New-York-based banjoist, singer, and composer Hilary Hawke shares “All I’ve Ever Known,” the second single from her upcoming full-length Lift Up This Old World, arriving July 11 on Adhyâropa Records. Joined by celebrated mandolinist Jacob Jolliff alongside guitarist Ross Martin and bassist Camille Howes, Hawke offers an intimate meditation on perseverance that mirrors her own path from upstate New York to the bustling stages and studios of the city that never sleeps.
Rooted in clawhammer grooves yet laced with contemporary melodic flair, the new track captures Hawke’s unflinching commitment to the “daily grind” that fuels creative growth. “I wrote this song about the quiet struggle of working hard just to stay afloat,” Hawke explains. “The missteps, the bar gigs, the relationships—they all forged the resilience that keeps me chasing music.” That hard-won clarity shines through her crisp fingerpicking and Jolliff’s agile, dialog-like mandolin lines, underscoring lyrics that champion self-determination over self-doubt.
“All I’ve Ever Known” follows the earlier single “NYC Waltz,” offering another glimpse into Lift Up This Old World—an eleven-song collection steeped in bluegrass and old-time traditions while speaking directly to modern realities. Nine original compositions sit alongside a spirited take on the traditional “Liza Jane” and a reimagined version of Radiohead’s “No Surprises” featuring Damon Daunno. Recorded at Walden Studios and co-produced with engineer Sean Walsh, the album also features contributions from bassist Max Johnson and fiddler Bobby Hawk, with mastering by Grammy-winner Alan Silverman.
Across the record, Hawke juxtaposes heartache and hope, exploring themes of strength (“Have Your Own Way”), acceptance (“World Rests Its Head”), and transcendence (“Sun Is All Around”). The result is a raw, honest portrait of an artist who, after years of composing for Broadway productions, sitting in on late-night television bands, and hosting her own banjo podcast, has learned to trust her instincts and “break the box” rather than fit inside it.
Lift Up This Old World is recommended for listeners who appreciate the fearless acoustic explorations of Nickel Creek, the storytelling depth of Gillian Welch, and the innovative string interplay of Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves. Yet Hawke’s voice—both literally and artistically—remains distinctly her own: equal parts warmth, charisma, and unshakeable grit.
“All I’ve Ever Known” is available today on all major streaming platforms. Lift Up This Old World arrives July 11, 2025 via Adhyâropa Records.
About Hilary Hawke
Originally from Pine City in upstate New York, Hilary Hawke has become a fixture of the NYC roots scene, revered for her versatile command of both clawhammer and three-finger banjo styles. Beyond her own songwriting, she has arranged compositions for Broadway productions, appeared on late-night television, and cultivated a worldwide audience through her banjo-focused podcast. Lift Up This Old World is her most personal statement to date, celebrating resilience through the timeless language of bluegrass and old-time music.
