Make A Star
Artist Q&A - Keely Hawkes

Date of Interview: June 28th 2001

1) Tell us about what you're working on right now? Who are you working with?

Song writing for a new album. Co-writing today with a writer called David Batteau. Lately I've also been doing quite a lot of singing session work.

2) How would you describe that relationship, Lennon/McCartney or the Davies Brothers?

Lennon and McCartney were my favorite all time collaboration team. They had a gift for writing simple but unique songs, a surprisingly hard thing to accomplish. They also had a great vocal blend.

3) Where are you doing it? What are the advantages to doing it there?

I have a studio at my house so I work here. Definitely an advantage financially though sometimes it makes it hard to leave the work behind.

4) How long has the project been going on? What kind of pace do you work at?

I've been writing and recording for my new album for over a year now. I've been side tracked by outside projects. Writing for other artists. Session work etc. I don't think I have a constant pace. Sometimes a project, for example our first album, can take just a couple of months to write and record. Other projects have dragged on and on.

5) How do you personally go about taking a song from concept to recorded material?

I don't really have a set formula for song writing. Generally I write a song acoustically before I take it into the studio but I never like to stick too closely to rules. It gets stale if I get to mechanical about it. Keep it fun is my motto, then hopefully it'll be fun for others listening.

6) What are some of the more common roadblocks you've discovered along that path?

I always find song writing harder when the melody is the first thing written. I find it easier to have at least a lyric concept first.

7) How do you get around them?

Knuckle down and get brain ache.

8) How important is demoing to your songwriting/recording process?

We often write quite a few songs before demoing the best of the batch. To be honest we rarely 'demo' songs anymore. Because we vet ourselves before going into the studio we try and record the version that will be on the album.

9) You've had a very interesting career - signed at 17, performing at the World Games in Rome - what has been the highlight for you so far?

I'm a big fan of Bjork so supporting her at a festival gig was a great moment for me.

10) Is there any one thing that you would still like to accomplish? Is it something you plan to accomplish, or is it just a dream of yours?

Worldwide domination? Seriously I feel lucky to be paid for something that doesn't feel like work.

11) Is there any one thing that you regret having done?

Sometimes I'm a little embarrassed when I listen to my first solo album but hay I was 17 when I recorded that. I guess it's a bit like looking at old photo's when you were young, a little awkward and proudly wearing the most hideous outfits!

12) Do you prefer recording or performing live? Is there a difference for you?

They are both so different. I guess song writing is the most creative part of the process but it can be hard work. 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration! Performing live is great because you have contact with people. Instant gratification!

13) You've had a lot of songs appear in television shows, movies and on movie soundtracks, how did you get your foot in the door? Was it difficult?

We were really lucky to fall into the soundtrack world. Music supervisors called us asking for a certain song they'd heard on the radio or through a friend. Once we got to know the people it was a matter of them calling and asking if we had anything suitable for their next project.

14) What are some of the advantages or disadvantages to having your songs placed in movies and TV shows?

I would say no disadvantages. It's great exposure. People have to hear your material. In fact placing a song in a big movie/soundtrack can be a springboard for an artist or band.

15) Are you involved with any films or TV shows right now?

We had a song placed in the 'Charlie's Angels' film starring Cameron Diaz, Bill Murray and Drew Barrymore. That was the last big film we were placed in. More recently we had a song placed in the TV show 'Special Unit 2'.

16) What are your plans after you finish the project you're working on right now?

Well tomorrow I have two vocal sessions. The following day I'll be diving back into Transister land.

taken from MakeaStar.com