The Darkness Returns with ‘Dreams on Toast’: Justin Hawkins Discusses Their New Album and Evolving Music Landscape

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Journey to Dreams on Toast
4. The Art of Songwriting and Collaboration
5. Vocal Longevity: The Balance of Performance and Health
6. Evolving the Concept of Success in Music
7. The Cultural Impact of Justin Hawkins Rides Again
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• The Darkness' latest album, Dreams on Toast, is their catchiest since their debut, emphasizing collaboration and musical variety.
• Justin Hawkins balances his role as the band’s frontman with his successful YouTube channel, Justin Hawkins Rides Again.
• Hawkins reflects on the challenges of maintaining vocal health while delivering dynamic performances and in a changing musical landscape.

Introduction

In an era where music trends ebb and flow with fleeting pace, the resurgence of classic rock sounds often feels like a nostalgic echo rather than a fresh innovation. Yet, The Darkness defies this notion with their flamboyant style and ambitious new album, Dreams on Toast. Since their debut in 2003 with "Permission to Land," they have not only survived but thrived in changing musical climates.

One may wonder: Can a band known for its theatrical flair and tongue-in-cheek lyrics continue to resonate in an industry profoundly transformed by streaming services? With this new release, lead singer Justin Hawkins delves into the essence of creativity, collaboration, and the ongoing evolution of success in the current music landscape.

The Journey to Dreams on Toast

Having emerged during the indie rock renaissance in the early 2000s, The Darkness captivated audiences with their explosive energy and catchy anthems. However, their journey has not been without its challenges; the path to their latest album was informed by both tribulations and triumphs, particularly during the pandemic.

Recording During the Pandemic

Hawkins reflects, “Motorheart was recorded with my contributions sent from a different country due to COVID-19, which limited our collaboration.” In contrast, the recording process for Dreams on Toast allowed the band to reunite and create together physically, resulting in a more cohesive sound: "It makes a huge difference, I think. It sounds like a band," he adds.

This album marks a significant milestone as The Darkness’ first collection of songs in four years—a period during which they celebrated the 20th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album. During the anniversary tour, the band members seized every opportunity to write and collaborate, ensuring that their latest record encapsulated the essence of their shared experiences and musical identity.

A Shift in Sound and Structure

Dreams on Toast is hailed as their most varied work yet, boasting a blend of genres that span from pop to country influences, as evidenced in tracks like “Hot on My Tail.” Rather than confining themselves to a specific sound, the band embraced a broader spectrum of musicality, a departure from their past practices that often aimed for specific vocal displays.

“I desperately asked the guys on this one, can we not chase the key? Just let me be a singer,” Hawkins recalled. This approach allowed for a more emotive use of his five-octave range, encouraging the songs to take on qualities unique to their individual narratives without the constraints of typical rock arrangements.

The Art of Songwriting and Collaboration

Hawkins emphasizes that writing for Dreams on Toast was a collective effort: “It’s the first record where I’ve agreed with every note.” Each member contributed significantly to the arrangements, raising the bar for their traditional songwriting process.

Honing the Craft

Writing together opened a world of possibilities. Hawkins noted, “We put more effort in,” contrasting it with previous albums where they might not have fully fought for each note and arrangement. This sense of ownership resonates throughout the album, evident in standout tracks like “The Longest Kiss,” which encapsulates pop craftsmanship within just under three minutes:

“It’s funny because the chorus was something that my brother and I wrote in the middle of the night on Roger Taylor’s piano,” Hawkins explains. This playful approach highlights their dynamic creative process, allowing for improvisation paired with thoughtful lyricism.

Guitar Solos and Musicality

With The Darkness, guitar solos are emblematic of their sound. Hawkins recognizes their importance: “It has to be sing-alongable, surprising, and have a bit of familiarity.” The interplay between Hawkins and his brother, Dan—who typically handles rhythm guitar—further enhances the distinctive sound.

The band’s approach to guitar solos has evolved alongside their songwriting. “Sometimes [a second solo] is because my brother and I have completely different ideas for that space,” Hawkins states, illustrating their collaborative spirit yet again.

Vocal Longevity: The Balance of Performance and Health

An integral part of The Darkness’ appeal lies in Justin Hawkins’ striking vocal abilities. With high-pitched falsettos reminiscent of glam rock predecessors, preserving his vocal health has been paramount.

Finding the Right Balance

Hawkins admits that sobriety plays a crucial role, stating, “The key is really simple. Sobriety.” While acknowledging some less responsible habits in the past, he also credits focused vocal training and exercises for maintaining his range. This includes recently adopted techniques to warm up efficiently, such as using LAXVOX tubes, which prevent strain before performances.

“Hawkins’ charisma shines through as he elaborates on his practice routines: “It takes me 20 minutes to warm up now, instead of an hour.” The results have been evident on stage as he continues to deliver impressive performances, hitting notes that once seemed relegated to his younger self.

Evolving the Concept of Success in Music

With the music industry continuously transforming, Hawkins speaks candidly about the changing definitions of success. “What does success look like now?” he muses. The ability to sell albums has diminished; instead, metrics like social media interaction and ticket sales assume new importance.

Navigating Modern Challenges

The Darkness finds themselves in a paradox where traditional measures of success no longer apply. The ongoing evolution plants uncertainty in peers and music industry veterans alike. “I think it’s parenthood, where there’s just a huge percentage of that role is just work. It’s just hard,” Hawkins shares, conveying the complexity of balancing an artistic career with personal life.

The internal dialogues he describes reflect a broader sentiment shared among musicians: how does one maintain creative integrity while adapting to an industry that changes from one season to the next?

The Cultural Impact of Justin Hawkins Rides Again

In addition to his contributions to The Darkness, Justin Hawkins has garnered significant recognition through his YouTube channel, Justin Hawkins Rides Again. During the pandemic, Hawkins launched the channel to engage with fans about contemporary music trends, dissect songs from various genres, and showcase emerging artists.

Engaging the Community

The channel became a haven for music enthusiasts seeking insightful commentary and genuine appreciation for lesser-known acts. For Hawkins, it allows him to champion artists, “like Field Music,” who may not fit his perceived persona. His efforts to build a supportive community stand in stark contrast to the often toxic nature of internet commentary.

“I’d rather have lower numbers and nicer people,” he asserts, valuing authentic connections with his audience over mere view counts.

Conclusion

The Darkness continues to thrive, navigating an industry marked by rapid change while embracing artistic growth. Dreams on Toast reflects their evolving sound and collaborative spirit, inviting fans on a musical journey that intertwines humor, clever lyrics, and unabashed rock flair.

As Justin Hawkins balances his roles within The Darkness and on his YouTube channel, he represents a bridge between classic rock influences and contemporary music discourse, carving a niche where nostalgia meets innovation.

FAQ

What inspired the title Dreams on Toast?
The title seeks to create a vibrant image while encapsulating the essence of the songs within the album. Justin Hawkins refers to it whimsically, implying that life's simple pleasures can be relatable and inflected with humor.

How does the band maintain their signature sound?
The Darkness retains their signature sound through cohesive collaboration among band members, creating arrangements that highlight their unique musical abilities while exploring new genres.

What are the main themes of Dreams on Toast?
The album blends humor, introspection, and relationship stories, setting them against catchy riffs and engaging hooks, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners.

How can I find Justin Hawkins’ YouTube channel?
You can find Justin Hawkins Rides Again on YouTube, where he discusses music, breaks down songs, and highlights emerging artists daily.

What does success mean for artists today?
Hawkins explores that success in music is now defined by factors such as social media engagement and live performance ticket sales, as opposed to traditional album sales due to the changing landscape of the music industry.