{"id":2209,"date":"2013-06-12T14:00:11","date_gmt":"2013-06-12T14:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/216.71.127.204\/wordpress\/?p=2209"},"modified":"2015-10-20T19:03:37","modified_gmt":"2015-10-20T19:03:37","slug":"a-day-in-the-life-of-youngblood-hawke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/houstonmusicreview.com\/wordpress\/2013\/06\/12\/a-day-in-the-life-of-youngblood-hawke\/","title":{"rendered":"A Day In The Life Of Youngblood Hawke"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
Written by Written by Robert B. Johnson (@RobertSatellite on Twitter) <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jun 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\"Image\"When a band bursts onto the scene the way Youngblood Hawke has, the demands are great. Traveling from one city to the next, meeting commitments to radio stations and playing nightly shows, being in a band can be downright exhausting. For Youngblood Hawke, it has become commonplace.<\/p>\n

Since debut single \u201cWe Come Running\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s most popular festivals, BuzzFest is an all-day affair for participating bands. This was especially true for Youngblood Hawke.<\/p>\n

I spent the day with Youngblood Hawke and found out first hand what life in the fast lane is all about.<\/p>\n

Wake Up! – Starting the Day With Youngblood Hawke <\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u201cnormal.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Youngblood Hawke, the morning is a precious time. In fact, according to Tasso, \u201cthe morning is the only part of the day that\u2019s routine.\u201d<\/p>\n

First thing in the morning, the band wants just one thing. As Simon puts it, \u201cwe usually get up and immediately look for coffee.\u201d Sam elaborates, \u201cI brush my teeth then do some vocal warm-ups.\u201d However, much like Simon, he needs coffee to get going. After that, they each have a different way of starting the day.<\/p>\n

As the only girl in the band, Alice\u2019s experiences are especially unique.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy 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\u2019s going to take me more time to get going.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ultimately, it\u2019s a time that she enjoys. \u201cI like to have a moment of peace and quiet before we get started for the day.\u201d<\/p>\n

If time permits, Nik likes to find a moment of serenity too. \u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

When things slow down, Sam likes \u201cto write lyrics and read books.\u201d He is especially mindful of the inspiration around him. \u201cEverything that\u2019s going on around me, I try to pay attention. I\u2019m always recording my thoughts.\u201d<\/p>\n

On this day, though, the band had early obligations. Once they got dressed and had their coffee, it was time to go.<\/p>\n

Early Afternoon Buzz – On Stage Interview With 94.5 The Buzz <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Image\"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.<\/p>\n

For the band members, radio show interviews are an important part of their obligations.<\/p>\n

As Simon puts it, \u201cwe\u2019re so appreciative of the support people give us, we want to do special things for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nik agrees. \u201cThere 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam finds the shared enthusiasm exciting. \u201cThey\u2019re just like us – they\u2019re super passionate about music!\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Meet & Greet – Hawking With The Fans <\/strong><\/p>\n

Above all, the group enjoys interacting with the fans.<\/p>\n

Of fan interaction, Simon said, \u201cit\u2019s really cool for us to get face-to-face with the fans. We will always stay for the last person there. We\u2019re so appreciative of them.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Many times, the band won\u2019t have an official meet-and-greet scheduled. When they don’t, they always go out of their way to make themselves accessible.<\/p>\n

According to Tasso, \u201cfor festivals, we will try to stick around for the show. We\u2019ll go watch the other bands with the rest of the fans.\u201d<\/p>\n

But if they\u2019re headlining? Alice says they leave stage and go straight to the merch booth.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Just as the fans enjoy meeting Alice, she also takes a lot away from the interactions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

Outside of music, Sam describes fan interaction as the most important thing they do.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fans are the reason we get to do this. We can get immediate feedback. That one-on-one personal conversation is great. It\u2019s wonderful to come back and see the same people again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anticipation & Preparation – The Quiet Before the Storm <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Image\"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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Then, in a matter of seconds, something clicked and they all came together as one.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get anxious to go out. I\u2019m ready to go out there and get on stage,\u201d Simon describes the moments just prior to go-time.<\/p>\n

Alice takes a more relaxed approach. \u201cI like to get centered and peaceful. I always think about how I get to do what I love the most.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yet, there\u2019s so much more to it. Alice recalled something Nik told her before playing live, and it really touched her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s 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\u2019s intense, but very powerful to think that way. You\u2019re already excited and anxious to go out there. But to think it could be the last time really adds something so much more.\u201d<\/p>\n

In fact, they\u2019re right. At any moment, everything could be taken away. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

High Energy & Bottomless Enthusiasm – Giving It All On Stage<\/strong><\/p>\n

When Youngblood Hawke performs, they give it everything they have.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cRootless.\u201d From the start, the band commanded the stage with a youthful vibrance and enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

Sam describes the live performance as cathartic experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s become so legendary about Youngblood Hawke shows.<\/p>\n

Alice describes it perfectly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want our fans to feel something deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n

And in that instance when they connect with their fans? That\u2019s when the magic really starts happening.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love catching eyes with fans and having that moment. It\u2019s like a comradery. I feel like every word that comes out of my mouth is part of our story.\u201d<\/p>\n

When the band played hit single, \u201cWe Come Running,\u201d 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 \u201cWe Come Running\u201d is universal. Fans feel a connection to the song, ultimately creating a really special moment for everyone involved.<\/p>\n

The way Simon puts it, that’s when the band really thrives.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe love putting our songs out there and experiencing them in a different way. We don\u2019t want to just play songs for people. We want to put on a show for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Stripping it Down – A Second Show & Interview At Mix 96.5 <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Image\"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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Simon says the band is so thankful for everything the radio stations do, that they want to give something back.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlaying an acoustic set is the least we could do. We really enjoy doing that stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sam completely agrees. \u201cWe want a personal relationship with those people. To have that support is huge.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s incredible concert lounge.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cA true test of a song is whether it can be broken down to an acoustic song and still convey the right emotions,\u201d Simon said of the stripped performances.<\/p>\n

As a result, the band conceptualizes acoustic renditions from the inception of every track.<\/p>\n

He continued, \u201cthe moment we put songs down, we start playing them acoustically.<\/p>\n

For Tasso, there\u2019s a quality to the acoustic performance that the band really enjoys. \u201cThey\u2019re just fun. It\u2019s a different way to present the songs and we really like switching it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The set, which was open to the public, provided a few lucky fans with the opportunity to hear stripped down versions of \u201cStars (Hold On),\u201d \u201cForever,\u201d and \u201cWe Come Running.\u201d<\/p>\n

After the set was completed, the band stuck around to take photos with fans and the Mix 96.5 staff.<\/p>\n

And with that, their day was completed.<\/p>\n

On To The Next Town – Big & Bright Future Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Image\"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\u2019re playing for thousands or dozens, they\u2019re committed to giving it everything they have, every time out.<\/p>\n

According to Sam, \u201cit just boils down to reaching as many people as possible. We want to create some longevity for ourselves. This is our life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Simon echos his appreciation for getting to do what they love.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe get to play our music all over the world. That\u2019s one of the coolest things we get to do. We get to explore all these places that we otherwise wouldn\u2019t get to.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s hard to imagine the group finding anything but success along the way.<\/p>\n

Catch Youngblood Hawke at the House of Blues on Saturday, June 29.<\/p>\n

BuzzFest Setlist:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rootless
\nDannyboy
\nIn Our Blood
\nCome Looking
\nProtect Yourself
\nStars (Hold On)
\nWe Come Running
\nForever
\nGlacier<\/p>\n

Mix 96.5 Lounge Setlist:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stars (Hold On)
\nForever
\nWe Come Running<\/p>\n

Contact Robert at robert@starsandsatellites.com<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Written by Written by Robert B. Johnson (@RobertSatellite on Twitter) Jun 12, 2013 at 12:01 AM When a band bursts onto the scene the way Youngblood Hawke has, the demands are great. Traveling from one city to the next, meeting commitments to radio stations and playing nightly shows, being in a band can be downright… <\/p>\n

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