Hey Propter Hawk, can you give us a brief introduction to Propter Hawk and how the band was formed?
Hi Heatwaves!
We are Propter Hawk from Toronto!
Propter Hawk started with Malorie (vocals) and Andrew (guitar) writing songs in their basement and eventually they pulled in their friend, Jimmy, to play drums. After a few rehearsals as a three piece, they put out an ad for more members and long-time friends, Alec (guitar) and Brian (bass) joined the group.
What inspired the band’s name, Propter Hawk?
We got the name Propter Hawk from a book of extinct birds that was purchased from our local library’s book sale. It is a species of hawk from the Isle of Propter. At least it was.
What sets Propter Hawk apart from other bands in your genre?
Apart from our obsessive work ethic, unsurmountable talent and innovative artistic vision, the first thing that stands out to most people is our 5’2 powerhouse lead singer, Malorie. She’s a heavily medicated ball of neurosis and energy that takes all of her anger and trauma out on the audience and leaves everything she has on the stage. She’s delightful though.
Congratulations on your album “Propter Hawk.” What inspired the title of the album?
We named the album after our favourite band.
What themes or concepts does the album explore?
We tried to pack a lot into the record. We touch on various addictions and mental health disorders, the age of misinformation, mountaineering accidents, boating accidents, automobile accidents…sex workers committing murder. The opening track “Sherry Flip” is about vowing to never quit drinking ever again.
Can you discuss the creative process behind the album and how it came to fruition?
It was really more out of necessity than anything. We wrote the album during the pandemic, when live shows were still not possible, by recording ideas and sending them to each other. We were tossing around the idea of doing an album when Brian found that Carlin Nicholson and Mike O’Brien from Zeus had a recording studio. We are such big fans of Zeus that the decision was kind of made for us.
Are there any standout tracks on the album that hold special meaning to the band?
Malorie and Andrew wrote “Kinmount Fair” about an annual fair in Ontario that we both used to go to before we knew each other. Once we put the band together, all of the other members had their own stories about going to the Kinmount Fair when they were younger. So, it kind of speaks to all of our experiences.
Are there any plans for upcoming tours or live performances in support of the album?
We just had an incredible release show for the record in Toronto and we have a few more shows coming up. We will be at The Dakota Tavern on Oct. 27th with Gregory Childs, The Baby G on November 11th with Apollo Sons, and we will be playing a benefit for mental health in Hamilton on November 25th.
Have there been any disagreements or challenges within the band during the creative process, and how do you overcome them?
We have had our share of disagreements, but nothing that a few passive-aggressive comments and the silent treatment can’t solve. Essentially, whoever can hold onto a grudge the longest or can be more spiteful gets their way.
Are there any particularly heartwarming or inspiring fan stories that you’d like to share?
We love all of our fans so much. To this day, nobody in the group has contracted any form of virus from any of our fans. That is something that we are very proud of.
Lastly, what’s next for Propter Hawk? Any upcoming projects or goals you can tell us about?
We’ve got some new songs coming down the pipeline. We are also looking forward to the Propter Hawk video game that is in development.
Check it out and follow Propter Hawk on social media to be updated with the new releases. Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – Website.
