Hawkes' eye on the future
12:43pm Thursday 19th June 2008
Mention the name Chesney Hawkes and you're likely to be immediately hit by a lung-bursting refrain of chart-topping cheese classic The One And Only'.
But 17 years on from that seminal moment in one-hit wonder' history and Chesney is still going strong.
With his latest album Another Fine Mess' prepped for release, and the Surrey-based artist still knee-deep in production and writing duties, Hawkes feels blessed to still be doing what he loves.
He explains: "I'm still making music which I'm really lucky to be able to do.
"I had no other real ambition in life since I was a kid other than to make music.
"There have been ups and downs but I'm glad to have experienced both sides of the coin.
"This will be my first album in a very long time.
"The album has definitely been a labour of love for me and it has taken the best part of eight years to write.
"It is a very strong album and because of that I am very proud of it."
Hawkes splits his time between the UK and Los Angeles, having been a mainstay on the musical scene since his breakout in 1991.
But he was spotted on our televisions recently as part of a judging panel on Britain's Got More Talent'.
And the 36-year-old has definite views on the instant fame' reality tv culture pervading our society.
He adds: "On one hand my roots tell me that it is not a good thing as it has created an "I just want to be famous" culture.
"Music should come from playing in bedrooms or a sweaty pub and having a passion for what you do.
"But as a songwriter it has opened up so many new avenues for me as there are a whole plethora of artists out there that need songs writing for them!"
Of course, any interview with Chesney would be remiss not to talk about the good old days'.
And the former teenage star admits it is strange to look back at his time in the limelight.
He reveals: "With The One and Only I did not really appreciate what I had because I was in the eye of the storm.
"Watching old footage of myself is like watching a totally different person.
"I have good memories but it seems a different lifetime.
"You just have to keep the faith, get out there and get your music to people."
Another Fine Mess is available in record shops. Visit chesneyhawkes.co.uk for more details.