Since debut single “We Come Running” hit the airwaves, the band has experienced an upward trajectory that most can only dream of. However, with each new success comes new and unique responsibilities. The members of Youngblood Hawke have embraced the grind, and found a way to thrive in the fast-paced, high pressure lifestyle of a band in demand.

Back in April, the band kicked off its first headlining tour in Austin, TX. After playing a sold out show at The Parish, the band packed up and hit the road for Houston.

Despite spending most of the night awake and winding down, the band had to be fresh and ready for BuzzFest in the morning. One of Houston’s most popular festivals, BuzzFest is an all-day affair for participating bands. This was especially true for Youngblood Hawke.

I spent the day with Youngblood Hawke and found out first hand what life in the fast lane is all about.

Wake Up! – Starting the Day With Youngblood Hawke

I entered the bus around 11AM, and the band members were just getting going. Sam Martin (singer) was in the back of the bus looking for something to wear, Simon Katz (guitar / keyboard) was relaxing at the dining table, and Alice Katz (singer) was trying to get a clothing steamer to work. Omar Ahmed (bass), Nik Hughes (drums), and Tasso Smith (guitar) were all hanging out on the couch watching television. If anything, it was all simply “normal.”

For Youngblood Hawke, the morning is a precious time. In fact, according to Tasso, “the morning is the only part of the day that’s routine.”

First thing in the morning, the band wants just one thing. As Simon puts it, “we usually get up and immediately look for coffee.” Sam elaborates, “I brush my teeth then do some vocal warm-ups.” However, much like Simon, he needs coffee to get going. After that, they each have a different way of starting the day.

As the only girl in the band, Alice’s experiences are especially unique.

“My routine is definitely is a little different from the guys. When I wake up, I want to wash my face, put on my lotion, and put on my makeup. I want to fix my hair. It’s going to take me more time to get going.”

Ultimately, it’s a time that she enjoys. “I like to have a moment of peace and quiet before we get started for the day.”

If time permits, Nik likes to find a moment of serenity too. “I usually like to find a little coffee shop, and then either walk around the city a bit, or find a trail or park to go for a jog.”

When things slow down, Sam likes “to write lyrics and read books.” He is especially mindful of the inspiration around him. “Everything that’s going on around me, I try to pay attention. I’m always recording my thoughts.”

On this day, though, the band had early obligations. Once they got dressed and had their coffee, it was time to go.

Early Afternoon Buzz – On Stage Interview With 94.5 The Buzz

Shortly after noon, Universal Music representative Christian Taylor gathered up the band for an onstage interview with A.D. of 94.5 The Buzz. With hundreds of fans gathered around the stage, the band covered topics spanning everything from the writing process to shooting music videos.

For the band members, radio show interviews are an important part of their obligations.

As Simon puts it, “we’re so appreciative of the support people give us, we want to do special things for them.”

Nik agrees. “There are so many great artists and bands out there, it is nice to be able to thank them for deciding to play our song on the radio.”

Sam finds the shared enthusiasm exciting. “They’re just like us – they’re super passionate about music!”

Following a solid twenty minute interview, everyone from the band gathered up for a photo op with 94.5 personalities, and then immediately proceeded to fan meet-and-greet.

Meet & Greet – Hawking With The Fans

Above all, the group enjoys interacting with the fans.

Of fan interaction, Simon said, “it’s really cool for us to get face-to-face with the fans. We will always stay for the last person there. We’re so appreciative of them.”

On that day, the band had a long line of fans who waited from the time doors opened to catch a moment with Youngblood Hawke. Despite the extensive line, Sam, Alice, Simon, Tasso, Nik, and Omar took things slowly in order to have a more intimate interaction with everyone who waited.

Many times, the band won’t have an official meet-and-greet scheduled. When they don’t, they always go out of their way to make themselves accessible.

According to Tasso, “for festivals, we will try to stick around for the show. We’ll go watch the other bands with the rest of the fans.”

But if they’re headlining? Alice says they leave stage and go straight to the merch booth.

“We want to shake their hands and know their names. It really blows us away to hear what brought our fans to the show. We want to find out what gets them excited about us and connect with them face-to-face. It is really special.”

Just as the fans enjoy meeting Alice, she also takes a lot away from the interactions.

“I recently met two little girls, one who plays percussion and one who plays keyboard. To hear them say that they were inspired made me feel great about what I do.”

Outside of music, Sam describes fan interaction as the most important thing they do.

“The fans are the reason we get to do this. We can get immediate feedback. That one-on-one personal conversation is great. It’s wonderful to come back and see the same people again.”

Anticipation & Preparation – The Quiet Before the Storm

As soon the meet-and-greet ended, it was time to get ready for the feature performance. Things got hectic quickly, as the band and local techs unloaded the band’s equipment and started setting up. This is when the distinct personalities within the band really started to shine. Afterall, everything they do is for that moment they get to share with the fans.

About 15 minutes before stage time, it was obvious that each member had his or her own way to prepare for the show. Simon was scattered about, constantly moving from one spot to the next. Nik sat clinching his drum sticks, practicing silent rhythms. Tasso calmly checked instruments and socialized with some college friends. Sam stood alone, in a zone, mouthing words to songs with little awareness of the chaos surrounding him. Alice sat quietly and peacefully in front of Nik, with a gentle smile on her face.

Then, in a matter of seconds, something clicked and they all came together as one.

“I get anxious to go out. I’m ready to go out there and get on stage,” Simon describes the moments just prior to go-time.

Alice takes a more relaxed approach. “I like to get centered and peaceful. I always think about how I get to do what I love the most.”

Yet, there’s so much more to it. Alice recalled something Nik told her before playing live, and it really touched her.

“There’s one thing Nik shared with me about what he experiences before he goes on stage, which I love. He thinks about how it could be the last time he plays music ever. It’s intense, but very powerful to think that way. You’re already excited and anxious to go out there. But to think it could be the last time really adds something so much more.”

In fact, they’re right. At any moment, everything could be taken away. It’s something few think about, especially every single day. Through this type of thinking, they hope to truly reveal themselves as artists on stage, and make themselves vulnerable along the way. It helps them foster an indescribable connection with the audience. In essence, sharing a special moment with the fans is the only thing on their minds.

High Energy & Bottomless Enthusiasm – Giving It All On Stage

When Youngblood Hawke performs, they give it everything they have.

On that day, the group hit the stage and immediately assumed position in front of drum kits around the stage. The drum licks gradually intensified and, at the crescendo, the band transitioned into “Rootless.” From the start, the band commanded the stage with a youthful vibrance and enthusiasm.

Sam describes the live performance as cathartic experience.

“I think it’s just about putting on the best possible show. We want to show people how much we care and how much we want them to have a great time. We want to walk off stage with nothing left. I really think that translates to the crowd.”

Only a few songs in, it was obvious that the technique paid off. Fans in the audience were bouncing, enthusiastically engaged with every note and lyric. Toward the front, two separate groups of fans were dancing in tandem. With the hot Texas sun hitting their skin, the smiling, energetic fans let loose, and embodied everything that’s become so legendary about Youngblood Hawke shows.

Alice describes it perfectly.

“We want our fans to feel something deeply.”

And in that instance when they connect with their fans? That’s when the magic really starts happening.

“I love catching eyes with fans and having that moment. It’s like a comradery. I feel like every word that comes out of my mouth is part of our story.”

When the band played hit single, “We Come Running,” the crowd really lit up. Although everything about a Youngblood Hawke show is unique to a given night and city (like a snowflake), the reaction to “We Come Running” is universal. Fans feel a connection to the song, ultimately creating a really special moment for everyone involved.

The way Simon puts it, that’s when the band really thrives.

“We love putting our songs out there and experiencing them in a different way. We don’t want to just play songs for people. We want to put on a show for them.”

Stripping it Down – A Second Show & Interview At Mix 96.5

Once the band left the stage, there was little time to relax. Forty miles across town, the folks at Mix 96.5 were awaiting the band’s arrival for an acoustic performance and interview. Despite playing with everything they had for an hour in the Texas sun, the band gladly piled into a van and drove across town with acoustic gear in tow.

Simon says the band is so thankful for everything the radio stations do, that they want to give something back.

“Playing an acoustic set is the least we could do. We really enjoy doing that stuff.”

Sam completely agrees. “We want a personal relationship with those people. To have that support is huge.”

Upon arrival, the band spent time individually greeting everyone at the station. Once things settled down, they sat down for an extensive interview, covering the moment they first heard themselves on the radio and swimming with sharks.

After a few lighthearted minutes sharing stories with Lauren and her staff at Mix 96.5, the band walked across the hall for a performance in the station’s incredible concert lounge.

On first listen, it might be impossible to imagine acoustic renditions of Youngblood Hawke tracks. However, at their core, the songs are all organic.

“A true test of a song is whether it can be broken down to an acoustic song and still convey the right emotions,” Simon said of the stripped performances.

As a result, the band conceptualizes acoustic renditions from the inception of every track.

He continued, “the moment we put songs down, we start playing them acoustically.

For Tasso, there’s a quality to the acoustic performance that the band really enjoys. “They’re just fun. It’s a different way to present the songs and we really like switching it up.”

The set, which was open to the public, provided a few lucky fans with the opportunity to hear stripped down versions of “Stars (Hold On),” “Forever,” and “We Come Running.”

After the set was completed, the band stuck around to take photos with fans and the Mix 96.5 staff.

And with that, their day was completed.

On To The Next Town – Big & Bright Future Ahead

The members of Youngblood Hawke have worked hard for everything they have. Every single day, they enter a new town on three to four hours of sleep and do it all over again. Whether they’re playing for thousands or dozens, they’re committed to giving it everything they have, every time out.

According to Sam, “it just boils down to reaching as many people as possible. We want to create some longevity for ourselves. This is our life.”

Simon echos his appreciation for getting to do what they love.

“We get to play our music all over the world. That’s one of the coolest things we get to do. We get to explore all these places that we otherwise wouldn’t get to.”

Every new city is part of the journey for Youngblood Hawke. With the chemistry and friendship they share as a band, and undying devotion to the music, it’s hard to imagine the group finding anything but success along the way.

Catch Youngblood Hawke at the House of Blues on Saturday, June 29.

BuzzFest Setlist:

Rootless
Dannyboy
In Our Blood
Come Looking
Protect Yourself
Stars (Hold On)
We Come Running
Forever
Glacier

Mix 96.5 Lounge Setlist:

Stars (Hold On)
Forever
We Come Running

Contact Robert at robert@starsandsatellites.com