Wildcat Hawkins explores new musical frontiers with "Pre-Copernican"
Wildcat Hawkins’ 2021 album Pre-Copernican marks a striking departure from his usual acoustic piano-driven compositions, showcasing his versatility and passion for sonic exploration. This time around, Hawkins dives headfirst into the world of hip-hop, blending his innate melodic sensibilities with beats that are fresh, upbeat, and remarkably well-produced. It's a bold move, but one that pays off, giving listeners an infectious, genre-bending experience that reflects Hawkins’ adventurous spirit.
Pre-Copernican is a record born out of collaboration, and two features in particular stand out: Justice Son and Oceans. Both bring unique energy to the album, complementing Hawkins’ production style with their own flavors. During our interview, Hawkins shared insights into how the project came together, emphasizing the organic, almost serendipitous nature of these partnerships. Justice Son’s contribution adds a gritty edge to the record, while Oceans infuses the tracks with a smoother, more melodic flow. Hawkins described the creative process as collaborative in the truest sense, with all parties pushing each other to innovate and experiment with the sound.
At its core, Pre-Copernican is a celebration of musical freedom. The production is intricate yet fun, with Hawkins blending diverse influences and textures. While the album might be an outlier in his discography, it doesn’t feel disconnected—it’s simply another side of the artist. Tracks like "Can’t Stop It With You" and "Beetz" highlight Hawkins’ knack for building atmospheric soundscapes, while tracks with Justice Son and Oceans bring that raw, modern hip-hop vibe to the forefront.
The title Pre-Copernican suggests a world before the revolution of thought, which feels fitting for this record. Hawkins explores new creative territory as if discovering the universe from a different perspective—before any preconceived notions about his own sound. The upbeat nature of the album contrasts with the introspective elements often found in his earlier work, showing that Hawkins is not afraid to evolve.
This album captures the essence of artistic growth and reminds us that sometimes, stepping into the unknown is exactly what an artist needs to find new creative heights. We hope he makes a return to this sound in the future, but if not, it’s nice knowing that there’s something as exotic and free thinking as this one! You can listen, follow along, watch the music video, and of course stay tuned for more because there’s truly always something in the works.
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