Hilary Hawke is a genre-blending banjoist, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose sound is as rooted as it is boundary-pushing. Originally from upstate New York and now a longtime staple of the NYC music scene, Hilary brings warmth, charisma, and grit to every stage she steps onto. Whether fingerpicking with precision or digging into clawhammer grooves, her style radiates a rare combination of technique and heartfelt authenticity.
She is looking forward to the release of Lift Up This Old World (coming July 11, 2025 on Adhyâropa Records). Featuring contributions from Ross Martin, Max Johnson, Jacob Jolliff, Camille Howes and Bobby Hawk, the album is raw and honest bluegrass and old-time music, exploring themes of self-belief, resilience, and reconnecting with your roots. Born out of heartbreak and the unpredictable journey through life and the music industry, it’s a return to authenticity-just real songs, played and lived. Nine of the 11 tracks are original, touching on themes of strength, perseverance, acceptance, and even a couple of tearjerkers. This album is about trusting your path and creating genuine connections through both traditional and original music.
The album's first single "NYC Waltz," out today, is an ode to Hilary's locality, written and performed by Hilary on banjo, and featuring Ross Martin on guitar, Max Johnson on bass, Bobby Hawk on fiddle, and gorgeous harmonies by Ruth Merenda.
Hilary current live project features a powerhouse trio, rounded out by celebrated guitarist Ross Martin and rising fiddle innovator Camille Howes. Since forming in 2023, the group has built its identity around improvisation, original songwriting, and a shared reverence for bluegrass and old-time traditions - while never being afraid to stretch the genre’s boundaries. In 2023, Hilary released Lilygild, an instrumental album, with guitarist Reed Stutz, followed by Open the Doors, a neo-classical collaboration with pianist/synthesist duo Ola & Claude Aldous.
Hilary performs at festivals and venues across the country, both with her band and as a sought-after collaborator. She enjoys being a member of The Brigideens, the Americana project led by Irish fiddle legend Eileen Ivers. Hilary is also a respected figure in the theater world and an in-demand banjo coach.
“I stopped trying to fit into a box,” Hilary says. “Instead, I just followed the music I could hear in my head and feel in my hands.”
Hilary brought her bandmates Ross Martin and Camie Howes to NYC's 5th Borough for a jam in Snug Harbor on the northern shore of Staten Island. Check out their video for "NYC Waltz," the first single from Hilary's forthcoming album, with videography by Milenko Skoknic and Brigid Martin.
"There are many amazing things about NYC but if you stay here long enough, you really see people come and go. When writing this song, I was really singing to people that I’ve loved, good friends, and people you meet that you know aren’t meant to stay," Hilary says about her original song NYC Waltz. "The song is about saying goodbye to people and letting them go. NYC is really where my heart is. Also, I wanted it to be reminiscent of those other two classic waltzes, Tennessee and Kentucky."
