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INTERVIEW with Kirsty Hawkshaw
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| Reactic |
Kirsty was born in London, and it is was no surprise that she became a singer considering her rich musical backround. Her Grandmother was a very well known Opera singer, who was the first Artist to release a record “You belong to my heart” after the Second World War. Her father was a respected Composer. At a young age, Kirsty was already getting a feeling that music would be a part of her life even later in life.Kirsty got her first taste of success in the early 90s with a #1 song called “Fine Day” with Opus 3. This was her invitation to work together with many affluent Artists at that time like Orbital, Steve Hillage, Spooky, and the Drum Club. With Orbital, she sang on “Halcyon” and “Lush.” In the last years, she has had the opportunity to record with artists like Ian pooley, BT, Way Out West, Delerium, Lange, and the #1 DJ in the world Tiesto. She recorded the tracks “Walking on clouds” and “Just be” with Tiesto And “Sincere for you” with Lange. Kirsty is working on a solo album and tranceUNITED wanted to know more about the sympathic lady.
tranceUNITED:
Hi Kirsty. Thanks for talking to us. How are you? You are working on a solo album. How is it coming along? Can you give us some secreats what we can expect?
Kirsty:
Hi, expectations! someone always told me to 'expect nothing', then you will ever be disappointed. I have decided to work on two albums to keep the different aspects of myself satisfied. One album will be slightly darker and more introspective. The other a little more dancy. I have had some great interest from Nettwerk records who would like to release a compilation of a few of the stronger tracks I have had the great privelage to work on.. i.e Tiesto, B.T, Hybrid, and Way Out West. But I also have a side that needs to be fulfilled which likes to dip over the edge...
tranceUNITED:
Are you working with one producer, or many? And if so with whom? How much input to the producing of the tracks do you have?
Kirsty:
I am currently working with DJ Sam, Tiesto, and Pole Folder. I am extremely excited by the Pole Folder project as Benoit (the front man), and I have a great telepathic connection. This always helps in the creative process. Sam is a great guy also, and we have made three very strong tracks together. As far as production goes, it's all hand in hand. We talk via m.s.n, they are very respectful to me as producers and always keep me in the creative loop. I only work with guys who treat me as an equal. If they ain't gentlemen, then they don't get to work with me again!
tranceUNITED:
You come from a family that had music roots. Was music always the thing you wanted to do? Or was there ever a time where you thought about doing something different?
Kirsty:
I had to do other things at times in my life, purely to have another experience of life in some way. I like to do Indian Head massage in my spare time, and foot massage. I find it very grounding and rewarding. I have a beautiful little boy who is now two years old. He comes first. My studio is at the bottom of the garden, and when he is asleep Mummy goes outside to make her own magic. It is much better than watching the news!
tranceUNITED:
What are your memories of your childhood? Was their any interesting story that you can recall from your early experiences in the studio with your father?
Kirsty:
My Dad Alan Hawkshaw is a legend. I am so proud of him. When I was a child it was a great comfort to fall asleep to the sounds of him composing upstairs. I think something was programmed into me while I was in dream land. He would often let me have a sing of one of his songs after a session. But it sounded terrible. A little girl singing songs about being drunk, and how her love had left her didn't really fit.
tranceUNITED:
What did you learn from your father in regards to music?
Kirsty:
Not to write the same kind of songs that he did! ha ha.... it's too 'old school'
tranceUNITED:
What were your early musical influences? What singers did you repect?
Kirsty:
Barbara Streisand, the musical 'jesus christ superstar', Tom Tom Club, Yello, B52's, Judie Tzuke, Liz Frazer, the Beatles, Elvis...
tranceUNITED:
You already got your first taste of music in the early 90s with a #1 Song “Fine Day” with Opus 3. How difficult was it for you to break into the dance music scene in England? Did it help that you came from a musical backround?
Kirsty:
Kind of. Though it happened when i wasn't really looking for it. I was drifting around and it landed on my lap as a demo tape sent from the Opus 3 guys. I like the fact that I wasn't some sad ambitious wanna be desperate for fame! That whole trip just wasn't for me. I love to make music but wouldn't force it on anybody.
tranceUNITED:
Did you have to send out many demos in the begining or were producers coming to you for your services?
Kirsty:
I'd like to think they came to me actually.. I take this business with a Vat of salt!
tranceUNITED:
Where were you when you heard ”Fine Day” for first time on radio? Did you ever think you would get a #1 song in your career so soon? What was your reaction to hearing song on radio?
Kirsty:
I was in the local Spa buying some tampax. How embarrising!
tranceUNITED:
What was it like working with famous acts like Orbital, Spooky and Drum Club? Are there any interesting storys about your experiences with them?
Kirsty:
Charlie May was reasonable in bed, then broke my heart and inspired me to write a 'woman scorned' album called O>U>T.! Orbital make me feel a bit nervous, but it's always good to see them. Can't remember working with the Drum Club, - smoked some really strong weed that night.
tranceUNITED:
How did you come to the trance scene? In the beginning you recorded more with Techno Acts?
Kirsty:
I land anywhere and everywhere, as long as I feel something from the track. I got there, probably from a phone call asking me if I'd like to sing on a track.
tranceUNITED:
You recorded with one of Germanys best known House producers Ian Pooley. How was your experience working with him? Did you visit him in his studio in Mainz?
Kirsty:
No we just met up for a beer in London. I went skiing and he called me on the mobile because he wanted some spoken word at the beginning of the track 'visions.” I ended up just speaking it down the phone. That was fun. He is a Very talented producer, I think...
tranceUNITED:
What is the most important thing for you as a singer to bring into a track?
Kirsty:
Something 'feel' worthy.
tranceUNITED:
Explain how it usually is producing a track? What is your input and how is a track produced from beginning to end?
Kirsty:
As an example, Benoit and I have just been on Aol instant messanger trying to work out how to get a demo I began for him which he sent as an 8 bar loop to me this morning v ia mp3. Because Benoit uses hotmail, I couldn't send it back because it's not big enough, so we had to call upon the lovely Simon at progressive sounds to help us figure out the problem. After an hour Simon helped me download the track to a virtual 'Fetch' file which he passed on to Ben. It's a digital nightmare sometimes, but I mostly work over the net, as I have a child and it's quicker this way. I don't like going to the post office. It's too far with a screaming toddler asking for sweets all the way. I usually work on top lines and a few chords, then send back the files either by CD or MP3. It's easy, 'walking on clouds' was two takes in between Eastenders and Nip/tuck. My favourite programs!
tranceUNITED:
There are many singers who would love to be able to say “I worked with Tiesto.” How were you able to work together with the ‘ 1 DJ in the world. How did the contact come about?
Kirsty:
ha ha.. Firstly let me say and with all respect to Tij's that 'Mark Pritchard' is my number one DJ, also I do love a good night out listeneing to 'the village disco' at the 'Big Chill' bar in Brick lane East london. Only last night I was dancing to Ghost Busters, and the 'smurfs,”anyway back to the point.
Tij's called me up a few years ago. I didn't know who he was at all, but found myself at this studio in Holland somewhere, where an ex-porno movie maker happened to be engineering for the session and was telling me that Tij's was a big star in Holland. He was looking at me like I was some kind of desperate slut or something, I didnt like his vibe at all. I was like 'yeah and! They put a microphone in the middle of a big room and expected me to perform like I was in front of Simon Cowell or something! I was like ' this' I'm nervous, whose in charge here?
I did a terrible session, and said to Tij's 'I'll do it again and send you the vocals, but with my homies mate!' I went to Eindhoven and re-recorded Urban Train with Jan Wanderlest from 'Clashing Ego's'. I also did the vocals for 'Battleship' grey with Jan.and my friend Samy who did a beautiful string arrangement with me playing the piano. We then sent them back to Tij's. I think Tij's found it to be a bit organic, and wanted more synth sounds so he ditched the strings and the piano. I have to add it wasn't Tij's fault, he is a very sweet guy, it was the sycophants that were around him that pissed me off.
tranceUNITED:
Tiesto has used you many times. On his first Album on” Battleship Grey” and “Urban Train” and on his current Album on tracks “Walking on clouds” and “Just Be” what was your favorite track you did with him?
Kirsty:
Walking on clouds, it was two takes as I said earlier. I had just put the baby to bed, had an argument with my husband, watched eastenders, and had a slot before my next program.
tranceUNITED:
What was it like working with Tiesto? What kind of guy is he? What kind of work ethic does he have? Did you visit him in his studio in Breda? Will you work together again?
Kirsty:
I don't really know Tij's that well as a pally pally type, he is hard to reach now. He is very famous! I prefer to just be telepathic with him. I know what he wants, we communicate on that level. We will work together again, if he wants too!
tranceUNITED:
My current favorite track is “Just be” really a very beautiful track with your breathtaking vocals. How was this track produced? Was it produced quickly or did this one take longer? You wrote the vocals. Does “Just be” have a particular meaning to you from a experience in your life?
Kirsty:
This track was co-written with a lovely lady I know called Judie Tzuke.
Both Judie and I had an experience of a similar nature. She went to Thailand and I to Cambodia. We both had a horrible time dealing with the attrocities that happen in such places. Basically you go to these countries under the pretence that you might be on your way to a spiritual experience, but then all you see around you is corruption. Then you realise that at least you can get out of it, but they can't. I condemn the way women and children have been treated out there, and found it very hard to deal with . It's a long story but the song is a bit about that.
tranceUNITED:
You also worked with Lange. “Sincere for you” is a great track. What was it like working with him? Do you have anything else planned for the future with him?
Kirsty:
Stuart is a great producer, also Katie Marn who co/ wrote the top line. She and I are working alot together right now. We have just written a track together for Judge Jules called 'beautiful danger'.
tranceUNITED:
There are many other female singers like Jan Johnston or Justine Suissa that are building a great reputation as fantastic singers. Is there a type of rivialary among you or not? Do you know each other personally? What do you think about them in general?
Kirsty:
I know Jan, well we met once, and have a great deal of respect for her. She is no threat to me, she is a sister of course! Justine I don't know nor her music, but good luck to her anyway.
tranceUNITED:
This interview is for tranceUNITED.com an internet page from Germany. We have already over 1.500 members in less than 1 year. What do you think about those pages? How important are these type of Portals for the promotion of trance music?
Kirsty:
it's all good, and we appreciate your support. One person is as important as a thousand.
tranceUNITED:
What do you think about MP3s?
Kirsty:
It is good for writing songs with, terrible for our pockets though! People have to realise that if we can't make a living, then we cannot spend the time making music for them to enjoy! someone has to pay the bills, and I am not a rich person by a long shot.
tranceUNITED:
Trance music is suffering a bit in Germany. Mainly due to downloading . What must be done to change this?
Kirsty:
If people stop downloading, and go and buy it instead. You are Theives if you download illegally!
tranceUNITED
You have worked together with many fine artists. With who else would you like to work with?
Kirsty:
Ulrich Schnauss
Pole Folder
tranceUNITED:
With what singer would you like to sing a duet with?
Kirsty:
Robbie Williams ( just for the cash) ha ha
Kylie Minogue( we could do a great tatu I think)
tranceUNITED:
When you preform, what is your stage preformance like? What do you want to give your audience?
Kirsty:
Aural satisfaction.
tranceUNITED:
What was your best experience as a singer at a gig?
Kirsty:
With 'Future Funk Squad' at Glastonbury.
tranceUNITED:
Have you ever preformed in Germany? If yes where and what was your impression of the German crowd?
Kirsty:
I was in Berlin two weeks ago with Future Funk Squad at Pop com. I am half German and love to be in my home country!
tranceUNITED:
What are your alltime favorite songs?
Kirsty:
This is the life 'cardiacs'
you need hands 'sex pistols'
Benjamin Britain 'arvo part'
I like bananas - www.uni-kids.com
lorolei - cocteau twins
understanding - judie tzuke
the way - global communication
anything by Stina nordenstam
heart of glass - blondie
tranceUNITED:
What is your favorite own production?
Kirsty:
Hmmm - orange i think. It's the only one that still has the power to make me cry.
tranceUNITED:
What are your hobbys?
Kirsty:
Dancing with my son to 'for the kids too' out on nettwerk and making music.
tranceUNITED:
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Kirsty:
Climbing Mount Everest with my son, skiing with him, making music and perhaps a toy boy lover on the side.
tranceUNITED:
Thanks Kirsty for talking to tranceUNITED.
Kirsty:
My pleasure.
source: www.tranceunited.com |
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| InTranzd |
Hillarious,
Tiesto's lackeys are ex-porn producers??
:D |
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| ierxium |
| quote: | Originally posted by Reactic
tranceUNITED:
With what singer would you like to sing a duet with?
Kirsty:
Kylie Minogue( we could do a great tatu I think)
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:haha: |
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| Keown |
| quote: | Originally posted by Reactic
in the local Spa buying some tampax. How embarrising!
tranceUNITED:
What was it like working with famous acts like Orbital, Spooky and Drum Club? Are there any interesting storys about your experiences with them?
Kirsty:
Charlie May was reasonable in bed, then broke my heart and inspired me to write a 'woman scorned' album called O>U>T.! Orbital make me feel a bit nervous, but it's always good to see them. Can't remember working with the Drum Club, - smoked some really strong weed that night.
source: www.tranceunited.com |
Mwahahaha, very funny interview! I didn't think she was like that at all!!
Funny bits throughout, good read, thanks!:D :p |
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| Zoltraxx |
| Thanks, very interesting interview! |
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| djbounce |
| quote: | | Originally posted by Reactic With Orbital, she sang on “Halcyon" |
No she did not. Hartnoll brothers just sampled her vocals for the track from "Fine Day". |
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| eRRaTiK |
| quote: | Originally posted by Reactic
tranceUNITED:
Explain how it usually is producing a track? What is your input and how is a track produced from beginning to end?
Kirsty:
As an example, Benoit and I have just been on Aol instant messanger trying to work out how to get a demo I began for him which he sent as an 8 bar loop to me this morning v ia mp3. Because Benoit uses hotmail, I couldn't send it back because it's not big enough, so we had to call upon the lovely Simon at progressive sounds to help us figure out the problem. After an hour Simon helped me download the track to a virtual 'Fetch' file which he passed on to Ben. It's a digital nightmare sometimes, but I mostly work over the net, as I have a child and it's quicker this way. I don't like going to the post office. It's too far with a screaming toddler asking for sweets all the way. I usually work on top lines and a few chords, then send back the files either by CD or MP3. It's easy, 'walking on clouds' was two takes in between Eastenders and Nip/tuck. My favourite programs!
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the beauty of the digital age and the intarweb :) |
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| ellusion |
| She's doing a track with Pole Folder - sweet! :eyespop: |
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