Meet Chesney Hawkes from Surrey, who moved to LA 8 years ago to pursue….’the next big adventure’.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
I’ve been coming to LA on and off for the last 30 years and had built up a network of friends and industry connections and it felt like the next big adventure for my family and me. It’s also the epicenter of the pop music industry which is what I do. Plus, the weather ain’t bad.
What do you miss most from home?
The obvious, friends and family but also pub culture, the local community spirit that you can only find in the UK on a sunny afternoon at a pub near a green. Then of course the beer. Americans haven’t quite grasped the concept of a good English ale. Football banter, especially my beloved West Ham and the lush rolling green hills of the English countryside very juxtaposed to the very dry desert around us here in LA.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
My first impression was as a 19-year-old pop star coming here to promote my record, so it was all glitz and glamour of Hollywood parties and premieres. These days as a man with a wife and three kids living in the valley, it’s more school runs and packed lunches (not for the last four months but you get what I’m saying).
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Surrey?
There are more opportunities here for developing your creative side, especially for my children who have thrived in the arts. I feel that if we had stayed in Surrey their talents wouldn’t have developed as much as they have here. They all have found a deep passion in their craft that is a specific gift of living in LA.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
If I shared it, it wouldn’t be hidden anymore, but go on. Since we’re all friends here Franklin Canyon Lake on Mulholland and Coldwater is a delightful little sanctuary tucked away in the midst of all the madness around. It’s a great place to take the dog for a walk or a picnic.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
First and foremost, you have got to follow your heart because it is a beautiful place to live but be ready to spend money! It’s not cheap ;). The reality is there is so much available to so many different types of creative influences and the quality of life is quite beautiful, but the cost of living is high. There is nothing worse than being broke in Hollywood.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Because I have kids, the best piece of advice we were given was to carefully choose the area you wanted to live in by the school you wanted your kids to attend. The school system is a bit of a minefield, do your homework beforehand. We were lucky to have longtime close friends to help guide my wife through that process. If you do have people here, ask them, utilize them for advice, it saves a lot of time and heartache.
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
I am currently finishing up the final touches on my latest album which will hopefully be released early next year. I recently launched a new interactive online show called Live and Unfiltered which has some music, special guests and a little bit of fun to lighten up your Friday. If you are interested in joining us go to liveandunfiltered.com
Website: chesneyhawkes.com
Twitter @ChesneyHawkes
Facebook @ChesneyHawkesOfficial
Instagram @ChesneyHawkesOfficial
YouTube @ChesneyHawkesMusic
