DOMI HAWKEN – “THE MOMENT I NEED YOU THE MOST”
A SPILL EXCLUSIVE VIDEO PREMIERE
Fresh from the success of her debut EP Sociable Pariah, London’s dark rock poet Domi Hawken returns with a haunting exploration of obsession in “The Moment I Need You Most” the first insight into her sophomore EP Water and The Wine.
Unravelling like a psychological thriller, the track weaves between moments of desperate longing and frenzied obsession, all while showcasing her signature blend of punk swagger and folk storytelling. Drawing from a rich tapestry of influences ranging from Leonard Cohen’s poetic introspection to Led Zeppelin’s raw energy, her latest offering showcases her ability to craft narratives that transcend simple heartbreak, instead exploring the darker corners of human psychology. “To me, the song is unhinged,” Hawken reveals with characteristic frankness. “It isn’t about pining over someone you’re in a relationship with – the protagonist is desperate, maybe the person she’s singing about barely knows her, their relationship being completely overblown in her mind.”
The production mirrors this descent into fixation, building from deceptively calm verses to frantic crescendos, punctuated by moments of stark silence that feel like gasps for air. Accompanied by a self-directed music video shot on VHS, Hawken creates a deliberately jarring visual experience that amplifies the track’s unsettling narrative. “I wanted the music and the video to reflect this: the idea of being unstable, dramatic, almost going crazy with this scenario she’s created purely in her imagination,” she explains.
Her upcoming EP Water and The Wine promises to be Hawken’s most ambitious work to date, showcasing a different side to her artistry. Moving away from the rigid vision of her debut, Hawken has embraced a more collaborative approach with her band members Matt Robson, Cyprien Jacquet, and Kobi Pham. “When our drummer Cyprien sent back his first version of ‘Water And The Wine,’ he asked if it was what I wanted,” she recalls. “I told him it was so much better than what I wanted. From that moment, I was much more relaxed about letting the guys put their stamp on the songs.” The result is a grittier, more creative sound that benefits from the collective input of the entire band. While Hawken maintains her involvement in production, the process has become more collaborative, with Kobi handling the precise mixing before Matt Robson adds his signature rough edges.
Drawing comparisons to Arctic Monkeys’ grit, The Doors’ psychedelia, and Lana Del Rey’s noir-pop storytelling, Hawken’s sound is as eclectic as her upbringing. “My Dad played a huge role,” she reflects. “His taste ranged from Black Sabbath to Beethoven and nearly everything in between. Being his daughter meant you had to really know music – he would test us. That variety has seeped into how I write.” Armed with nothing but a VHS camera and an unflinching vision, Hawken has carved out her own niche in London’s indie scene. Her DIY approach to visuals creates a raw authenticity that perfectly complements her guitar-driven sound and evocative storytelling. With Water and The Wine marking the first of two EPs in 2025, Hawken is set to cement her position as one of the capital’s most compelling emerging artists.
“The Moment I Need You Most” is out March 14th, whilst her sophomore EP Water and The Wine is hailed for release April 25th.
Domi Hawken
Water And The Wine
(Independent)
Release Date: April 2, 2025
Artist Links
SPILL VIDEO PREMIERE: SLAMDINISTAS – “WHERE I BELONG”
SPILL VIDEO PREMIERE: CASPIAN COBERLY – “WONDER”
SPILL NEW MUSIC: NELSON SOBRAL – “MUST’VE DONE SOMETHING RIGHT”
SPILL VIDEO PREMIERE: TWINGLE – “LILLIAN”
