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.

THE BAND

AdamAdam is also a member of David Cronenberg's Wife and the frequently misspelt Tojamura 7. He plays a key role in our video for Johnny... — **Adam**
Adam is also a member of David Cronenberg's Wife and the frequently misspelt Tojamura 7. He plays a key role in our video for Johnny...

ChrisChris used to be a member of the seminal (to him at least) band the Laughing Pines. He is very much the ideas man of the Awkward Silences, even if some of those ideas are more realistic than others. — **Chris**
Chris used to be a member of the seminal (to him at least) band the Laughing Pines. He is very much the ideas man of the Awkward Silences, even if some of those ideas are more realistic than others.

JeremyJeremy joined the Awkward Silences after seeing them play the Latitude Festival. After Paul, he has the most songwriting credits of anyone in the band. — **Jeremy**
Jeremy joined the Awkward Silences after seeing them play the Latitude Festival. After Paul, he has the most songwriting credits of anyone in the band.

MaryAlso a member of Awkward Silences offshoot the Count of Chateau Noir, Mary's favourite interests include horrible things and Disney princesses. She is studying for a PhD in Statistics. — **Mary**
Also a member of Awkward Silences offshoot the Count of Chateau Noir, Mary's favourite interests include horrible things and Disney princesses. She is studying for a PhD in Statistics.

PaulPaul is the founder member of the Awkward Silences, as well as the Head of Volunteering and Skills Development at the charity Attitude is Everything. You can read more about his story here. — **Paul**
Paul is the founder member of the Awkward Silences, as well as the Head of Volunteering and Skills Development at the charity Attitude is Everything. You can read more about his story here.

StuStu is a longstanding member of underground cult favourites David Cronenberg's Wife and also plays with Adam in Tojamura 7 — **Stu**
Stu is a longstanding member of underground cult favourites David Cronenberg's Wife and also plays with Adam in Tojamura 7