I got to interview Stephen Hunking from Dew Claw to talk about the band, their newest release “Escape Velocity“, and how promoting music is different compared to when they started creating music. I love talking to the older generation of bands honestly because they have more insight about the industry itself and they love speaking about the music they created over the years. In this interview you can sense the love and dedication Hunking has for the music he creates. And its truly inspiring seeing the the ambition to keep on creating music that fans can relate to.

Interviewer: Can you give some insight about yourselves and the band itself for people who may not know who Dew Claw is? Maybe give us some bands that sound like Dew Claw?

Stephen: Dew Claw has been my solo project for roughly 20 years. It’s been mostly a private affair. On the last two efforts, I asked my childhood friend Chris Xefos if he would be interested in helping me out on some mixes/mastering. The latest release is called E.L.F. . Chris became a full-on member of the “band”. We’ve been making music together since our teen years and it feels like we just started. Our first band together was in Long Island. We were called “Plastic Device”. This was when we were in high school!  Some of the members of that band eventually became Hypnolovewheel. I was a member and Chris was deeply involved with recording our demo and co-producing some of our albums. Chris eventually joined King Missile and has since played with, produced and engineered too many bands to mention, but I have to give a shout out to his work with the legendary MX-80 Sound! Working on Dew Claw with Chris has been a blast! We’re both pretty motivated and basically lifers. It’s hard to imagine not making music at this point.

Interviewer: I never personally listened to the band until I got a press release for your newest single “Escape Velocity” and would love to know more about this track. What inspired you to create this single as well as the video? I honestly loved the video because of its simplicity.

Stephen: My wife and I have a cut flower farm. There’s lots of work to do and I’m almost always listening to music while working. Two years ago, I got stuck in an E.L.O. groove while building a cooler for the flowers. I have a deep love for The Move. They kinda morphed into E.L.O. While taking a deep dive into E.L.O’s catalogue the influence just happened. I talked to Chris about working on a new Dew Claw record leaning into this influence and that was that.

“Escape Velocity” is in some ways the most heavily ELO-influenced song on the LP, but filtered through our sensibilities so some might not see the connection. For the song I usually just keep writing until something starts to form. I could see pretty quickly it would become a personal reminder to enjoy every experience, no matter where it takes you, including when things get dodgy. I don’t mind rising above. I’m kinda hard wired to think this way.

As far as the video, I used to worry a lot about validation when I was younger. I didn’t even know I was so needy. At some point I realized I operate at my best when there’s a positive open dialogue. I kinda get put off by negative tactics, though I know some people thrive in that world. To each their own. Also as I get older I care less about needing validation in general. 

I do think it’s odd to live in a time where everyone is looking for hearts on their phones. It’s easy to get addicted to that constant stimulation. I’m no different but I do remember a time before it so I guess that’s an advantage.

I just want to say it was wonderful having Steve Michener from indie rock legends Big Dipper in the video. He made the video for me. Also having Arron Bryant (fellow cut flower grower) in the video is a blast. Both of these guys fit right in; in fact, they are playing with Chris and I at Dew Claw’s record release show in Portland at the end of June. Kinda crazy!

The video is simple because things in general have the potential to get complicated. Making things is complicated, there’s always potential for things to get even more complicated. I try to lean into “everything’s going sideways so let’s see how we go from here.” It’s my way of simplifying the complicated. You start off with an idea and try to be open to where it takes you. That’s how I get too simple, it’s a lot to navigate so I guess it’s complicated emotionally!

Interviewer: You are releasing your new album “E.L.F.” on May 9th; do you have any favorite tracks on the album? 

Stephen:  As far as tracks, I love them all. I did want to do a video for “Little Professor” because that was the first song we recorded that I really felt Chris and I had something that surprised us both in a good way. I am also partial to “Rescue Dog” because I love my rescue dog. She is crazy and despite this I love her perhaps even more than I should. In this song I also get to play a sax part alongside Gary Olson from Ladybug Transistor playing his trumpet. That’s fun and crazy for me because I don’t really play sax so well.  

Interviewer:  I noticed that you have been creating music for a number of years. What keeps you inspired to keep making new music? And now that music is heavily promoted on social media, how do you as a band handle that? I have spoken to some older bands who have told me they were so used to just handing out fliers to promote music and shows. With such a strong emphasis on social media these days, do you find it challenging to reach new and old fans? 

Stephen: As far as making music, it’s really my only addiction besides coffee. I think about it all the time and get a tremendous amount of pleasure out of that activity. It’s really the one thing I feel compelled to do. Maybe I drink too much coffee?

I also don’t mind promoting on social media. It’s so new that I just try to find my own way to make it work. I hate trying to figure out how to beat algorithms so I don’t bother. I just put up content when I have stuff to share. I get in touch with my inner 13 year old and just let it rip with gifs and emojis. It works for me!

Also I’m so grateful for anyone that wants to listen. We are finding our audience and it’s awesome. We just want to make music so we do. Once it’s out into the world anyone finding it is a great big bonus.