Chinua Hawk

Disc Makers Announces Northeast IMWS Winner

By Mix Editors

Dec 7, 2004 2:23 PM


Chinua Hawk, an R&B singer/songwriter from Pemberton, NJ won the Disc Makers Independent Music World Series (IMWS) Northeast showcase held in late October at The Lion’s Den in New York City. As the grand prize winner, Chinua Hawk takes home over $35,000 in prizes, including recording gear, instruments, CD manufacturing services, DJ equipment and more.

“This is unbelievable,” says Hawk. “Being the last act to perform, we had an opportunity to watch five great acts ahead of us. Our goal was to simply go out and give the crowd one last great performance. Winning the whole thing was totally unexpected. Thank you to Disc Makers and all of the sponsors for this amazing evening of music”

Hawk was one of six finalists competing before a panel of 12 judges that included representatives from Atlantic Records, J Records, Octone Records, Billboard Magazine and Guitar Center. Over 1,000 unsigned bands and independent artists submitted entries for the Northeast region of the IMWS. The other finalists included Mark Geary (NY), Melissa Bathory (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), The Defog (Collingdale, PA), The Last Hotel (Columbus, OH) and The Oggs (NY).

Produced by Disc Makers, a CD manufacturer for independent musicians, the IMWS gives musicians a unique opportunity to showcase their talents, make valuable industry contacts and compete. The showcase is judged by music industry executives, media and celebrities, and features live performances from six finalists.

“Disc Makers prides itself on helping indie artists succeed, and the IMWS is just one of the great things we do to help these artists get to the next level,” says Tony van Veen, vice president of sales and marketing at Disc Makers. “We love coming to New York, and thank each of our sponsors and The Lion’s Den for their continued support.”

IMWS showcases are held in each of four regions throughout the country (Northeast, West, Midwest and Southeast). The regional focus of IMWS helps independent musicians make an impact in their own backyard and make connections that can help advance their careers. The competition is open to musicians of all genres not currently signed to a major record label.

For more information on the Independent Music World Series please visit www.discmakers.com/imws or call 888/800-5796. For more information on the winner, Chinua Hawk, go to www.chinuahawk.com.
- Disc Makers

Disc Makers Announces Northeast IMWS Winner

By Mix Editors

Dec 7, 2004 2:23 PM


Chinua Hawk, an R&B singer/songwriter from Pemberton, NJ won the Disc Makers Independent Music World Series (IMWS) Northeast showcase held in late October at The Lion’s Den in New York City. As the grand prize winner, Chinua Hawk takes home over $35,000 in prizes, including recording gear, instruments, CD manufacturing services, DJ equipment and more.

“This is unbelievable,” says Hawk. “Being the last act to perform, we had an opportunity to watch five great acts ahead of us. Our goal was to simply go out and give the crowd one last great performance. Winning the whole thing was totally unexpected. Thank you to Disc Makers and all of the sponsors for this amazing evening of music”

Hawk was one of six finalists competing before a panel of 12 judges that included representatives from Atlantic Records, J Records, Octone Records, Billboard Magazine and Guitar Center. Over 1,000 unsigned bands and independent artists submitted entries for the Northeast region of the IMWS. The other finalists included Mark Geary (NY), Melissa Bathory (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), The Defog (Collingdale, PA), The Last Hotel (Columbus, OH) and The Oggs (NY).

Produced by Disc Makers, a CD manufacturer for independent musicians, the IMWS gives musicians a unique opportunity to showcase their talents, make valuable industry contacts and compete. The showcase is judged by music industry executives, media and celebrities, and features live performances from six finalists.

“Disc Makers prides itself on helping indie artists succeed, and the IMWS is just one of the great things we do to help these artists get to the next level,” says Tony van Veen, vice president of sales and marketing at Disc Makers. “We love coming to New York, and thank each of our sponsors and The Lion’s Den for their continued support.”

IMWS showcases are held in each of four regions throughout the country (Northeast, West, Midwest and Southeast). The regional focus of IMWS helps independent musicians make an impact in their own backyard and make connections that can help advance their careers. The competition is open to musicians of all genres not currently signed to a major record label.

For more information on the Independent Music World Series please visit www.discmakers.com/imws or call 888/800-5796. For more information on the winner, Chinua Hawk, go to www.chinuahawk.com.
- Disc Makers

Chinua Hawk and Miri Ben-Ari are simultaneously riding mega waves of buzz all the way to Chapel Hill. Already named Billboard's Indie Artist of 2004, Hawk is a velvet-toned songwriter combining soul torch songs with modern pop. - Independent Weekly, Durham, NC

Chinua Hawk and Miri Ben-Ari are simultaneously riding mega waves of buzz all the way to Chapel Hill. Already named Billboard's Indie Artist of 2004, Hawk is a velvet-toned songwriter combining soul torch songs with modern pop. - Independent Weekly, Durham, NC

As the rain came down on a cool May evening, the thunder and lightning was not outside but on SOB's stage. The night provided captivating and memorable performances by two independent soul artists.New Jersey based Chinua Hawk opened the show with his brand of folk-tinged soul. A large man with a baby face, Chinua was backed by his band which included guitarist Michel Kunz who was one of the producers of his album. Performing songs from his debut entitled "Limited Edition", Chinua displays a commanding stage presence. So involved is he in his singing that he kept wiping the sweat from his forehead with a napkin reminiscent of Louie Armstrong. The half-hour set was highlighted by a gorgeous rendition of Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Fame", a catchy original that could be a possible single. It was ironic that he sang the Roberta Flack song because he sounds like Donny Hathaway at times.Chinua means "God's Own Blessing" in Ibo which is Nigerian. The name is appropriate because The Creator has brought to earth a talented performer to share his gift. Like his surname Hawk, Chinua's flight will lead him to his final destination - fame. - ceorasoul.com

As the rain came down on a cool May evening, the thunder and lightning was not outside but on SOB's stage. The night provided captivating and memorable performances by two independent soul artists.New Jersey based Chinua Hawk opened the show with his brand of folk-tinged soul. A large man with a baby face, Chinua was backed by his band which included guitarist Michel Kunz who was one of the producers of his album. Performing songs from his debut entitled "Limited Edition", Chinua displays a commanding stage presence. So involved is he in his singing that he kept wiping the sweat from his forehead with a napkin reminiscent of Louie Armstrong. The half-hour set was highlighted by a gorgeous rendition of Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Fame", a catchy original that could be a possible single. It was ironic that he sang the Roberta Flack song because he sounds like Donny Hathaway at times.Chinua means "God's Own Blessing" in Ibo which is Nigerian. The name is appropriate because The Creator has brought to earth a talented performer to share his gift. Like his surname Hawk, Chinua's flight will lead him to his final destination - fame. - ceorasoul.com

Java Jive got its first taste of soul this semester with the vocal stylings of the talented Chinua Hawk. Together with acoustic guitarist Michel Kunz, the duo delivered a short, but pleasant and entertaining set. "Can't Move On," a song about the fear associated with getting over love and lost dreams, was the opener. It showcased Hawk's deep vocal range. He shifted smoothly from soft and quiet to loud and passionate. "Missing You" was more fast paced with an urgent tone.The show had an informal but not unprofessional vibe. Hawk was able to pull it off smoothly, bantering and joking with the crowd between songs. The audience responded well, and everyone seemed to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. However, Hawk was the first to admit that his jokes were not good. "I'm corny ... just laugh for me ... raise my self esteem," he said. "Old people listen to old songs," Hawk said, laughing, before delivering an excellent cover of the Bill Withers acoustic blues lament "Ain't No Sunshine.""Something Beautiful," a song Hawk said was about being dumped for someone else, and then having that person realize that her new guy wasn't so great, was beautiful. He poured emotion and heart into every note he sang. Throughout the night, Kunz delivered amazing backup, playing the guitar as a perfect accent to Hawk's vocals, adding to the feeling of the songs. His playing echoed of the rock and jazz greats he grew up listening to. "Loved You That Way" was an emotional tune about having a secret crush. "The Unity Song" was almost an anthem, with Hawk's lyrics crying for the need of all people to love one another. A cover of the Temptations hit "My Girl" again showed off Hawk's vocal talents. His rendition of India Arie's "Ready for Love" was stellar and a favorite of the crowd. "New Orleans" and "Anything," a song about unconditional love, came next. "Raven Wings" was the closer, and possibly the best song of the night. It moved gracefully from slow and soft to uptempo and loud. It was Hawk at his best. And it was typical of his lyrics; while they often dealt with heartbreak and down times in love, they were always full of hope."On the wings of a Raven/I would fly, so high.../When the mountains start to fall/I will try one more time.../I'll never give up on my life," he sang. Hawk has been performing since he was a "little lad singing in church." He said he admires Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin - all artists with powerful and emotional voices. Writing each song is a unique experience with Hawk and is always different. Usually he comes up with a vocal, or Kunz has a guitar piece and they work on developing it together. "We will go a month without writing anything, then do four or five songs in one day," said Kunz.Hawk, a New Jersey native, and Kunz, who hails from Sweden, are currently on a 65-date tour that started in January. Hawk released his CD at a Christmas show in 2001. Not expecting to sell any, a fan bought 20 as gifts for friends and family. He is most proud of the fact that people wanted to take home something that is so personal to him. Why does Hawk take the stage night after night? "The energy from the people is great," he said. "When a song has an effect on them you can see it...they tell you without them telling you."
- Alex Lehning

Java Jive got its first taste of soul this semester with the vocal stylings of the talented Chinua Hawk. Together with acoustic guitarist Michel Kunz, the duo delivered a short, but pleasant and entertaining set. "Can't Move On," a song about the fear associated with getting over love and lost dreams, was the opener. It showcased Hawk's deep vocal range. He shifted smoothly from soft and quiet to loud and passionate. "Missing You" was more fast paced with an urgent tone.The show had an informal but not unprofessional vibe. Hawk was able to pull it off smoothly, bantering and joking with the crowd between songs. The audience responded well, and everyone seemed to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. However, Hawk was the first to admit that his jokes were not good. "I'm corny ... just laugh for me ... raise my self esteem," he said. "Old people listen to old songs," Hawk said, laughing, before delivering an excellent cover of the Bill Withers acoustic blues lament "Ain't No Sunshine.""Something Beautiful," a song Hawk said was about being dumped for someone else, and then having that person realize that her new guy wasn't so great, was beautiful. He poured emotion and heart into every note he sang. Throughout the night, Kunz delivered amazing backup, playing the guitar as a perfect accent to Hawk's vocals, adding to the feeling of the songs. His playing echoed of the rock and jazz greats he grew up listening to. "Loved You That Way" was an emotional tune about having a secret crush. "The Unity Song" was almost an anthem, with Hawk's lyrics crying for the need of all people to love one another. A cover of the Temptations hit "My Girl" again showed off Hawk's vocal talents. His rendition of India Arie's "Ready for Love" was stellar and a favorite of the crowd. "New Orleans" and "Anything," a song about unconditional love, came next. "Raven Wings" was the closer, and possibly the best song of the night. It moved gracefully from slow and soft to uptempo and loud. It was Hawk at his best. And it was typical of his lyrics; while they often dealt with heartbreak and down times in love, they were always full of hope."On the wings of a Raven/I would fly, so high.../When the mountains start to fall/I will try one more time.../I'll never give up on my life," he sang. Hawk has been performing since he was a "little lad singing in church." He said he admires Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin - all artists with powerful and emotional voices. Writing each song is a unique experience with Hawk and is always different. Usually he comes up with a vocal, or Kunz has a guitar piece and they work on developing it together. "We will go a month without writing anything, then do four or five songs in one day," said Kunz.Hawk, a New Jersey native, and Kunz, who hails from Sweden, are currently on a 65-date tour that started in January. Hawk released his CD at a Christmas show in 2001. Not expecting to sell any, a fan bought 20 as gifts for friends and family. He is most proud of the fact that people wanted to take home something that is so personal to him. Why does Hawk take the stage night after night? "The energy from the people is great," he said. "When a song has an effect on them you can see it...they tell you without them telling you."
- Alex Lehning

Chinua Hawk spreads soul in the SUBSinger/songwriter entertains and connects with students on a personal level.
By Rita Garwood, The Keystone

Name one musical artist who can inspire you, make you laugh, and offer you a scholarship all during one performance. Give up? His name is Chinua Hawk (pronounced shin-WAH), and he entertained KU students in the SUB Wednesday evening. The ambient, soulful vocals of Hawk, backed by the sweet yet simple acoustic guitar riffs of Wes Mingus, united to fill the Multipurpose Room with a melodic groove. Thanks to the Student Government Association and the Association of Campus Events, around 50 KU students were introduced to Hawk’s real-life lyrics, amazing vocal strength and deep commitment to college students. Unlike most artists today, Hawk seemed to possess a strong desire to connect with his audience on a personal level. Before the show began, Hawk stationed himself by the Multipurpose Room entrance, taking time to chat with students as they arrived. On stage, Hawk urged his audience to play an active role in the show, encouraging them to ask questions and offer comments between songs. Just listening to Hawk’s lyrics and hearing the passion and emotion in his vocals shows his desire to relate to college students in a positive way. “Can’t Move On,” the first song of the evening, featured rhythmic, up-beat guitar work by Mingus, and gave the crowd a taste of Hawk’s soulful singing style. Almost immediately, the audience caught the vibe of the music and began to clap along. “Someone Beautiful,” Hawk’s second song, was slow paced and featured emotional and thought-provoking lyrics about being dumped by a girlfriend. Several students sang along as Hawk wailed, “’Cause you wanted in me what you’ve seen on TV. You wanted someone, someone beautiful.” Between songs, Hawk dedicated a soulful a capella rendition of “Happy Birthday,” to students Nicole Odom, 20, and Dave Kim, 21, after inviting them on stage. The birthday students remained on stage and joined Hawk in a cover of “My Girl” by the Four Tops. Hawk’s comedic side came out after “My Girl,” when he began telling jokes, making fun of his own songs and striking poses for the photographer. The crowd responded with uproarious laughter. “I Remember You,” written on the topic of recalling a secret crush of the past, and taken from Hawk’s new album, Sunflower, was a highlight of the evening. Hawk encouraged the audience to sing along by starting a contest to see which side of the auditorium could sing the loudest. KU was Hawk’s ninth stop on his tour of college campuses across the country. According to Mingus, the tour began September 1, and will continue until May; they will perform a total of 85 dates. When asked how he and Mingus deal with their hectic touring schedule, Hawk replied, “We just do it. When you love what you do it doesn’t bother you.” Hawk also mentioned the reason behind his new scholarship, “We get to meet so many kids, and I know so many people who are struggling to get through school. I’m just doing what I can to help,” said Hawk. After a few of his own songs, Hawk began to take requests from the audience. The most remarkable in this series was his beautiful a capella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which paid homage to his boyhood days as a singer in a Trenton, NJ church choir. Keeping with the gospel theme, Hawk invited birthday girl Odom back to the stage, where she performed an outstanding a capella solo of “Eye of the Sparrow.” Hawk discovered Odom’s vocal talent while she performed “My Girl.” The final song of the evening, “Raven Wings,” featured funky guitar riffs and the positive lyrics, “I’ll never give up on my life. I’ll never stop dreaming.” Hawk received an overwhelmingly positive response from KU students. “The atmosphere was just cool,” said Heather (Kat) Thomas, an Undeclared freshman. “I like his lyrics, the words that he chose; I can relate to them. He inspired me,” said Priscilla Jessie, freshman, Psychology. “His voice is so powerful,” remarked freshman student Tae, “He touched me.” Hawk also informed his audience of his new scholarship, the Maggie L. Goodwyn Scholarship Fund, which will begin at the end of September. This scholarship is open to all college students and high school seniors in the United States. “I decided to put it (the scholarship) in the name of my aunt,” said Hawk, “she was a very giving individual.” A portion of profits generated from CD sales and Hawk’s tour will be donated to the scholarship fund. For more information about Chinua Hawk and the Maggie L. Goodwyn Scholarship Fund, visit www.chinuahawk.com.
- Keystone

Chinua Hawk spreads soul in the SUBSinger/songwriter entertains and connects with students on a personal level.
By Rita Garwood, The Keystone

Name one musical artist who can inspire you, make you laugh, and offer you a scholarship all during one performance. Give up? His name is Chinua Hawk (pronounced shin-WAH), and he entertained KU students in the SUB Wednesday evening. The ambient, soulful vocals of Hawk, backed by the sweet yet simple acoustic guitar riffs of Wes Mingus, united to fill the Multipurpose Room with a melodic groove. Thanks to the Student Government Association and the Association of Campus Events, around 50 KU students were introduced to Hawk’s real-life lyrics, amazing vocal strength and deep commitment to college students. Unlike most artists today, Hawk seemed to possess a strong desire to connect with his audience on a personal level. Before the show began, Hawk stationed himself by the Multipurpose Room entrance, taking time to chat with students as they arrived. On stage, Hawk urged his audience to play an active role in the show, encouraging them to ask questions and offer comments between songs. Just listening to Hawk’s lyrics and hearing the passion and emotion in his vocals shows his desire to relate to college students in a positive way. “Can’t Move On,” the first song of the evening, featured rhythmic, up-beat guitar work by Mingus, and gave the crowd a taste of Hawk’s soulful singing style. Almost immediately, the audience caught the vibe of the music and began to clap along. “Someone Beautiful,” Hawk’s second song, was slow paced and featured emotional and thought-provoking lyrics about being dumped by a girlfriend. Several students sang along as Hawk wailed, “’Cause you wanted in me what you’ve seen on TV. You wanted someone, someone beautiful.” Between songs, Hawk dedicated a soulful a capella rendition of “Happy Birthday,” to students Nicole Odom, 20, and Dave Kim, 21, after inviting them on stage. The birthday students remained on stage and joined Hawk in a cover of “My Girl” by the Four Tops. Hawk’s comedic side came out after “My Girl,” when he began telling jokes, making fun of his own songs and striking poses for the photographer. The crowd responded with uproarious laughter. “I Remember You,” written on the topic of recalling a secret crush of the past, and taken from Hawk’s new album, Sunflower, was a highlight of the evening. Hawk encouraged the audience to sing along by starting a contest to see which side of the auditorium could sing the loudest. KU was Hawk’s ninth stop on his tour of college campuses across the country. According to Mingus, the tour began September 1, and will continue until May; they will perform a total of 85 dates. When asked how he and Mingus deal with their hectic touring schedule, Hawk replied, “We just do it. When you love what you do it doesn’t bother you.” Hawk also mentioned the reason behind his new scholarship, “We get to meet so many kids, and I know so many people who are struggling to get through school. I’m just doing what I can to help,” said Hawk. After a few of his own songs, Hawk began to take requests from the audience. The most remarkable in this series was his beautiful a capella rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which paid homage to his boyhood days as a singer in a Trenton, NJ church choir. Keeping with the gospel theme, Hawk invited birthday girl Odom back to the stage, where she performed an outstanding a capella solo of “Eye of the Sparrow.” Hawk discovered Odom’s vocal talent while she performed “My Girl.” The final song of the evening, “Raven Wings,” featured funky guitar riffs and the positive lyrics, “I’ll never give up on my life. I’ll never stop dreaming.” Hawk received an overwhelmingly positive response from KU students. “The atmosphere was just cool,” said Heather (Kat) Thomas, an Undeclared freshman. “I like his lyrics, the words that he chose; I can relate to them. He inspired me,” said Priscilla Jessie, freshman, Psychology. “His voice is so powerful,” remarked freshman student Tae, “He touched me.” Hawk also informed his audience of his new scholarship, the Maggie L. Goodwyn Scholarship Fund, which will begin at the end of September. This scholarship is open to all college students and high school seniors in the United States. “I decided to put it (the scholarship) in the name of my aunt,” said Hawk, “she was a very giving individual.” A portion of profits generated from CD sales and Hawk’s tour will be donated to the scholarship fund. For more information about Chinua Hawk and the Maggie L. Goodwyn Scholarship Fund, visit www.chinuahawk.com.
- Keystone