Rock Daddy: Why Becoming a Father Changed Hawk Jameson's Music for the Better

An exclusive interview with Hawk Jameson by Seth Shipley for High Notes Rock 'n' Roll Magazine

Seth Shipley: Hawk, my old friend, it's been a wild ride for you lately. How are you holding up?

Hawk Jameson: Seth, man, it's good to see you. Life's been a rollercoaster, but I'm riding the high right now. It's like I've been given a second chance at everything – music, family, you name it.

SS: Let's dive right in. You recently discovered you have a 15-year-old daughter. How did that revelation impact you?

HJ: (Laughs) Talk about a plot twist, right? Finding out about Cooper... it was like being hit by lightning, but in the best way possible. It's changed everything, man. My outlook, my priorities, even my music.

SS: I can imagine. And it led to Black Kite getting back together, didn't it?

HJ: Yeah, it's crazy how life works. This bombshell about Cooper dropped, and suddenly I'm reconnecting with the guys. Well, most of them. We started jamming again, and it felt right, you know? Like we had unfinished business. That's when the idea of our own label, Black Kite Records, was born.

SS: Speaking of the guys, I noticed Lewis isn't part of this reunion. What's the story there?

HJ: (Sighs) That's a complicated one, Seth. Lewis... he's married to my ex, Tori, now. There's a lot of water under that bridge, and some of it's pretty murky. Let's just say we won't be grabbing beers together anytime soon.

SS: Fair enough. Now, there's been quite a bit of drama surrounding your ex-wife Tori and her father, Cornelius Castor, the former CEO of Castor Records. Care to shed some light on that situation?

HJ: Man, it's like something out of a bad TV drama, isn't it? Turns out, Tori and Cornelius had been working together to keep Wren – Cooper's mom – from contacting me about the baby. It's a mess, Seth. Castor Records has gone under due to the scandal and their financial troubles. And Tori... (pauses) she's facing jail time for drugging me. It's not something I like to dwell on, you know?

SS: I understand. Let's shift gears to something more positive. How's life with your newfound family?

HJ: (Smiles) It's beautiful, man. Wren, Cooper, and I are living in Santa Monica, right by the beach. It's like... for the first time in my life, I feel grounded. They're my anchor, you know? And Cooper, she's amazing. Smart, funny, and she's got an ear for music that blows my mind.

SS: That's fantastic, Hawk. How has fatherhood changed your approach to music?

HJ: It's changed everything, Seth. My writing, my touring schedule, my whole perspective on what matters. The lyrics I'm penning now... they've got more depth, more heart. And touring? I'm way more selective now. Quality over quantity, you know? I want to be there for Cooper, to watch her grow up. No more month-long benders on the road. (Laughs)

SS: Sounds like a positive change. And what's this I hear about a documentary?

HJ: Oh yeah! Dakota Morley is directing a doc about our journey with Black Kite Records. It's following us as we scout and sign new bands. It's exciting stuff, man. We're not just making music anymore; we're nurturing the next generation of rockers.

SS: That's incredible, Hawk. It seems like you've found a new lease on life, both personally and professionally.

HJ: That's exactly it, Seth. It's like I've been given this amazing second act. I'm a dad, I'm making music I'm proud of, and I'm helping other artists achieve their dreams. Life's good, man. Really good.

SS: Well, Hawk, it's been a pleasure catching up. Any last words for your fans?

HJ: Just gratitude, man. To the fans who've stuck with us through the years, to the new ones joining us on this journey – thank you. And to anyone out there struggling, just know that life can surprise you in the most beautiful ways. Keep rockin', keep hoping, and cherish the people you love. That's what it's all about.

SS: Wise words from the rock daddy himself. Thanks, Hawk.

HJ: Always a pleasure, Seth. Rock on, brother.