Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin “aGhawk” Hawkins.
Hi Austin “aGhawk”, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I discovered my passion for music at 18, following the loss of one of my best friends from childhood, who died by suicide, and my mentor, Gilda York, who tragically passed away after being struck by a drunk driver. During a difficult period of grief and uncertainty, music became an outlet for me—a way to process my experiences, express myself, and begin turning pain into something meaningful.
While attending college, I was heavily influenced by my roommates to start freestyling. My love for music, which had been instilled in me by my parents, combined with the losses I had experienced, led me to begin writing songs. What started as an outlet quickly developed into a genuine passion and a commitment to pursuing music.
About a year into college, I was dismissed from school following a marijuana possession charge. Rather than letting that setback define me, I immersed myself in music more than ever. Within a few months, I released my first single, “Let It Go,” featuring local rapper 100K Tucc. From there, I continued releasing hip-hop music and developing my skills as a songwriter, recording artist, and performer.
As I grew both personally and creatively, my sound began to evolve. I wanted to combine the hip-hop influences that had shaped me with the country roots I had grown up around. That blend became an important part of my artistic identity and allowed me to create music that felt more representative of who I am.
My journey eventually led me to connect with Jamie Ray. I had the opportunity to open for him on multiple occasions, and through that relationship, I was introduced to and performed alongside artists including Bubba Sparxxx, Bezz Believe, Lil Flip, Gorilla Zoe, and Lil Wyte. These opportunities gave me invaluable experience performing in front of different audiences and helped me continue growing as both an artist and entertainer.
I am now entering another important chapter in my musical journey with “Never Do That,” which will be my first true country record. The song represents the continued evolution of my sound and, more importantly, my growth as a person. It reflects the lessons I’ve learned through my mistakes, setbacks, losses, and experiences along the way.
My journey has been filled with trials and tribulations, but I’m grateful for every lesson I’ve learned. Each chapter—both the difficult moments and the opportunities—has helped shape the artist I am today. I’m continuing to grow, continuing to evolve, and most importantly, continuing to tell my story through music.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overcoming addiction, bad relationships, and finding myself
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Outside of writing and performing, I work in hospitality as a concierge, book live shows, and serve as a private green room specialist, working directly with artists and their teams to help create a professional and comfortable experience behind the scenes.
I take pride in being hardworking, dependable, kind, and professional in everything I do. Whether I’m working with an artist, a guest, a venue, or a colleague, I believe in treating people with respect and giving my best effort.
What I’m most proud of is the man I’ve become and the growth that has come from the experiences I’ve faced throughout my life. I’ve learned to embrace challenges, learn from my mistakes, and continue moving forward. I believe what sets me apart is my combination of hospitality experience, knowledge of the music industry, work ethic, and genuine ability to connect with people.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
The music business is largely about relationships, and networking has been one of the biggest factors in my journey. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about who you know, but about building genuine relationships with people you respect and can learn from.
For me, the most meaningful connections have come from forming friendships with people I genuinely look up to—artists, industry professionals, and others who have experience and knowledge that I can grow from. I’ve found that surrounding myself with people who inspire me and challenge me to become better has been one of the most effective ways to develop both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin_aghawk_hawkins
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cm1ihXqQU/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aghawkmusic
