What's It Like "Living The Dream"? 

I’m 72 yrs old. And I’ve just about over come the inhibitions that stop me performing live and on my own. First proper gigs coming along in august so I’m out doing singer songwriter groups and open miles to prep myself. Right now I’m providing a backdrop of songs in an island campsite sitting room kitchen and loving it. It’s never to late to step out. And re songs it’s all about finding meaning in a moment and making it real.

Did the '9 to 6', for 30 years. All the while, playing every day. Moving from electric to acoustic then Classical, in that time. pandemic then happened. And i found myself walking onto commons, finding a bench. And just played instrumental songs for 3 hours or so. The feedback and thanks i got (and the stability 30 years of working did to my bank account). Mean, every day, i now go out and do this as my 'main' thing. Its not as 'stable' a life, as a 9 to 6. But, it fills the gaps in my soul. I don't think i'll ever be able to 'work' again. But the thanks i get from the public, makes it far more worthwhile than sitting in an office.

What a character you are, Justin. Being over 70, I was not the generation that was exposed to your music, but find myself listening to your posts almost daily because you’re just do damn witty, cheeky, funny and smart. Like John Oliver, but with the bonus of being a crackerjack vocalist. Thanks so much for your time and for making me giggle almost daily.

I have to say Justin, your dads job theory might be the wisest thing I've heard for ages....I really wish someone had said that to me as a kid! I very much intend to steal it and pass it on to the younglings in my life. ❤

Love comments day! Was starting to miss it. Definitely wasn’t expecting to hear my name half way through, made my heart skip a beat! 😅 Thank you for answering my question, Justin! Really appreciate your advice. I’m going to be singing ALL day tomorrow now, with one ear out, of course! 🥰💖🥰

Justin, when "I believe in a thing called love" came out i worked at a place and we did graphic design for clients. Us creatives were in the basement offices because we were a bit different than the rest of the company. That song was our Friday dance. We loved it. We even had a dance routine to it. Those are some happy memories. Always makes me smile.

Hugely enjoyable and educational. It's good to hear a young man articulating big things, with humility,decency and all round humour Great guy, all the best!

When I feel things aren't going my way I try to be positive. I tell myself, "I believe in a thing called love!" Try it, Justin 😃

Ren interview and Animal flow dropping in the next few days 🤩🥳

I'm a slave to the rhythm. And cigarettes.

On the Strat vs Les Paul firewood dilemma, from my perspective. My Gibsons are hanging on the wall in the music room, while the Fenders are both on my workbench while I modify them a bit. From a visual inspection - the Les Pauls are works of art, while the Strats resemble a pile of firewood.

Awesome questions and awesome answers. I love that you give genuine, helpful advice that musicians in your audience can actually use in their own journeys.

Have been to gigs with less than 10 and had an absolute blast before. Sometimes it’s not about the crowd sometimes it’s just about finding something new.

Looking forward to the Ren interview 😎

For songwriting, I find that the cellphone’s recorder is my go to when inspiration strikes, no matter where I am. Even if I just hum a couple of bars, while people stare at me as if I’m having a heart attack…

a solution I have always had for hearing myself when singing is to have a fairly tight foam-based headphone/ear plug in one ear to create enough bone-conduction/skull reverberation that I can hear the notes i'm singing without sticking a finger in my ear

Great advice on just playing. I played my first live gig 50 years ago, it took me. along time to get over the dream of being a rock star but it finally clicked that it didn't matter, playing and creating music is the joy so I now play when and where I can, and try to simply enjoy playing. I'm even playing in a country band now, as an ageing rocker, not a genre I was ever drawn to but I am enjoying a different, laid back groove.

Thxs for all ur hard work 👍👍👍👍👍✊✊✊✊✊ And thxs for riding again Justin From AZ

A comments day packed full of wisdom from Justin. Thank you also for passing on that advice from Mr Hawkins senior. Many thanks and looking forward to your interview with Ren.

I filled in on bass for my sister's band once for maybe a hundred people and it was a blast. I performed for ~40 people at my band's studio a couple times, made No money for it, but it was electric. I guess it depends on Why you do what you do. If you know what the goalnis you can chase it. For me the goal was just playing with friends and introducing my tunes to my family in an impressive manner.

Good News Justin I’m a professional kayaker so by your wise Dads theory the jobs there for you to take, good luck with the career change 😂!! Love the channel by the way!

If I was at some corporate gig.. then suddenly Justin was there playing.. I think I'd squeal in delight like a little girl. But you know.. in a manly kind of way.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="270">4:30</a> is what I needed. I’m a busy schoolteacher, husband, and father of 3. I still try to write and publish whenever possible. The goal isn’t likes/views or “greatness”. It’s to create a meaningful body of work to leave behind when I’m gone.

Justin, this is one of your best videos and you’ve had some great ones. I’m 41 and writing some of the best music of my life. I think the key is, I’ve never picked up golfing. Song writing is my golf.

Happy May and Workers day! What a day to just listen to Justin😎👍

You always make so much sense, Justin. Now I know where you got it from. Sounds like your dad is a wise man. Is your mom also so sensible? Love from NYC! ❤️🥰

Nice video! Can't wait for the Ren-interview.

That's a surprisingly contintental introduction to the one and only Justin Hawkins Rides Again.

grüezi mr. hawkins ...cool video 😊

Some very practical responses there. Looking forward to the Ren thing.

Wow!!! REN TOMORROW?!!! Go on then :)

You can buy a gizmo that goes on your Les Paul, that keeps it in tune... It's called a String Butler. Costs about £35.

I love how much you labored over the choice between the Les Paul or the Fender.

Professional rescue Kayak man...😂 loving that.

Suggestion for your (fantastic) intro/theme song: After the Em9 thing you end on, for the last strum after the dramatically spoken „again“ you should go to an EmMaj7(9) vibe, like 0-10-9-8-7-x . Sort of a film noir thing, like in the James Bond theme. Would add an extra layer of mystique to that already quite mysterious sounding ending I think. Keep up the good work!

LOVE this one, as usual! I have a favor to ask. My best friend, Katrina Johansson, in a fit of pique, left and moved back to middle of nowhere, Wisconsin. Problem is, she gave up on her music career. I was hoping you could take a few minutes and watch her play guitar. Eddie Van Halen told her he wanted to play like her "when he grows up". She's beyond gifted and well, amazing. I hate that she's wasted where she is. Please give her a listen and watch, you WON'T regret it!! Thanks Jason Hawkwind!

One of my friend's fathers is very famous. What I learnt is it's best not to be as you can go and do what you want and where you want to without being mobbed. Sure you don't worry about financials but the best thing is following a band with a small group of dedicated loyal followers and seeing small pub gigs. It's so intimate and they appreciate the effort you make and you become long-term friends. Can't do that with big-name bands at Wembley. When we get older we become aware of more creativity so it's harder to meet the demands as a fresh sound.

There's a recording of Bowie playing Glastonbury Fayre in '71 (I think), playing early stuff from Hunky Dory. He talks to the crowd between songs about how miserable his gigs have been recently and how different the Glastonbury Fayre gig is simply because the people who were watching/listening (not a huge amount of people, I don't think) were paying attention. P.S. The very first Glastonbury festival was called the Glastonbury Fayre.

I tend to write songs for myself and if anyone else likes it, then thats a bonus.

I used to wonder about the "do we lose creative ability as we get older" question myself. I think that being creative means having a very open mind, which MAY diminish as we get older. But if you can continue to explore your mental meanderings and not subconsciously shut them down and become calcified, I don't see why you can't continue to produce great work.

Excellent work my friend glad to hear you've gotten yourself a telecaster you won't be disappointed any chance of you showing it off on the channel and any plans to use it on any future gigs

Brilliant lads. Really enjoyed getting to know you both on a more personal level. Good luck with the rest of your treatment Ren. 💪 Thank you both for your amazing music and knowledge 👏

I've found that it's mainly diminishing free time that stifles creativity/songwriting as you age. If something is important to you schedule some time to regularly do that thing. The more you do it the better you'll become... I found that reaching out and working with new people really helped with my songwriting. It helps avoid "your tropes".

Personally, I’ve found the most success and had the best time at the intersection of what I love to do and what I’m actually good at. Oftentimes, these two things are quite different from each other but if you care about it enough, you’ll find a way to be involved in the most effective and meaningful way, to you. “Get in where you fit in” is the best advice I’ve received in that regard. ❤️

Been missing comments day. Thanks Justin 😊

Thanks Justin love your sense of humour 🤣

Two observations. First, when I used to play there were some bands where we absolutely needed the room to inspire us. But one of my favorite bands was fun because when we got into one of those "three people in the room" shows, we had the ability to blow the doors off and we made our own fun of it and could put on a great show for those three folks. Second, about songwriting...if you're not really skilled/trained (and I'm not), it's easier to write when you're younger. I think it's because you haven't heard as much and you think you're having original ideas to put out. And you probably are putting out things in a new way. But as you hear more, you have ideas and then think it sounds like something you heard already and it makes it harder to follow through. It takes someone who really has some tools to get past that initial block and then you can get ideas out again.

My cat loves you Justin he is your audience!!!!

"I'm a professional life-saving kayak man." It's good to have goals. :) Can you surf? You seem like the kind of person who's good at a lot of things. Do you have any surprising hidden talents? Do tell.

Nice one, Justin. Dibs on the song title "Life Saving Kayak Man"... I'll give you partial writing credit, but this is so relevant to my life, I can't pass on it. Although my kayak is more metaphor than vessel, it still hits hard. Much love to everyone x

Nothing is out of reach. Great words of wisdom

Dealing with the extreme emotions of some one you loved dying is never easy. After intense grieving for many months there comes a point where you consciously have to stop before it destroys you. You will deteriorate. You may be functional at your job, but your body and soul will suffer greatly.

GOOD MORNING FROM MEMPHIS TN JUSTIN♡♡ ALL THE LOVE FROM THE SOUTH YOU CAN HANDLE!!

I like the nylon strings!

I'm now 56, and have been playing in my own band with 3 other guys for almost 20 years now. We dabble in 'The Dream' in our own way - a few gigs, festivals, etc., here and there (we're far from professional), and we're just in it for the pure fun and thrill of it. We keep things interesting by making 'mini projects' and this last one we did (recorded two original songs also) basically documents how and why we do what we do. Keep music fun, and you'll not fret (punnn) about the rest. The Interview: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uF_fvEj6WKo.html

You have such an enjoyable charakter. Love it.

what a great bunch of questions and answers!

Jousteeeen Hawkins! My Man! You are wonderful!

It’s weird how ‘spot on’ your answers are- props

Iam not a musician or writer but many has just a portable recorder when idea's come to you play it out before you forget the words or chords

I have been performing for over 30 years my main band has been togeather for 25 years some times can't belive it but i think we kept togeather because we are so difrent and have done music out side of the band we are London bassed and have a resendsy for seven years I mange the band and have kept it going we a covers band that can make the sound origanal as well as authentic I make a modest liveing but love what I do there are standards I think you must achive with in your self and bring your audience into the exspirence I have so much gratitude to do what i do bring joy to athers and your self is amazing as a kid I allways wanted to be pop star and now I'm 62 years old and doing 7 to 10 gigs per month for me it's about puting on the best show every time remenber it's a journey not a race good on you if you perform do it because you love it even if its your job can make a modest liveing but you have to of a decent standard have gratitude for your audience they will warm to you when keep delivering on a regular basis

Used to surf kayak on the East coast inc lowerstoft back on the 90's.

Thank you for everything you've done

Justin, after not even knowing who The Darkness were a mere few weeks ago; I now, If was forced to live on a desert Island, would put "a Thing Called Loved" in my top 20 songs. If forced to only have 20 for eternity, I would say live, Hammerstien with Brian May. (two for one deal)

Live the sound of your flamenco guitar. Another question for comments day: what types of guitars and what styles of music did you learn before becoming professional? Did you ever study classical/Spanish, for example?

Now this is lovely

Good day to you all it’s Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnn 🎶🎶🎶

The question @ <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="225">3:45</a> ish..... You have to read lots, research, inform yourself, and search within. Meditate. Amazing experiences will follow. Love the channel JH.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="385">6:25</a> my addition to that: don't listen so much, instead feel. Focus on the physical, bodily aspect of your voice and whether the music feels in tune with that, starting with something as simple as whether there's pulsing from clashing pitches

Residency is top advice. It has worked for thousands.

guitar sounds lovely

Hey Justin, i'm 15 years old and trying to make it in the music industry (more funk/grunge/punk rock) do you have any tips for people like me?

If you're on a 'dessert' island, you probably don't need to burn either guitar. Just stuff your face with doughnuts, etc. and you'll almost certainly survive. Then you can feel well-filled and crack out a blistering solo on the guitar of your choice

Loving the videos dad

Some dreams can be nightmares.

Cor, it’d have been great to be at the corporate gig.

You're never too old to write a great song, especially if you grab it out of the ether. :)

I love your shows and really love the ones with your producer , It kind of reminds me of a British Howard Stern show . Which is a good thing because I love Howards show . Anyhoo , For me the music comes fast but I always got to work for the Lyrics . I do write morning pages when I am blocked . I write down whatever is on my mind negative or positive and it frees up my creative spirit . I also believe there is a great music academy in the sky of the greats that passed on and I will ask for their help along with my Higher Power . I believe that works too . Sometimes I will write something down and say to myself . That did not come from me. What are your tricks or ways you write ? Thanks again keep doing what you are doing .

I am love.

JUSTIN! Are you going to nod towards the general direction of Eurovision at some point in the next couple of weeks? I do hope so.

Great video

That first question is a belter!

Justin. Justin my friend. I just discovered that you beat Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor in darts. How did I not know about this until now??? Are there any other world champions you’ve conquered throughout your career that we should know about? Loved your Ren interview. Men at their best.

Nice flamenco guitar, I bought a classical guitar from Cordoba guitars recently

I've played over six thousand gigs I couldn't care less about them or whether I ever played live again.

Im gonna keep pushing for a reveiw of Winceles by Gnome haha

Yeah, kayaks!! Nice one.

Sweet as always

HAPPY BELTANE!! 🔥🎉 Some of Us are doing an ONline Rave Monday and for a couple days/nights. The music: "Radio Rock Classics Mix [24/7 LIVE] Best Rock of 70s, 80s, 90,s" by "Best of Mix" "Location": Soggy Dollar Beach Bar Live Cam on the British Virgin Islands. 🏝🏖🌄🥂🥂🍺🍄🎶😎😘

Justin, your reasoning is about the same as mine!😄 I'm a slave to cigarettes and morphine for the Lyme disease I've had for a very long time. There's no cure, so they just treat the pain. Thanks for the addiction, doctors!

A rescue kayaker, huh? It does take a LOT OF UPPER BODY STRENGTH TO GET BACK IN THAT THING WHEN THE CURRENT IS PUSHING YOU AWAY UNDER IT AND YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO GET BACK IN THE DARNED THING! Done it before. Was supposed to see a sea turtle, but was drifting away from the kayak and used up so much energy trying to stay with the darned kayak. River kayaking is different. Not so bad. Sea kayaking a whole different ball of wax. And WHITE WATER RAFTING IN A WETSUIT! I was chatting with a girl next to me, blinked my eyes, she disappeared!!!! She was IN THE RIVER!!! We were like in one of those slave ships to hurry and get to her! "PADDLE TOO THE LEFT, NOW PADDLE TWO STOKES TO THE RIGHT" LIKE THERE WAS A POUNDING DRUMMER BEHIND US! SIX FREAKING HOURS OF THIS MY HEAD WENT UNDER WATER, MY EX HUSBAND STARTED TO FLOAT OUT OF THE RAFT (BUILT THIN AND GANGLY 6'2" LIKE YOU, JUSTIN), THE MUSCULAR DUDE NEXT TO HIM PU <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="784">13:04</a> LLED HIM BACK DOWN TOBTHEVRUBBER SEAT WHEN WE UNDER. UP AND DOWN OVER ROCKS, SPINNING AROUND! Then lunch came out of the guides DIRTY BACK PACK. HE HAD BLACK FINGERNAILS AND HE CUT UP SANDWICHES AND FRUIT WITH A QUESTIONABLE CUTTING BOARD AND KNIFE! I'm a city slicker and understand my neighbor shooting his pistol for New Year's celebration than dodging massive boulders in this air filled teeny boat! My booty cheeks were being ripped apart! I don't have a big behind! RESCUE KAYAKING HUH? One guide sat in his seat and pulled this massive father out of the river by leaning backwards, with a fancy hat on his head, which he adjusted, and pulled this super tall big man out of the water over his shoulder and sat up straight after the man was in our boat nearly dead!! I couldn't believe my eyes!!! He didn't lose his hat or the weed thing he was chewing on the entire time! MIGHTY IMPRESSIVE. Rescue kayaking IN THE OCEAN. This I gotta see.

The les paul g-string, tell me about it. Love you man.

Can you please follow through with your idea of Fat Jussy episode and "your journey with weight loss". Struggling with this and want the results you achieved.

My mind always turns to "Hedwig" (give it up for Quong Yi, give it up Quong Yi) and "Green Room" when they do a set at a Mexican Restaurant. 😁

Your theme song has become more staccato. Evolution ❤

Going to see Ron Sexsmith tomorrow night in my very local venue on your recommendation!

I'd love to know if the corporate gig was solo or with The Darkness. If it was solo, what was the setlist? I can only picture solo Justin watching music videos and noodling along with them.

You need to make your intro into a pull song, I'm thinking Dixieland polka or something along those lines ha.

Make guitar out of the fender neck and the less Paul body had me in stitches 😂 and burn the leftovers.

Looking forward to the Ren interview. See you on the ice matey. \m/