Eric Michael Hawks

Written by Andrew Greenhalgh


“I play the kind of music I like and can be proud of. Period.”

While the very soul of country music seems to be for sale to the highest bidder these days, with elements of pop, rock, and hip hop swinging in and delivering plenty of “bro country” jams bound to leave their forebears turning in their graves, there are thankfully others intent upon holding the line and continuing in the fine tradition of the country genre’s deepest roots. Eric Michael Hawks proudly counts himself among the latter and his uncompromising stance on making his music, his way, continues to draw listeners in who are delighted by the artist’s genuine country vibes and heartfelt songwriting.

Hawks began his musical adventures primarily as a drummer, playing in a number of rock bands in his native Ontario before he eventually shifted to guitar and truly found his calling. As he honed his skills, Hawks added vital life experience to his resume, pulling up roots from his Clarence Creek, Ontario hometown and travelling coast to coast as a long haul trucker throughout the U.S. and Canada. The authenticity of that hard life combines with the artist’s adventurous spirit and results in his signature country sound.

That signature sound is “Country, pure and simple,” as the artist describes but his definition of country rubs against the grain of what others may define the genre as.

“The old cliché is that country is all about cheating, getting drunk, the dead dog and your wife leaving you, “Hawks shares. “But I can’t think of another music genre that is more versatile and speaks more about everyday life.”

And for Eric Michael Hawks, that diversity and authenticity found in country music is something he’s not willing to give up at any cost.

That commitment to excellence and transparency has already greatly benefited the artist as his self-titled debut featuring tracks like the feel-good “Whiskey Drinkin’ Cowboy” and the intensely powerful “Living By the Gun” opened to strong reviews. Country Music People Magazine declared that “This is old school outlaw country that can be difficult to find these days” while also sharing that the album “offers up some shitkicking hoedown good time grooves.” The Magazine of Country Music additionally adds that “Hawk shows off his lyrical chops and musical prowess. Each song is biographical as the listener can relate.”

Now Hawks is ready to add to that resume of accolades with the release of his sophomore project, Whiskey Highway. Recorded in Nashville at the legendary Sound Emporium with producer Dave Bechtel and a cadre of A-list studio musicians featuring Chris Rodriguez, Michael Douchette, Blair Masters, Stuart Duncan and more, the album continues the artist’s commitment to creating a true country sound. Through it all, Hawks holds strong to his convictions, saying “I don’t compromise. I will always play the music I love and I will never bend to any specific trend.”

Now Hawks invites you to take a long ride on the Whiskey Highway with him, taking in the sights and hearing the stories that resonate from his very soul. It’s a journey you’ll find yourself wanting to take again and again.