Propter Hawk began in 2020 as a project for gritty protest songs but quickly evolved into a rock powerhouse with a distinct vintage twist. Fronted by Malorie Jo Blake, the band’s energetic blend of past and present has earned them a spot as one of Toronto’s top live acts. With the success of their debut album and standout singles, they’re ready to make waves again with their upcoming EP, Sorry!.
The band will be performing at this year’s Gussapolooza in Cooksville, ON, on September 15 on the main stage.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Malorie Blake (MB): Hi! We’re Propter Hawk, a rock n roll outfit from Toronto!
Tell us a bit about your most recent release.
MB: Our most recent release was our debut album, which we recorded with horns and vintage instruments and equipment at Pineship Studios in Toronto (owned by Carlin Nicholson and Mike O’Brien of acclaimed Toronto indie rock band, Zeus). We’re super excited to be back at the same studio at the end of the month to record a 4-song EP, also with horns, and graciously funded by the Ontario Arts Council (OAC).
How would you describe your musical style to someone who has never heard your music before?
Alec: We’ve taken rock and roll of the past, spiced it up with some modern influences, thrown it in a large bonfire with some gasoline and lit the match. It’s rock, it’s blues, it’s soul and everything in between with our own Southern Ontario twang thrown in the musical stew
What does performing at a festival like Gussapolooza, known for its focus on emerging talent, mean to you and your band?
Brian: Performing at Gussapolooza means a lot to us because when you’re starting out as a band, your ambitions are always geared towards the summer festival circuit, and now we’re finally getting the chance to perform on the bigger stages. We also have a few friends on the Gussapolooza lineup, so we can’t wait to support them and meet new, like-minded musicians. It’s pretty special that this festival has created an environment for local artists to network and celebrate their years of playing music.
What makes Gussapolooza different from other festivals?
MB: We love that Gussapolooza is a showcase for emerging artists, it’s such a special opportunity for us to play such a large, exciting festival in the summertime no less!
With over 40 indie bands performing, how do you plan to stand out and make a lasting impression on the audience?
MB: We have a very loud and energetic set that is sure to capture everyone’s attention ;)!
Are there any specific bands or artists at Gussapolooza that you’re excited to see perform?
Brian: We’re excited to see our friends Kojak and Feral Minks. We’ve also heard that Wild Bloom has some killer harmonies!
For fans who may be seeing you perform for the first time, what do you hope they remember most about your set?
Brian: We hope they remember the goosebumps they get when Malorie hits the high notes, scattering all the birds within a 45-kilometre radius. In our song Sleeper Creeper, we have to book Mal’s high notes for a flight to the stratosphere. Dogs in the next town will be applauding.
What’s next for you after Gussapolooza? Are there any upcoming projects or releases we should look out for?
Alec: We’ve been lucky enough to receive funding from the Ontario Arts Council and are pleased to announce we are in the final stages of finishing our upcoming EP, “Sorry!”. Singles from the EP will start to rear their heads in late autumn/early winter and we are thrilled to get it out!
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