Paul Hawkins & Thee Awkward Silences

For post 2015-albums, see The Awkward Silences: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zFOuOyIhDi4PPRbGXFygc?si=78HXYjRjTGaglMHX26kiPQ

Led by songwriter, author and disability campaigner Paul Hawkins, The Awkward Silences combine cleverly off-kilter Daniel Johnston-esque pop songs with energetic and inspired live performances pitched somewhere between Ian Dury, Iggy Pop and the Flaming Lips.
Having cut their teeth at the infamous Blang nights at the 12 Bar Club back in the late 00’s, The Awkward Silences built up a dedicated following amongst the ​UK Antifolk​ Scene before taking on the mainstream with regular BBC Radio 1 & 6 Music airplay and festival slots up and down the country.

More recently, Hawkins has been in the music press for his work with disability charity ​Attitude Is Everything ​and their new initiative ​Beyond The Music​, aimed at improving employment opportunities for Deaf and disabled people in the music industry. As a disabled musician himself, Hawkins is passionate about improving access for deaf and disabled performers, gig-goers and professionals. All Awkward Silences self-promoted gigs have captioned lyrics for anyone who can't hear them.