Embracing Tradition and Adventure: A Conversation with Andrew Scott Wills of Hawken Horse

06/2024

Jun 17, 2024

🕒 3 mins

Introduction

In a recent conversation, Andrew, a Nashville-based songwriter, member of the band Hawken Horse and The Broadside Podcast Host Andy Elliott, a resident of the Pacific Northwest, shared their love for natural beauty and their individual projects in songwriting and conservation. This discussion, filled with nostalgia for American history, the frontier era, and traditional craftsmanship, offers a glimpse into their shared interests and ongoing endeavors. Here’s a deep dive into their conversation, covering their unique experiences and future plans.

Celebrating the Pacific Northwest

Andy began by expressing his deep appreciation for the Pacific Northwest, admiring the region’s stunning landscapes that inspire much of his work. He discussed his grassroots conservation efforts and the use of remote collaboration tools like Zoom. Although Andrew lives in Nashville, he shared his experiences with remote collaboration and his admiration for the Pacific Northwest’s beauty, which influences his songwriting.

Fascination with the Frontier Era

Both Andrew and Andy have a profound interest in American history, particularly the frontier era. Andrew, inspired by local stories from Ohio, shared his love for the book “The Frontiersman” and a related Netflix series. Andy, although not as knowledgeable, appreciated the era’s rich stories and figures. Their discussion extended to personal experiences, with Andy recounting his time working at Yellowstone and Andrew reflecting on how history influences his songwriting.

Andrew’s Songwriting Journey in Nashville

Andrew’s journey as a songwriter in Nashville is a tale of passion and perseverance. Starting with a $20 guitar, he navigated the challenges of the music industry, often juggling multiple jobs. His song “Hawking Horse” gained positive feedback, fostering a community of like-minded individuals. Collaboration with fellow musician Andy Griggs further highlighted his dedication to storytelling through music. Andrew’s upcoming double album, “Hewn,” reflects his commitment to this craft, with its release dates set for July 12th and October 11th.

Traditional Lumber Making and Hunting

The conversation also delved into traditional lumber-making techniques and their shared love for hunting with black powder guns. Andrew explained the origin of the name “Hawken Horse,” inspired by a hawking rifle and a horse used for survival. Both men appreciated the craftsmanship of traditional equipment, with Andy excited about his new Cva muzzleloader for deer hunting. This discussion underscored their belief that traditional methods offer a more fulfilling hunting experience.

Andrew’s Double Album and Viral Success

Andrew announced the release of his double album, inspired by the 1960s TV show “Centennial” and the 1950s movie “The West Was Won.” Featuring collaborations with Shelby Lee Lowe and Clay Newcomers, the album is eagerly anticipated. A viral video featuring Andrew’s music, which gained over a million views on YouTube, was also a topic of discussion. This unexpected exposure highlighted the power of social media in reaching new audiences.

Building and Using Rifle Kits

Both Andrew and Andy shared their experiences with building rifle kits, likening it to playing with adult Legos. Andrew recommended beginner kits from Traditions, Cva, and the Woods Runner kit, emphasizing their quality and enjoyment. The conversation also touched on more complex kits from Jim Chambers, showcasing their enthusiasm for this hands-on hobby.

Honoring Historical Figures and Hollywood Trends

Their shared admiration for historical figures like Simon Kenton and John Coulter led to a discussion about Hollywood’s portrayal of history. Despite the lack of a film adaptation for Kenton’s life, his story remains a source of inspiration. Andrew and Andy also critiqued Hollywood’s reluctance to take risks with new stories, highlighting the importance of preserving authentic historical narratives.

Encouraging Modern-Day Adventurers

Andrew expressed his desire to inspire modern-day adventurers, drawing parallels with historical mountain men. Andy shared plans for an upcoming trip with his young cousin and nephew, aiming to introduce them to the joys of the outdoors through camping, fishing, and survival skills. This discussion highlighted their shared goal of fostering a love for nature and adventure in the next generation.

Conclusion

Andrew and Andy’s conversation was a rich tapestry of shared passions, historical fascination, and future projects. From songwriting and traditional hunting methods to inspiring modern adventurers, their dialogue offers a compelling look at how history and tradition continue to shape their lives and work. As Andrew prepares for his album release and Andy organizes conservation meetings, their ongoing efforts promise to inspire many more stories and adventures.

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