The Hawthornes

Cementing their place in a burgeoning Charlotte music scene, The Hawthornes are a step forward to music-retro. Fusing imaginative, melodic hooks with sultry vocals, fiery guitar and luscious grooves, The Hawthornes color the musical winds with unmistaken character.

This widely-influenced group of musicians has taken time to craft a sound that stretches to the edge of their varied styles, noting that most fans of music can find familiarity in elements of their sound.

The band operates in somewhat of an Omni-genre, combining the backgrounds of each individual member’s primary discipline, and marrying them in a sonic-sphere that is equal parts accessible and challenging. From the rhythm patterns and grooves laid by Horace Carney (drummer) and Chris Freeman (bass/vocals) to the intricate chord play of Mike Prescott (guitar/vocals) and alluring melodies of Ade Herbert (vocals/keys), The Hawthornes deliver musical experiences that delight the casual music fan and the audiophile.

Following their 2014 release of More Than Eyes Can See, The Hawthornes added vocalist Ade Herbert and began working on a new sound, exploring their musical character even further. With the band being born out of founding members Mike and Chris’ desire to explore a deeper sonic mission, The Hawthornes set their sights on a period of experimentation which culminated in the songs of on their latest, self-titled album..

“After joining (the band), I just kind of flirted with some old ideas I had…putting it on top of some music they’d already played around with,” says Herbert. “We had a lot of fun reworking a few things here and there, but the real magic happened during that December writing session.”

In December 2015, the band holed-up in their rehearsal room for a three-day writing session. When they emerged, they had six completed songs, a host of ideas, and the foundation for what could only become an eponymous record: a representation of not only who The Hawthornes were at that moment, a cadre of musicians familiarizing themselves with a new environment and players. It also represented the first steps toward what this band would be capable of, going forward: the ability to synthesize diverse influences and approaches to create music that is just as fun to listen to as it is to play.