Hailing from a small town in Virginia, artist Justin Hawkes has always had music running through his veins. Growing up within a family with an affinity for ‘traditionally American’ music such as Country and Americana, his upbringing unknowingly laid the foundation for this latest release. The artist also names a multitude of influences on his sound such as blues, rock, jazz, and folk. Hawkes’ rich repertoire of references culminates in Existential, which is underpinned by a distinctly cinematic quality that draws you into the world that he has created. About this the artist notes, “The organic and moving sounds of composers like Jon Hopkins and Hans Zimmer really interest me as well, and that played a key part in my mindset while producing the album.”
“Existential” lives up to its name; it questions our place within a world that is seemingly on the brink of extinction. Channelling these deeply philosophical thoughts into a body of work, Hawkes was able to find an outlet for these very big questions. “Existential manifests as a self-portrait,” says Hawkes. “It weaves between my thoughts, philosophy, and history, both within my career as a Drum & Bass artist in America and internally through the unknown future.” The album meanders between a diverse range of headspaces and soundscapes. From tracks such as “Arbiter” which are explosively powerful to more mellow tunes such as “The End of an Empire,” the human condition is thoroughly explored in all its confusing, yet unifying glory.
Head below to enter the world of Justin Hawkes, right now…