Hawkins Rise began in the late winter of 1999, by way of a chance meeting between Singers/Guitarists Dan Simpson and Joey Magnanti. In all actuality the chance meeting, was more of a reunion of sorts as Dan and Joey had been friends throughout their elementary and high school years. However, like friends often do, they went their separate ways. Previous to their meeting again in 1999, Dan was keeping busy writing and recording while Joey was playing in various bands and partaking in several music projects. It would be years later, when they saw each other online and Dan suggested they meet to discuss starting what would ultimately become Hawkins Rise. Dan had some sample recordings he had done in his basement and shared them with Joey. Joey was impressed and they both believed they could work together, record some arrangements, and start an original working band.

A vision and musical recipe was founded on this very day. Dan and Joey had the vision and idea to start an original band, focused heavily on strong song writing, mixed in with vocal harmony, and solid bass lines, wrapped in a layer of solid percussion. This first chance meeting was in November of 1999, and by December, Dan and Joey had original material they were showing to another friend from high school, Joe Grasso (Drums) who in turn brought down a Bass player named Mark Dabeck. This quartet, which adopted the name Hawkins Rise; began writing material and working diligently to establish a sound that has been said by fans and media to be born out of music of yesteryear additionally served with indie rock flair of respected millennium artists.

Hawkins Rise spent 1999 – 2005 playing scattered shows throughout the East Coast, landing regular appearances and developing a faithful following of fans and friends. In 2003, after several dedicated and enjoyable years, Mark Dabeck announced he was leaving the band to pursue other ventures. Several bass players played sporadically with Hawkins Rise until once again a chance meeting, would position Hawkins Rise with some new and vibrant talent.

Chris Simpson and Dan Simpson had been close cousins in their youth, but lost contact as the years went by. As chance would have it, at a family wedding, Chris and Dan met once again where Chris disclosed he had taken up bass guitar. Chris was excited to accept Dan’s offer and join Hawkins Rise. Chris instantly became a stronghold within Hawkins Rise writing solid and inventive bass lines and contributing to the layers of vocal harmonies that Hawkins Rise has since, become known for.

In 2005, Hawkins Rise began recording their debut album “What we’re like and who we’ve turned out to be”. The album which fans have nicknamed “What we’re like” consists of Hawkins Rise 1999 to 2005 original material. The band instantly began playing shows and promoting the album upon its release in 2006. The 2006 Northeast and East Coast shows found Hawkins Rise in cities and venues from Buffalo, New York to Nashua New Hampshire, and cities in between and outside of the Northeast. Hawkins Rise began receiving some decent and positive press from East Coast media and publicity outlets. Tracks from “What we’re like” had begun to be played on several indie rock shows, from local east coast radio. By the start of 2007, Hawkins Rise kept strong with appearances along the east coast and north east, regularly playing NYC, Hartford, Providence, Boston, Nashua, and beyond.

In late 2007, eight year Hawkins Rise drummer Joe Grasso announced he was leaving the band to pursue other ventures. Joe’s dedication was and still is appreciated and will always be part of the starting foundation of Hawkins Rise.

With this, Dan, Joey, and Chris without question, agreed that Hawkins Rise would continue to tour and release albums. The search for the right drummer that could share in this vision would bring in “Tomm” Gamache. Tomm answered an advertisement to audition for Hawkins Rise, and first made his introduction by attending one of the Hawkins Rise shows in Southern Rhode Island. The meeting sparked good conversation, and impressed Dan, Joey, and Chris. Tomm was excited to audition, and a few weeks later came in to a 5 hour rehearsal that seemed to go by in one hour. Tomm’s solid and inventive drumming mixed in with his creative energy on that first meeting sealed his position with Hawkins Rise and continues to manifest at live appearances.

Since late 1999, Hawkins Rise has been playing shows on the East Coast, Northeast and beyond, receiving positive press, and recorded a debut album with plans to continue recording and producing more albums.

Their indie pop/rock flair, mixed with gorgeous vocal harmonies and the solid grooves inspired by artists of yesteryear has earned Hawkins Rise an ability to stand out as a truly original sounding band that will leave you singing along to choruses, humming catchy refrains, and wanting to hear more.