Introduction
It has been claimed that The Hawkinsian Institute's earliest incarnation was essentially as the project name for Ian Hawkins' solo musical activities. Though not exactly true, it is fair to say that music was the Institute's first love.
Ian played in bands from the age of 15 until about 24. Most of this time was spent as the bass player for the one and only Elephant Glue. At the (some would say inevitable) demise of the 'Boys from the Glue', Ian retreated into his poor man's studio and continued songwriting.
Eventually, personal circumstances meant that Ian had to break up his studio and store the bits wherever friends and relatives had space. By the late nineties people were beginning to doubt if the pheonix would ever rise from the ashes. As it turned out, it wasn't his own storage space that was needed - it was the digital revolution.
With initially just £16 worth of recording suite software, Ian was back in business with sound quality and production facilities quite literally beyond his wildest dreams. However, other interests and many demands on Ian's time have meant that this side of the Institute's creative output is a little neglected. It also doesn't help that Ian has great difficulty listening to the sound of his own voice without flinching.
But, for those few who are interested, here are a few digitally recorded tracks. They aren't revolutionary, certainly of their time, but we kinda like 'em. All songs written, performed and recorded by Ian Hawkins. Feel free to play to whoever you like but we do reserve all rights of usage and ownership.
More recently, Ian has been playing drums in a band called Water Otter. Though not the with commitment of previous bands, this is proving to be terrific fun. There have even been rumours that it has rekindled some of Ian's love of songwriting. Any new Hawkinsian material will be available here first.