Live* recording of 'Ballad' (Acoustic version with vocals) on piano and main vocals. *String parts and backing vocals added later; the delay and reverb effects on the main vocals and piano were all applied live so are on the original recording. This track I originally devised in my final year at Uni whilst studying to become a teacher.  I remember the very day I came up with the main riff/melody/ pattern and to this day I still like it.  On my album 'Here We Are Now' you will find the instrumental electro beat version of this track whereas this is the only time you'll hear my version with vocals acoustically unless you caught me live or tuned in when I played on the radio!

'Ballad' (acoustic version) performed live* by Will Hack

A sample (shortened version) of a 2015 interview of Will Hack.  The interview includes some details of his music career and is his return to Castledown Radio after almost 3 years.  Interview by Kev Lawrence.  

http://www.castledownradio.info/  is on 104.7fm

Castledown Radio Interview 2015 (Sample) by Kev Lawrence

For a limited time only on Soundcloud experience the power of my monstrous track 'Gravitate'.  All instruments and vocals by me, and featuring Squeeler Jake on lead and rhythm rock guitar.  This track has had radio airplay a number of times potentially to over 10,000 listeners, and has been played at venues including The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse. Also it  has been performed live at numerous gigs and festivals, seeming to be a real crowd pleaser!  Major influences came from Stone Sour, a band I lovingly follow and enjoy looking up to! 

Gravitate by Will Hack ft. Squeeler Jake on guitar (Album Version)

Believe in me (A previously unreleased backing track, April 2013, but originates from 2008)

An attempt at using the direct line in from my mixing desk and running the sampler, reverb effects unit and eq rack live.  Basically a live setup practise for the 'one man band' style of performance.  The lyrics were partly missed out as I was experimenting with the piano part.

Believe in Me (First live attempt direct into Soundcloud through the desk in my studio)

First off- apologies for the mahooosive reverb/delay effect going on.  It was a live setup practise afterall and the live monitor mix sounded rather good but somehow the direct in mix was different, so that's going to be something I'll keep a eye on at gigs; the difference between monitor and live mixes.

An attempt at using the direct line in from my mixing desk and running the sampler, reverb effects unit and eq rack live.  Basically a live setup practise for the 'one man band' style of performance.  This performance is like many live versions in that the organic nature allows for the song to be a little different every time it is played!  No two live version will be exactly the same. And I like that. :)   You can buy the studio/album version and the album it's the title track from by following the link. 

Here We Are Now (Live improvised version direct into Soundcloud through the desk in my studio)

No Return is a track originally written purely as instrumental and only this evening after 4 years of it being 'on the shelf' have I thought to write some lyrics and convert it into a song with words!  The concept is to create an easy listening but also song with different levels, uplifting but with a deeper, slightly sinister meaning.  But as any song, it hopefully lets the listener think or feel what they wish.  And, please note, this song recording was another attempt at using my reverb/delay effects unit.  It sounded great in the studio here and wonder how the delay effect will come across when this MP3 mixes down.  Cheers for listening!  Will

No Return (First live recording in the studio straight into the desk and up to Soundcloud!)

Another live attempt at a new old song (a dancey track I wrote a few years back but have just this week thought to add lyrics on top and convert it into a song).  This was performed live using samples, keyboard and vocals through certain live effects.   The lyrics are meant to be thoughtful and not just throw away ideas or lines; each section of them is meant to have a purpose poetically and to allow the listener in to what it might mean or allow them to think of.  Don't show me it can't be done.  Do what's right! 

Some How by Will Hack (performed live in the studio on 14th May 2013)

Many thanks to Mark Freeta and Steven Gerke for inviting me on the show and for mixing this song (one of seven) from the live session this year.   This is a live, acoustic version of a track I wrote (taken from my debut album 'Here We Are Now') called 'Dreaming'.

Will Hack performing 'Dreaming' live on 104.7fm Castledown Radio

Live recording of 'Another Story: Chapter 2' on piano and main vocals.  *String parts and backing vocals added later; the delay and reverb effects on the main vocals and piano were all applied live so are on the original recording.    With this track, although looking to create a sad sort of song maybe found in the deepest part of an operatic performance/ show, I also wanted to make the feeling warm and mysteriously uplifting.  I did not use a click track for this one and I enjoyed the organic feel.

Will Hack

Popular tracks