Unveiling My Story: A Personal Journey of Self-Discovery

Long before Hawk-IT Media existed, I was simply someone who loved learning about people and understanding what shaped them into who they are.

I was born and raised in Southern California in a close-knit family with deep roots in my Indian heritage. Growing up between two cultures gave me a unique perspective on the world and taught me to appreciate different traditions, experiences, and ways of thinking. It encouraged me to stay curious, to listen with an open mind, and to recognize that every person's journey is different. Looking back, those early experiences became the foundation of the values I carry with me today.

Like many people who grew up during the 1990s, I found inspiration in movies, television, music, and video games. They weren't simply forms of entertainment—they introduced me to storytelling, sparked my imagination, and showed me how powerful creativity could be. Whether it was a memorable film, a favorite album, or a compelling game, each experience reminded me that stories have the ability to inspire, comfort, challenge perspectives, and connect people from completely different backgrounds.

My childhood, however, was very different from what many people experience.

At a young age, I underwent a kidney transplant, which meant spending much of my childhood in hospitals, doctor's offices, and recovery instead of on playgrounds. While other children were focused on sports or after-school activities, I was learning how to navigate medical appointments, uncertainty, and the realities of living with a serious health condition.

There were moments when I struggled physically, emotionally, and socially. School wasn't always easy, and there were times when I questioned where I fit in. Those experiences often felt isolating, but they also shaped the person I would eventually become.

As difficult as those years were, they taught me lessons that continue to guide my life today. They taught me resilience when life didn't go according to plan, empathy for people facing challenges that aren't always visible, patience during uncertainty, and gratitude for the everyday moments that many people naturally take for granted.

Above all, they taught me one lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life:

Every person carries a story the world may never see.

That realization changed how I view people. It reminded me that behind every smile, every accomplishment, and every creative work is a life filled with experiences, obstacles, sacrifices, and defining moments that often go unnoticed.

As I grew older, I pursued Information Technology and Cybersecurity, believing it was the path I was meant to follow. It was a practical career that offered stability and a clear direction for the future. I dedicated years to learning, growing, and preparing for that profession.

But life had other plans.

When health challenges returned, I found myself stepping away and rethinking everything. It was one of the most difficult periods of my life. Walking away from something I had invested so much time and effort into brought uncertainty, frustration, and countless questions about what my future would look like.

Looking back now, that chapter became an unexpected turning point.

For the first time, I stopped asking myself what career I was supposed to have and instead asked a much more important question:

**What kind of impact do I want to leave on the world?**

The answer always brought me back to creativity.

Photography taught me to slow down and appreciate the beauty hidden in everyday life. Music became far more than something I listened to—it became a source of comfort during difficult times, inspiration during moments of uncertainty, and a reminder that art has the power to bring people together regardless of their background.

Most importantly, meaningful conversations reminded me that simply listening to someone's story can leave a lasting impact.

Those experiences ultimately inspired me to create Hawk-IT Media.

I wanted to build more than just another interview website. I wanted to create a place where artists, musicians, authors, filmmakers, photographers, tattoo artists, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals could share their journeys without being rushed or reduced to promotional sound bites. I wanted readers to discover not only what someone creates, but why they create it and the experiences that shaped their path.

Today, Hawk-IT Media reflects the values that have shaped my own journey: curiosity, empathy, authenticity, respect, and a genuine appreciation for the creative process. Every interview begins with thoughtful research, every question is written with intention, and every conversation is approached with the belief that each guest has something meaningful to share.

For me, Hawk-IT Media has never been about chasing headlines or publishing the quickest interview. It's about creating lasting conversations that preserve the stories behind the art and the people who create it.

My hope is that every interview published here helps readers discover someone new, gain a deeper appreciation for the creative journey, and remember that behind every song, painting, photograph, book, tattoo, film, or business is a person whose story deserves to be heard.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about mine.

Behind the Music: An Exclusive Interview with POET The Band

I had the opportunity to interview Kevin Razlog, the drummer of Poet the Band. Unfortunately, Aiden Taylor Shaw was unable to join us for the discussion. During the interview, we explored Kevin's background, his musical journey, the formation of the band, and his interests outside of music. I believe you will find this an engaging read.

Amit Ahuja: Let’s start at the beginning — tell us about where you grew up. What was your hometown like, and what kind of environment did you call home during your early years? Was it a small, tight-knit community where everyone knew each other, or a lively city full of movement and change? What are some of your fondest memories from growing up there? We’d love to hear about the people, traditions, or everyday moments that helped shape who you are today. How do you think your upbringing and community influenced your perspective on life or the path you eventually chose?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – I grew up in Rochester, Michigan. It was a nice area, good upbringing. I had a tight nit group of friends where we all knew each other, could randomly walk into each other houses without knocking, locking doors etc. I remember riding bikes with my buddies and spending a lot of time outside, playing street hockey, and more. I feel that it directly shaped who I am today and the path I chose. Her, or a lively city full of movement and change?

Amit Ahuja: "Let’s start from the very beginning of each your musical journey—can you recall a specific moment, experience, or influence that first ignited your passion for music? Whether it was a performance, a particular song, a mentor, or even a personal challenge, what was it that made you realize music would become such an important part of your life? How did that defining moment shape the direction you’ve taken since, both creatively and personally, and how has it continued to influence your evolution as an artist?"

Poet The Band:

Kevin – A classmate of mine, his dada had a full recording studio in his basement. I was noodling around on the drums, and his dad told my parents I had natural talent. This led to them buying me my first drum kit that Christmas, when I was around 5 or 6 years old. I was awful for the first couple of years. I eventually got into a band in high school and never looked back.

Amit Ahuja: What initially drew you guys into the post-hardcore and metalcore genres, both in terms of musical composition and visual or aesthetic style?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – I grew up in the MTV era and there were plenty of rock/hard rock bands. Once Korn started getting traction, I think that easily led my path into those genres when bands started really making more music in that genre.

Amit Ahuja: Kevin, what sparked your interest in drumming initially? Were there any drummers you looked up to—whether for their style, energy, or performances—that inspired you to pursue this craft yourself?"

Poet The Band:

Kevin – I took lessons for a few years, and once I started seeing how good I actually was at it, it became infectious. I started off, like most, idolizing Tre from Green Day and Carter from the Dave Matthews Band. I eventually delved into the heavier side of music, and artists like Joey Jordison and Matt Grenier became huge inspirations for me.

Amit Ahuja:

Can you take us back to the beginning of Poet the band? How did the band first come together, and what inspired you to start this journey?

Poet The Band:

Kevin –Aiden and cody had been in bands together over the years. They eventually wanted to start a new project. They eventually enlisted spencer to be the bass player. I randomly messaged Spencer to see what his band was up to. He said not much but I have this new project. He sent me a track, and I instantly became interested. 2 weeks later we were shooting our first music video.

Amit Ahuja: In the process of creating Poet the Band, what inspired the lead singer to blend various musical genres into the band's overall sound, and how did they approach selecting and integrating those different stylistic elements to craft a unique musical identity for the group?"

Poet The Band:

Kevin – Aiden wasn’t really much of a singer up until 2018 he was primarily a screamer. A lot of it came from inspirations of his and what he was comfortable with doing vocally and who he was inspired by as a singer/vocalist.

Amit Ahuja: What was the original vision for your music when you started?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – We really wanted to just play some metalcore style music that had commercial viability while making music that we generally just want to write and record. Over time it’s changed as we have been trying to figure out our overall sound.

Amit Ahuja: Did you have a different name in mind when you first started thinking of the band's name? What made you guys stick with Poet the band?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – We originally just wanted to have just the name Poet, but we couldn’t trademark just the name poet, so we added in The Band.

Amit Ahuja: The name “Poet” instantly sparks curiosity — it’s bold, evocative, and layered with possible meanings. Could you tell us about the origin of this name? What inspired its creation? Was there a defining moment, a conversation, or a particular emotional experience that gave birth to it? Does “Poet” reflect a deeper philosophy or artistic vision — perhaps a narrative thread or emotional core that runs through your music? We’d love to hear how this name came to represent your identity as a band.

Poet The Band:

Kevin – There were a couple of things that tied into it. As artists, we are basically modern-day poets. We leaned pretty heavily into our aesthetic, imagery, and tried to make everything we do have some cohesion. Aiden originally coined it and wanted it to be a poet, but we couldn’t, so we added the band. We are shooting a documentary called Modern Day Poets, and it goes into our journey as a band, and also includes many industry professionals.

Amit Ahuja: How do you see Poet the Band as a reflection of the band’s artistic identity, your journey as musicians, or the themes you aim to explore? Whether it’s about duality, escape, truth, or reinvention, we’d love to hear how this name captures the soul of the band and the vision behind it."

Poet The Band:

Kevin – That is kind of a long winded one and I also don’t want to give away anything that will be coming in the pipeline as well haha. But ultimately when we started we had a specific look, as we’ve grown and progressed as a band that has changed and we have also incorporated other themes/elements whether its our photos, merch table experience and videos. We are going to be doing an entire rebrand for the next album cycle which will have us looking entirely different than anything we’ve done up until this point. POET will have eras/chapters if you will and they will all have something that specifically design/dress and aesthetic wise will make it stand out as this being whatever iteration of the band.

Amit Ahuja: I’d love to dive deeper into the creative and emotional journeys behind some of your songs. Could you share the inspiration, personal stories, or themes that influenced the writing and production of tracks like What were the ideas or experiences that shaped these songs, and what do they mean to you as a band now that they’ve been released and shared with listeners?" (question for the vocalist)

Poet The Band:

Kevin – Obviously, Aiden has taken his trauma from past relationships, which have tied into a number of our songs like Miss Misery and Sin Eater. I Kevin helped with some of the lyrical content in fall for it. I talked about/reflected on a situation where a friend did me very dirty and the process just happened. When we write, particularly when it comes to lyrics/vocals, we have an idea and discuss it. More often than not, Aiden will do the bulk of this on his own and have something ready, bringing it to the table. We will make tweaks as needed but he provides a majority if not 99% of the lyrical compositions and structure. We feel that our songs are very real and relatable to a large audience of people, and for us, the authenticity and genuineness of it is incredibly important.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YYqCxgL7YU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc44EvQdmm4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB_zAb8GtUs

Amit Ahuja: Behind every great track lies a rhythm that shapes its heartbeat. From your perspective as the drummer, can you take us through the journey of these songs? What was the first moment of inspiration—was it sparked by a sudden groove you laid down, a jam session that took a life of its own, or something more unexpected? How did your drumming ideas evolve from those early moments through rehearsals, writing sessions, and finally in the studio? We'd love to hear how your beats helped shape the identity of the track from the ground up."

Poet The Band:

Kevin – So more often than not, when I get the songs, they will have basic drums thrown in to kind of get a vibe/feel. There have been a few instances where I actually like the simple and well-thought-out parts, so I don’t have to do much in that regard. However, a lot of the time I need more going on to appease me mentally and physically. Since I have been playing for so long, I can usually hear exactly what I want in my head, and then hop on the kit and see if it works how I imagined, and then tweak it from there. Sometimes I have had happy accidents where I messed up the beat, but it ended up sounding way cooler than how I originally intended. Our writing style and process is probably more common now than years passed. A lot of bands will program drums, and their drummer will get very little to sometimes no input as they’re writing for the song. Fortunately, in our project I get ultimate say on what I wanna do drum wise. Even if the drums are programmed in and I like the beat, I won't change or deviate from it because I do also want them to fit the song and be what is best for the song and our performance.

Amit Ahuja: If you guys had the incredible opportunity to open for any band or embark on a two-month tour, which artists would you be most excited to travel and perform with—and why?"

Poet The Band:

Kevin – That's a tough one because we have so many bands we love and are huge fans of, and some we are great friends with. Eva Under Fire is one that we’ve known, and I specifically, for a very long time. But The Plot In You, The Word Alive, The Funeral Portrait, Nevertel, Keith Wallen, there are so many out there that would make our day.

Amit Ahuja: What inspires you guys as artists?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – Honestly and it sounds cliché but we are businessmen and artists and they go soo close together hand in hand that both need to be done and done consistently, we are 2 very driven individuals and we see direct results from our hard work so its easy to stay motivated. Ultimately, the kind words and messages we get from people are the cherry on top. Knowing our songs have helped people through run spots in their lives means the world to us.

Amit Ahuja: What insights or recommendations do you have for musicians who face rejection or experience setbacks in their careers? Specifically, how can these artists cope with disappointment and use those challenges as stepping stones for future growth?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – That is going to be a constant, not only in music but in life in general. The best thing you can do is take a step back and look at things objectively, and see where you can make improvements. Also understand that the internet is chalk full of haters, so if you’re getting hate, a lot of it will be from jealousy and the fact, you’re doing things many wish that they could. Take the disappointment and use it as motivation to do better on the next song, following its release, the next music video, and the next show, etc. Having a good team of people around you is paramount, and ensuring you align your goals correctly and realistically is crucial.

Amit Ahuja:

Is there a message that each of you hopes fans take away from listening to your music, or do you prefer to leave it open to individual interpretation?"

Poet The Band:

Kevin – 100% on both, really. We don’t need people to take what we say lyrically and think, 'They had to have had this same experience,' because our lyrics can invoke emotions on a variety of levels. If they interpret it differently than how we wrote it, that’s perfectly ok. Music is often subjective, and simply finding a way to connect with someone is special.

Amit Ahuja: What do you do to connect emotionally with the audience during a performance?

Poet The Band: Kevin – We arent just on stage to play music, we are performing. Getting the crowd engaged is paramount to standing out from the sea of tens of thousands of bands out there. Aiden has little monologues that talk about some of the songs that do well, the intro for Miss Misery I get the crowd clapping along with me. Little things like that go along way to have it be special and not just us on stage playing music. More importantly, we are always at our merch table the entire show for pictures, autographs, or to chat with the fans. We have an antique journal with a quill for everyone to sign, which is a huge hit. Most people have never written with a quill so it’s a great interaction and ice breaker for a lot of people especially those who are nervous or reserved in social situations.

Amit Ahuja: Who are three individuals for each of you who have had a significant impact on your life—personally or professionally—and how have they influenced your journey?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – For me, I’d say Josh Balz is one of both personally and professionally, as he’s been incredibly supportive of us and me as an individual. Someone who has gained the amount of experience in the music industry he has has been incredibly eye-opening and beneficial for us—Amanda from Eva Under Fire. I’ve known them for a long time, and I was also their booking agent from the day that project started until they got signed. I’m still very good friends and we talk constantly. Having someone go through that journey and still be the same friend as they were when they weren’t a huge popular band is special. They’re also always in our corner and help with questions and things we have. Lastly as I noted above I was a giant Tre Cool fan growing up. Last year when I was in vegas he actually flagged me down (I was wearing an SJC custom drums hoodie whom he was an SJC drummer for). He walked up to me, shook my hand, and was just such a genuine nice guy. We chatted for a bit and it was just such a full circle moment of learning songs from Dookie and then 20+ years later meeting him and him just being an amazing person. I got a lot of my chops because of him as a drummer and his style of playing.

Amit Ahuja: What kinds of TV shows, movies, books, or podcasts do you all connect with—and what is it about them that draws you in? Is it the storytelling, character development, the themes they explore, or just the overall craft?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – I love Joe Rogan's podcast, murder mystery stuff, automotive, and obviously anything music industry related. As for TV shows, The Office, Bob's Burgers, and Archer. We are often very busy with band activities, so we don’t have tons of time to dedicate to them, but it's always good and healthy to shut your brain off for a bit and decompress.

Amit Ahuja: How do you all define happiness in your life, and how does that connect to your vision of success?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – Aiden and I both agree that if we can perform at the level we want and be able to cover our bills and survive, that is the ultimate goal for us as a band and business. We believe so much in this project that we dedicate our lives day in and day out to it.

Amit Ahuja: "Are there any particular hobbies, passions, or interests outside of your guys involvement with music that really energize or excites you all—things that you love to spend time on or that bring you a sense of purpose or joy when you're not immersed in your musical pursuits?"

Poet The Band:

Kevin – We are both gamers so we def like to try and get some gaming sessions in when we can. When I had more time on my hands, I would get cars from copart and fix them up. I love disc golf and try to do as much outdoor activity as I can, enjoying the fresh air and nature. It's good to try and switch up the routine as well, and then when you get back to the music, you feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Amit Ahuja: Can you guys share your personal experiences with mental health challenges? What coping strategies, tools, or support systems have helped you most? Additionally, what advice or insights would you offer to others your age who might be going through similar struggles?"

Poet The Band: Kevin – We have both struggled with depression, relationship troubles, death etc. Firstly, and most importantly, is having any sort of support system. Whether that’s a family friend, a friend, or someone on the internet, you can reach out to. One thing we do and pride ourselves on is we do our very best to reply to every single comment, message etc., because we know there are people out there who reached out to us because they were in a dark place, and me spending 30-40 minutes chatting with them helped. There are obviously help lines and resources available. Still, more importantly, I feel that most people just want to be heard, especially when they’re dealing with something traumatic or if they’re genuinely struggling. If you’re feeling any way and need someone to talk to, POET The Band is always around!

Amit Ahuja: What message would you share with humanity if you had the world’s attention for five minutes?

Poet The Band:

Kevin – The world can be a dark and cruel place, but there are many of us out there who are good and genuine people. Try to associate with people who build you up, not break you down. Mental happiness is the best currency, and no amount of money can change that. Yes, being able to survive and pay your bills is obviously paramount; we struggle there too, but enjoying your life is something that is special, and I don’t think enough people out there are actually enjoying their lives more often than not. Being a slave to the machine is tough and tough on all of us.

Amit Ahuja: "Do you have any upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations you're excited about? I'd love to hear what you're most looking forward to!"

Poet The Band:

Kevin – Right now, we've taken this year to do festivals and work on our new music exclusively. We spent the last two years releasing two EPs, eleven music videos, and three tours that took us across most of the US. We are using this time to prepare for the next cycle. Honestly, we are most excited about the new music; we think it’s the best we’ve ever written and want to continue showing our fans the best stuff we can.

Amit Ahuja: Any parting thoughts or final words you'd like to leave us with?

Kevin – Mainly want to say thank you for reaching out to us, apologies for it taking longer to get back to you. We appreciate your interest and the time you took to come up with such in-depth and detailed questions, which allowed us to dive deeper into who we are as a band and as individuals. Look forward to your continued success and seeing you grow!

Amit Ahuja: Thank you So Much, Kevin Razlog from Poet The band, for sharing your story with us!

Please explore the following links to follow the band and listen to their music:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/poettheband/

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@poettheband?lang=en

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Mu1zqpBdIct4HIGRZ95cG

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@poettheband

*** Unless otherwise specified, photos & videos are by Poet the Band.***

Behind the Music: An Exclusive Interview with Addy Walker from Halfway Home

Band members from left to right: Luke Quincey, Aarron Beveridge, Kat Gough, Addy Walker, Chris Mackender, Stu Potter.

I conducted an interview with Addy Walker, the lead singer of Halfway Home, in which we explored his upbringing, his musical journey, his band, and various other topics. I trust you will find this engaging.

Amit Ahuja: Let’s start at the beginning — tell us about where you grew up. What was your hometown like, and what kind of environment did you call home during your early years?

Addy Walker: I've spent the majority of my life living in and around the Buckinghamshire area, just a little northwest of London, England. Although life could be a bit hectic, I really enjoyed growing up in an area with so many people, especially through my teenage years. It felt like new connections and friendships were being made every time you went out, especially in the tribalistic alternative groups I spent time in. I have fond memories of hundreds of socially awkward, strangely dressed teenagers sat huddled around portable speakers in parks until the early hours of the morning or catching trains and buses to London and Oxford to see larger bands or the many smaller bands of friends and idols who would play in the local area. I was so blessed to see so much live music in my hometown growing up.

Amit Ahuja:  Let’s start from the very beginning of your musical journey—can you recall a specific moment, experience, or influence that first ignited your passion for music?

Addy Walker: I think a massive moment for me was realizing how young or small scale you could play in a band. My father idolized bands, I think they may be the only thing he did. Seeking his approval, whether consciously or subconsciously, my brother and I both showed great interest in music appreciation and creation. However, I remember being at a Christmas assembly at my school at age 11, I was still finding my feet musically. I remember this boy called Luke Quincey, in the year above me, took to the stage with a drummer and a bassist while he stood there with guitar and microphone. He waited so patiently for our music teacher to give him the okay and then the obnoxious instant chords of Green Day's ‘Holiday’ rang out with an impressive clear yet gritty voice. Not only had I never heard it before but seeing him play in front of everyone with such clarity and passion was inspiring. I would never have told him this, my ego was far too strong at this point, but seeing that made me realize you didn't have to be a successful famous musician to make an impact because I was desperate to be him. As time went on I would later battle it out to share music room spaces etc. and never quite managed to make a connection in school with him even after idolizing him so much, although maybe this wouldn't have been the best. Later in life I somehow convinced him to bring his talents to my current music project Halfway Home, and I promise you my inner child is absolutely beaming.

Amit Ahuja: What initially drew you into the post-hardcore and metalcore genres, both in terms of musical composition and visual or aesthetic style?

Addy Walker: As a listener I think these genres redefine extremes of music while still being very much in the place of representing human emotion. To me there's nothing musically lighter and more calming than the beautiful stripped back acoustic bridge after having just come out of a thick textured crushing chorus. The opposite side being that to me heaviness also comes from these opposites and polarity so if I want to hear something that feels huge, unfiltered and rage-filled or powerful, to maximize this effect it has to come after something climactic, calm and dissimilar to have a real impact. This paired with a lot of the emotional honesty that comes in much of Metalcore and Post-hardcore speaks worlds to me.

Amit Ahuja: What first drew you to becoming a vocalist?

Addy Walker: I had spent time being a bassist in a few bands and after some previous experience always been asked to sing clean vocals as well. From early gigs I loved that feeling of connection with the crowd, watching them build up into a frenzy or sometimes wishing they would as they stood motionless made me want that freedom to frontman, and (with no disrespect to Fall Out Boy) being the front man bassist didn't seem viable. When a former project ended, I started looking not only at available bassist positions but also singing roles and ended up singing for a pop-punk band One State Drive which would start my learning curve and realization of how different it is singing lead to anything I had done before.

Amit Ahuja: Who were your earliest musical influences, both vocally and stylistically?

Addy Walker: I've loved Alkaline Trio from the first moments I heard those edgy pained lyrics, and I still hear them in my writing. Senses Fail were a huge part of my childhood too. More recently there's no doubt that I take a lot of inspiration from Rou Reynolds of Enter Shikari, Frank Lopez aka Hobo Johnson and the more modern lyricism of Oli Sykes, Bring Me The Horizon.

Photo Credit: Mortalmediauk

Amit Ahuja: Did you take any formal vocal training, or are you naturally gifted with your singing ability? How did you develop your voice over time?

Addy Walker: I went to a theatre school from the age of 3 for 12 years and became a teacher there from the age of 15. My background in singing was originally firmly rooted in musical theatre with the occasional dive into a cappella choir ensembles. This was essential especially when struggling with voice changes through puberty, something I think puts many people off singing forever. Transferring this into a live context with close drums and loud PAs was a horrible experience that I really struggled with but there is no doubt it gave me a great foundation and confidence in regards to singing.

Amit Ahuja: Are there any songs or artists that have personally resonated with you and inspired your journey into learning music and starting this band?

Addy Walker: can remember desperately trying to learn bass and realizing one of my favorite bands, Rise Against, had the simplest bass tabs for most of their music. This was like opening a whole world. I would sit there and play album after album. With hindsight, it's a huge testament to RA bassist Joe Principe, as you can see his technical ability shine through from time to time, but for the most part, he seems far more interested in serving the song and bringing weight to its progression. I know I grew up and still exist around a lot of people who viewed technical difficulty in writing as a source of inspiration, and although I loved the techy sweeps of bands like Born of Osiris, I never understood the constant push for more speed, more notes.

Amit Ahuja:  Can you take us back to the beginning of Halfway Home? How did the band first come together, and what inspired you to start this journey?

Addy Walker: In my previous project, One State Drive, towards the end I had written some songs that were quite personal to me and started to get that catharsis that comes from putting your soul into a piece of music. As the COVID lockdowns hit, I found myself lacking an outlet, lacking social connection of anything more than work. Myself and our guitarist Stu, who I had previously played bass in a band with, started writing separately and sending each other demos to write and shape around. It started out as a sort of techy sad boy pop punk sound. Before we knew it, we had ten demos in our hands and realized it was time to start bringing other people in, rewriting them and adding more to create what would end up being our first EP, Autumn.

Amit Ahuja: What was the original vision for your music when you started?

Addy Walker: I think we were just desperate to have a few songs we had written recorded to a high standard. We didn't care about shows, listens, videos—any of it. We just wanted a group to write with and enjoy. Those sessions were amazing, sat around in the space halfway between social and just hanging out. The original idea was to write a pop punk record, and as we wrote, it felt like storytelling. I remember Stu (guitarist) telling me there was a clear beginning and end in our demos, an emotional progression, and he wanted to know where it was leading. Somewhere towards the end of the EP writing process is where we realized that we wanted to be diverse and versatile and that, using this story narrative, we could change our sound with each release, with the closer to Autumn referencing the call of depression and colder and darker things to come.

Amit Ahuja: Did you have a different name when you first started thinking of the band name? What made you guys stick with Halfway Home?

Addy Walker: Names are tough. There was discussion and suggestion of many different names for a vote, but when Halfway Home cropped up, it felt fitting and nostalgic.

Amit Ahuja: The name Halfway Home is striking and full of meaning. Can you share the story behind it? What inspired the name, and how does it capture the band’s identity or vision?

Addy Walker: Names gather meaning with time, as I feel ours has to us. I think our music is deeply introspective and at times painful, however Halfway Home is a sort of juxtaposition. I feel it implies that home or salvation is still achievable through work, that progress has been made and that there is always something to be hopeful for. That said, emotional stability and happiness isn't a tick box. You can't just have it and own it and keep it. You always have to keep working and pushing for it. Halfway Home is telling that journey of trying to reach contentment, even if the goal isn't truly attainable.

Amit Ahuja: As the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the band, could you share the key sources of your lyrical inspiration?

Addy Walker: Every song we have written has been very much from personal experiences. Although sometimes it may be put through metaphorical lenses, there is always a direct, simple human story, statement, memory or feeling behind each. I'm quite lucky, at least for now, when it comes to writing. I will often be mid-task, conversation or sleep and find a lyric drop into my head about a situation or memory and note it down. I will then build out these words over time and over a musical structure to try and create a larger picture or narrative. For the most part, I do this over music, but occasionally we have switched this round.

Amit Ahuja: Could you share the inspiration, personal stories, or themes that influenced the writing and production of tracks like Dreamwake, Leeches, Ego Death, and Denbigh Road? What were the ideas or experiences that shaped these songs?

Addy Walker: Dreamawake was a surreal one. Eighty percent of the lyrics were written in the de-escalation of a panic attack. After having never suffered with anxiety for most of my life, I felt my first panic attack at 25 and had quite a few more after this point. Dreamawake is willing yourself to find beauty in terror and to be stronger for your own sake and the sake of others.

Addy Walker: Leeches is probably the coldest song we've released lyrically. It delves a bit too deep for frank open discussion, but its basic root is seeking validation for yourself in anyone you can find in times of low self-worth. It has a sort of sinister, sordid feeling to it that I think starts the progression of Winter well.

https://youtu.be/x7NEwU1Y6jM?si=gBhudv9t_tydhxBh

Addy Walker: Ego Death was written purely as the outro poem in the song originally and built from there. Ego Death is understanding that we all have pain, and all suffer and that my suffering is no greater than anyone else's. It tells a story of how I searched for dissolution of my ego in many things with no luck. I was desperate for change, and what I truly needed was the depths of depression to see just how beautiful the world is when you manage to step across that boundary to the other side. I'm happy to say I'm in a much better place now.

Addy Walker: Denbigh Road is written like a love song, but it's anything but one. It speaks on our childish need to validate relationships that may not be good for us. Denbigh Road is focusing on a lost life, a honeymoon phase and a person lost.

https://youtu.be/8ypLMviBUBo?si=9Cf2ayPI-SAabFpY

Amit Ahuja: If you had the incredible opportunity to open for any band or embark on a two-month tour, which artists would you be most excited to travel and perform with—and why?

Addy Walker: It may sound cheesy, but we already feel so lucky with the opportunities we have. The quality we've seen in bands we play with is astounding, with some of our favourite artists being ones we get the honor of playing with. This being said, being the ultimate fan boy, should Enter Shikari ever be willing to give us a 10 a.m. opener slot…be it mainstage, outside, or in the toilets, we are 100 percent in.

Amit Ahuja: What inspires you as an artist?

Addy Walker: I would say I'm inspired by storytelling and catharsis in music. I enjoy sharing and finding common ground with musical writers.

Amit Ahuja: What insights or recommendations do you have for musicians who face rejection or experience setbacks in their careers?

Addy Walker: There is no growth without rejection, it's a huge part of the deal. Sometimes it's about reminding yourself what you aspire to. If your aspirations are sold-out world tours and mansions, I respect that, but be ready for a lot of failure. My aspirations personally are to feel growth and challenge in writing and performing.

Amit Ahuja: When you create music, does it feel more like a form of release, a journey of self-discovery, or a confrontation with something deeper inside you?

Addy Walker: All three are most definitely at work. There is usually an initial phase of struggle to decide where you are going, what you want to capture, and then it just starts to free flow. Soon enough, it feels like therapy but in the most fun way imaginable.

Amit Ahuja: Is there a message you hope fans walk away with after listening to your music, or do you prefer to leave it open to interpretation?

Addy Walker: I think it's dependent on the song or discography, but I suppose the main thing I would want people to walk away with is understanding and compassion. You don't have to love or like everyone on this planet, but a bit of empathy can go a long way.

Amit Ahuja: What do you do to connect emotionally with the audience during a performance?

Addy Walker: We've been lucky to play some amazing shows to some great crowds. I think that freedom of expression is so good to see. I love the pits, I love the dancers, those who know the words and shout, and the people who stand further back and raise their hands. Having people there to witness feels like a connection in itself.

Amit Ahuja: Is there a particular song that’s especially meaningful for you to perform?

Addy Walker: We have only performed it once at this time, but playing Ego Death for the first time was beautiful and humbling. After a while, songs can become words, practised and rehearsed, and that one just came flooding back. It felt a bit embarrassing, but it was important and powerful, and I was thankful for the opportunity to share my feelings.

Amit Ahuja: Have you ever had to push through a show with vocal issues? How did you manage it?

Addy Walker: Many times! I'm both lucky and unfortunate enough to be a music and singing teacher and use my voice all day every day, so if illness hits at the wrong time, it can be really bad. I'm very lucky to have multiple outstanding singers in my band who will fill in a little bit. We end up pushing through with everything just sounding a bit more harsh. The screaming doesn't suffer too much, but calm, clear singing certainly becomes a very different soundscape.

Amit Ahuja: What’s one vocal challenge you still want to tackle?

Addy Walker: I would love to be able to falsetto comfortably on stage. I think one thing I vastly underestimated about bands and vocalists is how different it is. I've sung on large theatre stages, open-air festivals, etc., but nothing prepares you for singing next to a full drum kit and a roaring PA and not just shouting yourself hoarse in five minutes.

Amit Ahuja: Where do you see the band heading musically over the next few years?

Addy Walker: This is the question. We are just getting started on our next large release Spring, which will follow a few singles already written. This is still very much cooking, but it will certainly be a contrast to our previous releases.

Amit Ahuja: I would love to hear about any exciting projects, tours, or collaborations you have on the horizon! What are you looking forward to the most?

Addy Walker: We have some great collaborative singles very close on the horizon that we are very proud of. We are really excited to get them out there and perform them towards the end of the year before 2026 brings a new phase.

Amit Ahuja: Who are three individuals who have had a significant impact on your life—personally or professionally—and how have they influenced your journey?

Addy Walker: My Mother – One of the most positive people you could ever hope to meet, forever supportive and has always stood by me in hard times. Those who know my lyrics may have noticed I don't shut up about her.

Addy Walker: My Son – Not only is my son (six years old) such a whirlwind of fun and energy, but he is also more empathetic, loving and understanding than I could ever have imagined. I remember feeling great guilt in the first few months of fatherhood. Work and effort came easily, but love didn't appear straight away, which ate away at me. But with time, I grew to love him more than anything I could have ever imagined. In turn, as a little mini me, he has taught me that some of the things I was analytical of or disliked in myself are ridiculous, and to be more forgiving of myself.

Addy Walker: Stu (Guitarist) – A rock and a pinnacle for so long, through early days at 17 years old playing questionable shows to now pouring love and craft into music I am so proud of. For all the times he's stood by me as someone to confide in and give you raw, unfiltered honesty, I am eternally thankful.

Amit Ahuja: What kinds of TV shows, movies, books, or podcasts do you all connect with—and what is it about them that draws you in? Is it the storytelling, character development, the themes they explore, or just the overall craft?

Addy Walker: TV shows – I love a good serious drama with great character development, although you can always catch me spamming some Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Addy Walker: Movies – I love a psychological thriller. I want to question existence.

Addy Walker: Literature – I'm a fan of classic texts and historic fiction or analytics. I will confess this is for selfish lyrical interpretation and inspiration mostly.

Amit Ahuja: How do you define happiness in your life, and how does that connect to your vision of success?

Addy Walker: I derive happiness from socializing and sharing time with my friends, family, co-workers and anyone who wants to chat. My vision of success is a space to be comfortable with these people, a garden for my dog and to grow things, and free time to express myself. There are many other things I would love to achieve and try, but I truly believe this is what I want in life and I'm comfortable with these aspirations.

Amit Ahuja: Are there any particular hobbies, passions, or interests outside of your involvement with music that really energize or excite you—things that you love to spend time on or that bring you a sense of purpose or joy when you're not immersed in your musical pursuits?

Addy Walker: Music takes up pretty much all of my hobby time, but I love hiking, water sports, travelling and cooking.

Amit Ahuja: Can you share your personal experiences with mental health challenges? What coping strategies, tools, or support systems have helped you most? Additionally, what advice or insights would you offer to others your age who might be going through similar struggles?"

Addy Walker: Working in the profession I do makes it difficult to be completely open and honest here. What I will say is that there are many amazing people in this world who may have had similar experiences to you, who are happy to be leaned on. Just remember that support needs to go both ways to ever be truly effective. If you want to find true love and compassion, you must be willing to show it.

Amit Ahuja: What message would you share with humanity if you had the world’s attention for five minutes?

Addy Walker: Humanity has many outstanding qualities that are seen in no other species. We hail ourselves for our ingenuity, our intelligence and our strength. However, at times the same individual needs and wants that drive us cause us to be self-centered. One of our greatest gifts is that of compassion, and our intelligence allows for great understanding. If suffering is a window to better things, how can we help others through that window? The world's people, creatures and all living things deserve our compassion.

Amit Ahuja: Thank You So Much Addy Walker from Halfway Home for sharing your story with us.

Photo Credit: alien8n.co.uk

Kindly explore Addy Walker's band, "Halfway Home." You can find all related links through the Linktree provided below.

https://linktr.ee/HalfwayHomeBand?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadYkjLZvID3NuzWdl0EXSrXON3SKIUT_VzpoPEnHHJUioTQnEpHT6b6YGZOsA_aem_laAtlGJn94TyJ7xivPGf-Q

***Photo credit is attributed to Mortalmediauk and Alien8n.co.uk. Video credit is attributed to Halfway Home, unless otherwise noted.***