A Huntingdonshire musician and DJ is set to release his debut album, created with his music partner, and inspired by UFO sightings in America.
The debut album is described as a true labour of love by Gary Hawkins, from St Ives, and his music partner, Leo Clarke from London, and is a collaborative project born from a shared passion for music and connection during the early days of the Covid pandemic.
Gary, who works at Jones Boatyard in St Ives, explained the 13-track concept album, has been two years in the making, and is entirely self-funded and supported by friends and family.
Hawkins Clarke, as the duo is known, has recently pressed a limited-edition run of 100 double vinyl records of the album called Distant World, and it is due to be released on November 9 - it is available for pre-order from Bandcamp now. WorldsGary Hawkins (left) and Leo Clarke have produced their debut album 'Distant Worlds (Image: Hawkins Clarke)
Gary said: "We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created — a deeply personal DIY project rooted in over 30 years of musical dreams."
Gary is also known as DJ Shed 74, while Leo is known as Mofonk.
They describe their album as a "cinematic concept album that blends atmospheric electronica with a deeply emotional sci-fi narrative.
"Inspired by UFO sightings in 20th-century America, the album follows a man haunted by a childhood encounter with UAPs.
"As new sightings emerge later in his life, he’s offered a chance to leave Earth behind — and begins a soul-searching journey across an alien world where he confronts solitude, identity, and interspecies connection."
All the tracks were created remotely by Gary and Leo between spring 2025 and this autumn.
Production took place in Gary's hobby room, with the vocals recorded at Leo's London workplace and home.
Gary said : "This project is finally fulfilling a 30-year-long dream, and I would like to thank Leo for his friendship, and for being a true musical partner throughout the process of creating this album."
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