INTRODUCING: HAWK THIEF

Yorkshire-based indie artist Hawk Thief channels the spirit of ‘90s guitar music into something immersive, atmospheric, and unmistakably personal. Blending shimmering shoegaze textures with psychedelic indie and poetic lyricism, his sound feels both nostalgic and newly resonant. Entirely written, performed, and produced by Sid Wilson in his home studio, debut album Existence Is Everything is a deeply introspective body of work—layering ethereal soundscapes with vivid storytelling and raw emotional honesty. Drawing comparisons to the likes of The Verve and Oasis while carving out a space of his own, Hawk Thief delivers a record that is expansive, reflective, and rooted in a genuine love of songwriting craft.

1. Your sound draws heavily from ‘90s indie and shoegaze — what is it about that era that continues to inspire you, and how do you make it feel fresh in 2026?

I connect with the sense of freedom and the “we’re gonna live life and enjoy it the best we can” kinda attitude, which was tangibly at heart of bands from that era. There’s a raw honesty that I’m drawn to and the songs are very relatable. Then you’ve got these anthemic riffs or a layered wall of sound that takes you somewhere and really make you feel something.

This is where I draw inspiration from when I’m writing songs, laying my life out there, being authentic, and it’s a bonus if people connect with that. I’m hearing a 90’s resurgence influencing newer bands on the scene in recent years, which is a welcomed direction in my view, and I seem to instinctively resonate with this current indie sound.

2. You wrote, performed, and produced the entire album yourself — how did working solo in your home studio shape the identity and emotional tone of Existence Is Everything?

It felt like a luxury having the freedom to put my full stamp on this album. And without the usual studio budget constraints I had time on my side to finesse the detail, to play with shimmering atmospherics and build ethereal soundscapes.

As far as songwriting, it seems to happen in seasons for me. I felt like I had a wealth of recent experiences to reflect on and explore. I also spent considerable time reminiscing… looping old and new emotions together somewhere along the whole space & time continuum. So maybe this is true self-reflection, expressing genuine feelings and musicality.

3. There’s a strong emphasis on poetic storytelling and wordplay in your lyrics — which track on the album best represents your approach to songwriting, and why?

If I was to pick one I’d say ‘Eloquent Delinquent’ which comes from reflecting of my years living in US. It’s about the unsavoury, yet interesting characters, hanging late night hours at bars, gas stations, & dodgy areas of the Atlanta, Georgia. Ya know, the vagabonds & piss-heads, pimps & smack-heads, and the overly drunk, out of his depth, clean cut, religious guy from the suburbs. It was like they’re either trying to score something from you, offering late night favours, or at the very least barking unsolicited drunken advice about life, religion and the world.

So, that said, when I know the theme of what I’m delving into, I’ll try letting the natural truths loose as I jam around chords. There are gems in this raw material which are keepers which become the foundation to start crafting from. The style of delivery, the cadence, the lilt are just as much a part of the song as the words. I’m trying to balance all this to create intrigue that draws people in to the song.

4. You’ve been compared to bands like The Verve and Oasis — do you embrace those comparisons, or are you consciously trying to carve out something distinct from those influences?

Definitely embrace. It’s always great to be compared to top artists even if it’s only fractionally true. The way I see it, I’m a melting pot, saturating my soul, absorbing whatever my ears deem heartfelt, melodic and uplifting. When I’m writing and feeling out riffs and vibes, whatever comes out, at this point, is authentically and uniquely me…and if people like it, even better.

5. The album title Existence Is Everything feels both philosophical and expansive — what does that phrase mean to you personally, and how does it connect the themes across the record?

It’s a nod to the in-explicable vastness of the galaxy we are living in. To me there is beauty and wonder in the unfathomable. I’m at peace with not knowing. so rather than side with a school of thought, or a claim of religion expressing that they may know something of our origin or meaning…I subscribe to the notion that there is more power in embracing existence in all it’s fulness… living a vibrant life right now, in the present, all in.

I feel this sentiment is expressed in the songs on my record…whether you’re trying to invest in a relationship for a more fulfilled life with your lover…or making the most out of a certain place and time that your find yourself in…or being buzzed that your are living in the moment with spontaneity, gut-feeling and excitement, regardless of outcome, future or consequence.

Some people are just existing only to survive, which is baseline, whereas for me a higher level is to embody the amazing opportunity and be truly happy to be alive!

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