KP Hawthorn 'Til The Glitter End' Interview
Known for her lush vocals, evocative songwriting, and genre-blending sensibilities, KP Hawthorn makes a striking solo debut with Til The Glitter End, out September 12th. A founding member of The HawtThorns and CALICO the band, Hawthorn brings her West Coast roots and Nashville polish together on a record that feels both familiar and entirely new, a vibrant reimagining of some of her most beloved past works, steeped in Americana, dream pop, and golden-era California tones.
Can you tell us about the theme or concept behind this album?
This is a recording of songs I wrote for a past project that I felt deserved a second chance in a more shimmery setting. I have never stopped learning about recording and production and I wanted to use some of my favorite tricks on this one. I also had a desire to make a percussion-forward, upright bass record that still had pop sensibilities.
What was your main inspiration for creating this album?
I had just gotten off of a year-long tour with my band The HawtThorns and needed to do something completely different—and I love these songs.
What inspired you to create this album?
I have a lot of friends who are women in this business doing solo work that I admire. It has been over a decade since I have focused on a record under a solo moniker and I felt it was time. Living in Nashville and being surrounded by some of the best musicians made it an exciting and extremely satisfying idea for me.
How would you describe the sound and style compared to your previous work?
Since this was a solo project that I co-produced, this record sounds very different than my collabs. My vocal is the focal point and I wanted to let it shine. I also layered very simple keyboard parts, mandolin, and other ornamental parts to weave in and out of each other—something I didn't do in my band The HawtThorns, which has a very guitar-forward sound.
Are there any tracks that hold special meaning to you? Why?
“Fool's Gold” is special to me because when I started writing it over a decade ago, I had already had a significant career unfold. The song is about the people you leave behind and the ones you miss the most when you go after a career as a touring musician. I recorded this song in CALICO the band, with one of my bandmates as the lead singer. As much as I loved that version, I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to sing it in my own voice and give it my own flavor.
Did you collaborate with any other artists or musicians? How did those collaborations happen?
I collaborated with my husband, Johnny Hawthorn, who is also a member of The HawtThorns. He is my go-to for anything that has to do with electric guitar. He’s a chameleon—he can insert himself in nearly any genre and come up with brilliant sounds and parts. I also absolutely love Ted Pecchio on bass—he totally understood what I was going for with the upright bass. It creates a more percussive sound and helps the music have a little more bounce overall.
Were there any challenges or unexpected moments during production?
Making this record was just about the easiest thing I’ve ever made from start to finish. Our producer-engineer, Steve Berns, was completely on board with the vision and came up with great ideas. We had the tracks done in a matter of a few days. Mixing took a little while, but we gave ourselves the grace to get it right and not commit until we loved every track.
Can you share any interesting stories from the recording studio or tour?
I have so many stories—so many wonderful, frustrating, funny, and crazy things have occurred. For this particular project, we were recording our cover of "Going To California" and Sav Madigan from The Accidentals showed up to pick up some gear. We asked her if she'd want to jump in and play some violin—and she agreed. She was incredible, just nailed it, and it was so random and perfect.
What message or emotion do you want to convey to your audience?
I’m not necessarily trying to convey a message, but I am all about focusing on topics I love and sounds that inspire me. I hope people take away a little piece of joy from my music—and I hope they are singing along.
How does this album reflect your personal growth as an artist?
I did have to get my head around the idea that I was "recreating" something I’ve made before and give myself space to figure out how to make it my own. With every new project that comes out the way I want it to, I’m more confident in my abilities and also realize that art is subjective—it doesn’t need to be put in a box. Is it pop? Americana? Country? I don’t think it matters.
Were there any specific instruments or production techniques that shaped the sound?
The upright bass was essential to creating this sound. Also, having the electric 12-string guitar show up in several songs helped give it some chime. I’m definitely not an accomplished keyboardist, but I used synth and keys to create textured counter melodies and add thickness to the overall sound.
Are there any lyrical themes or narratives throughout the album?
The songs are really honest, singer-songwriter, storyteller-based lyrics. These are some of my favorites from the two records I made with CALICO the band—particularly the ones I contributed the most to. I think they’re smart, fun, and imaginative.
What are your plans for promoting it? Can fans expect live performances or videos?
I’ll be playing shows in the South and Midwest in late summer and fall. There will be select shows in Nashville, and we’ll be performing at this year's Americanafest. Two videos are coming as well.
If you could remix any song on the album, who would you feature?
I’d love to do a harmony vocal with Brandi Carlile.
What advice would you give someone with a dream?
Always keep dreaming—and treat your dreams with the same respect you give your day job or your best friend.
Where can we follow you and listen to the project?
Instagram: @kphawthorn
Twitter: @thehawtthorns
Facebook: Kirsten Proffit
TikTok: @kphawthorn
Photography Credit
Anna Haas
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