Hawker M. James

"The Rochester songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer reflects on the devotion to one’s craft and sacrifices made in pursuit of dreams on this gentle, contemplative folk ballad. Evocative and thoughtful, the track is comprised of soothing acoustic strings and touching piano keys wrapped up in James’ warm and cozy vocals." -Buffablog - Buffablog

"This isn't the first time the song received exposure. It was featured on an episode of the FOX hit series New Girl prior to the release of the single. The song is a twist on the indie rock formula, adding Bowie-esque glam rock sensibilities into the sweet and tender lyrics." -The Hook - The Hook

Follow link.... - American Songwriter

The bedroom recording is catnip, nay, manna for music bloggers, but Long Playing Lo-Fidelity by Rochester wunderkind multi-instrumentalist Hawker M. James hits so many sweet spots, it’s almost ridiculous. A brilliantly curated four track recording that successfully summons the gorgeous ear candy sounds of The Flaming Lips 1999-2006, I’m From Barcelona, Mercury Rev and Brian Wilson, it’s another tremendous record from our neighbors to the east, and our Album Of The Week.

Right off the bat it has to be noted that the mix by Al Carlson at Gary’s Electric is beyond superb. Everything on the album has a scale and sense of space to it, helping HMJ’s home recordings operate in the sonic sandboxes of Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, Steve Drozd and Dave Friddman. The sense of density that permeates Long Playing Lo-Fidelity makes it feel timeless yet immediate and showcases the talent and ambition that’s been part of Longwave and done production work for (blog favorites) The Demos.

“Human Blood” gets Long Playing Lo-Fidelity going with an exuberant burst of fuzzed out psych rock that sets up the lead single “Fast Friends” perfectly, a hazily melancholic piece of soulful and fuzzed out pop music that finds catharsis in a sax solo reminiscent of both M83’s “Midnight City” and Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” “Heartstrings” and “Harmonious Honk” are lo-fi takes on Jeff Lynne’s ELO and Sweden’s tripped out choir I’m From Barcelona, both of whom used different approaches to find similar celestial sounds. “Sinner Go Home” with it’s mellotrons and aching vocals, is an unexpected slice of psychedelic gospel soul, while “How The Story Goes” and “Rocking Chair” feel like the progeny generated by the holy union of Mercury Rev and Supergrass.

Excellently sequenced, the album cranks it all up for a big finish, with glammed out stompers “Here’s A Love Song” and “4th Of July Buzz” setting up a tight finale featuring the funky and slinky “Cry Wolf” and a lovely, summery coda in “Marco Polo,” ideal during Western New York winters. In many regards, this isn’t so much an “album of the week” as an “album for right bloody now.” This fine collection of fuzzed out ear candy is rewarding, delicious, and requires your attention immediately. - Buffablog

"James’ previous track “Pleasure Part” teetered more into a moody and atmospheric Roxy Music territory, the catchy “Here’s A Long Song” is led off by some glammy riffs and toe tapping percussion. Fans of Guided by Voices and The Soundtrack of Our Lives should dig the new single." -Buffablog - Buffablog

Hawker M. James announced that his self-titled EP will be available October 17 as part of Cassette Store Day, and we have a listen to the Joel Ford produced “Pleasure Part” that dabbles in the synth-baroque elements of coastal electro-loving burnout pop that ignites the excitement of the imagination and sends electric signals to the senses. Stay tuned fort this new tracks coming soon, and in the meantime marinate on the summer sensation of “Pleasure Part” now. - Impose Magazine

"Today we’re really glad to introduce you to the latest single by Hawker M. James, a multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Rochester, NY. Coming from Longwave, an indie rock band with very strict similarities to other NYC acts like The Strokes, Mike developed a very distinctive sound somewhere between glam and garage rock.

And it’s probably because of his friend and collaborator Joel Ford (the producer who made Autre Ne Veut’s Anxiety LP sounds so classy and elegant and we already hosted on this pages a couple of times) that Pleasure Part appears so different from his previous songs: there’s a solemn atmosphere provided by heavy synths and mellifluous vocals here and it turned the tables on what we may have expected from him, but we’re even more fascinated." - Going Solo

Hawker M. James‘s “Some Attention,” the new single from his forthcoming LP, radiates swagger. The guitars strut and primp and James’s voice drips like honey, thick and slow. There are elements of ’70s glam to be sure — the handclap rhythms, the sinister lyrics, the wailing chorus — but there’s also elements of space-age psych. The song feels coated in stardust: James’s voice is distant, and odd objects enter and leave the frame like flying saucers. It’s bold and brash and gutsy, the perfect teaser for the album to come. - Wondering Sound

Hawker M. James, the moniker of Rochester every-man Mike James (Longwave, Demos, Admirers), had his latest single debut this afternoon on Wondering Sound. Produced by electronic musician Joel Ford (Tigercity, Ford & Lopatin), “Some Attention” sees James getting his best Mark Bolan on as the track is full of glam rock chords and in your face synths. The song is set to be included on James’ forthcoming new album (title and release date are unannounced), so in the mean time, rock out to “Some Attention” below and keep an eye out for future Hawker news. - Buffablog

“Sometimes I write these unadulterated singer songwriter bits, that I really like but never release. They make up a decent part of my writing. I feel like at this point I’m free, and ‘secure’ enough in my songwriting to show this kind of thing. It’s certainly an extension of my Schmilsson, Hunky Dory, #1 Record obsessions. Maybe even some Noel Gallagher schmaltzin’…” - American Songwriter

Hawker M. James (formerly of Longwave and Admirers) will be premiering a brand new single every full moon to lead up to his full length album, Phases. Clever, huh?

Buzznet has your exclusive first listen of “I Need Your Love!,” just in time for Valentine’s Day! The song was originally co-written by former Longwave band member Steve Schiltz back in ’97 when Hawker was “obsessed with anything glam,” i.e. David Bowie, New York Dolls. - Buzznet