Emma Caroline Brown
Editor-in-Chief
After beginning work on an album in 2016, re-recording in 2018 and fleshing out some songs in 2021, the Columbus band Whitehawk will be officially releasing its debut album on May 2.
The band, made up of Alec Hawkins, Jenny LeBlanc and Max Hartleroad, all Columbus locals, has recorded their album using analog technology to capture the warmth of retro recording while also being able to offer the chance to own the album on cassette.
Hawkins attributes this recording process to Hartleroad’s love for analog tech, which Hartleroad also utilizes for music, photography and filming performances or music videos. Hawkins says that Hartleroad going the extra mile in the recording process makes a huge difference in how Whitehawk sounds.
“Max has always been super pro-analog, and then I show up with the digital stuff, and then we are sometimes doing both,” Hawkins said. “I think we work really well with the difference in what we think will make the process go smoothly or better, and when we come together, it’s good, and we have found how to operate.”
Whitehawk performing at a Nu Haus house show in Columbus.
Photo by Neely Hartleroad
The band describes its sound as psych folk filled with jams and ballads that evoke hippie sounds mixed with modern takes. LeBlanc’s songwriting ability, mixed with Hartleroad’s musical decisions and Hawkins’ artistic vision, gives the sound an edge while maintaining upbeat instrumentals.
“I hesitate to say folk, but I do like to write songs that have a story to them,” LeBlanc said. “Most of the time it’s fun and then dark at the same time.”
Songs on the album, such as “Devil May Care,” “Little Clementine” and “December Song,” show the band’s ability to jump from slower tunes that sound like the grungy part of the 1960s, such as The Velvet Underground and Nico, to faster, more upbeat songs that echo 1960s pop rock like The Beach Boys.
Before they made music together, the trio started as friends frequenting local house shows, jam sessions and hangouts where they were inspired to start making their own music. Hawkins and LeBlanc had been friends for years and their paths overlapped with Hartleroad’s since he was 12 years old.
“We all went well together even way back when because we were all around each other,” Hartleroad said. “My grandmother taught Jenny in preschool, and my brother and Alec’s sister were in the same grade — we’ve just felt comfortable around each other for a long time.”
Hawkins, LeBlanc and Hartleroad all agree that their friendship and influence on each other drive Whitehawk to create music and play in the local music scene, which is filled with other long-time friends who have watched the band come together, grow and begin creating original songs.
Whitehawk performs at Munson Brothers for a debut single release.
Photo by Emma Caroline
Whitehawk’s 10-track debut album will be available on Spotify, Bandcamp and on cassette. If you would like to purchase a cassette, message @WhitehawkMS on Instagram to check availability. The band’s debut single, ‘December Song,’ is available to stream now on Spotify, Bandcamp and YouTube.
Follow Whitehawk on Instagram (@WhitehawkMS) and Facebook (@Whitehawktheband) to stay updated on the band’s releases and show announcements.