that, in a way it’s none of my business what people think of the music once it’s out there and if you focus on that you’ll never create anything. So, stop thinking, just write, play, put it out and then drop it, onto the next.
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Watch ‘The Moment I Need You The Most’ below. Stay tuned for Domi Hawken’s sophomore EP ‘Water and The Wine’ out April 25th