A chat with Foxx On Fire's Jimmy Hawk

Sporting some of the tightest jeans and pointiest shoes Melbourne has seen, is the quiet, gently spoken and always smiling, Jimmy Hawk. He walks with a strut well-earned by years in Melbourne’s indie crowd; playing solo shows, as well as gigs as bassist with Foxx On Fire who are about to release a new E.P....
But just what lies behind that unmistakable strut? I chat with him in an attempt to find out.

Do you prefer Jimmy or James? James if we're being serious and Jimmy if we're partying.

When did you first decide you would be a musician?
I've always enjoyed listening and playing music, but when I was 22 I realised that I wouldn't be able to live with myself if music wasn't a serious focus.
Do you think of it as your destiny? Not so much destiny because I am interested in so many forms of expression, and I think in life you make your own 'destiny'. I think of it rather a passion that I'm compelled to follow through with.

Describe your perfect Melbourne night out in 3 words: Mmmm, a nice dinner with friends, followed by a gig or show, more drinks with friends, some dancing...I'll let you imagine the rest. (smiles a cheeky smile)

I am constantly bumping into you out on the town,
what do you do when your not on a big night out or gigging? I'm usually in my studio working on paintings.

What is the best gig you’ve ever played?
And why? Mmmm, probably playing with Cold War Kids in L.A 2005, it was very spiritual.

Who do you look up to personally? My mum.
And professionally?
Lucien Freud.

Who are you listening to right now? Brian Eno – Another Green World.

Finish this sentence:
If I could:
I can’t, but if I could I would fix all the problems in the world.
Describe your last crush in 3 words: Sexy crooked teeth.

How and when did your band Foxx On Fire start? Early, 2007 I used to party a lot with Paul Housden Foxx's lead singer and guitarist. He invited me to have a jam and the rest kind of snowballed from there.

Foxx On Fire were finalists in the UncharTED competition this year, what was that experience like? Pretty fun, the people that ran the comp Peer Group Media had a great energy, and good taste in karaoke Bars. We got on MTV and played a fun gig.
Are you a competitive soul in everyday life? I used to be, but now I'm happy enough with my own work — I don't like the idea of comparing myself to others, everyone should be happy with their own vibe.

What’s on the horizon for you guys? We have an E.P out on Oct 23, its called ‘White Sands’, its a pretty wild record. My solo E.P, ‘Born On A Mountain’ comes out the week after on Oct 31, and its a more mellow record.

Next gig? Supporting Arian Deustch for his album launch on Oct 31 at The Evelyn. The next Foxx gig is our E.P Launch on Nov 2 at the Birmingham. My E.P launch is on Nov 7 at the Grace Darling Hotel.

Your pick of the summer festivals? Meredith.



You can check out more about Jimmy’s band at http://www.myspace.com/foxxonfire
and his solo work at
http://www.myspace.com/jhawkmusic

Interview by Annie Mullen.