We Speak Indie Artist
Ten Hawkins Reveals Phenomenal New Single “Pump 3”
Ten Hawkins, the gifted rising artist hailing from Saluda, South Carolina, has dropped his electrifying new single, “Pump 3”. This track is a tantalising glimpse into his forthcoming album, The Manuel Garcia Chronicles, scheduled for release this November.
Ten has been immersed in music his whole life. From jamming to iconic artists like 69 Boyz, Uncle Luke, R. Kelly, Michael Jackson, 2Pac, Biggie and DMX with his mother as a toddler, to crafting his own rap verses in the third grade, Ten’s journey through the world of music has been marked by dedication and an unyielding desire to contribute to the culture he loves.
With a musical evolution that has spanned several projects, including Too Busy Standing Out (2014), Unwanted Melodies (2015) and Heart Collage (2017), Ten Hawkins has consistently pushed the boundaries of his artistry. His 2019 release, Inspired By You, delved deep into themes of betrayal, heartache, love and new beginnings, showcasing the artist’s growth and introspective songwriting.
Now, after a brief hiatus, Ten Hawkins returns with “Pump 3”, a track that embodies his artistic evolution and sets the stage for his upcoming album. Describing the single, Ten reveals, “This song is an escape for me. I’m constantly reflecting on the past and how it could have been different if I made different choices. But also I always feel like I bear the weight of the world on my shoulders because so many people look up to me and depend on me. So, this record represents my escape – putting 20 dollars on in my gas tank and letting it take me as far away as possible from everything that’s going on in life so I can breathe.”
The creation of “Pump 3” was a collaborative effort, with Ten Hawkins partnering with producer Sean J (Sean James) to bring the song to life. The song’s chorus was originally penned in 2019 to a different instrumental, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that the pieces fell into place. Speaking about the process, Ten shares, “Early this year I was playing it for my producer Sean J and got excited about the feel of the record and asked if he remade the beat for it, would I finish it, and I agreed. He made the beat in about 30 mins, and within an hour and a half, we had a rough version of the whole song completed.”
With its infectious beats, introspective lyrics and Ten Hawkins’ signature storytelling, “Pump 3” is a standout addition to his discography. Fans of his work can expect more of this compelling storytelling and musical growth on his upcoming album. “Pump 3” is available to buy/stream now on all platforms.
Keep up to date with the latest from Ten Hawkins:
We Speak Indie Artist
Feelgood Frequencies: Why CR Srikanth’s “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™” Is The Sonic Hug You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you’ve been looking for a track that feels like a warm, nostalgic hug wrapped in shimmering synths, CR Srikanth’s new single “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™” might be exactly what you need. It offers a beautiful balance of emotional depth and danceable energy, pulling you out of your head and into a place where you can just breathe, feel, and move. In a world that often feels overwhelming, this track delivers a sense of calm and release.
Srikanth, a US-based Indian composer and sonic storyteller, has carved out a unique musical space with his self-created genre, VS Pop™ (Very Smooth Pop). Drawing from vintage 1980s synthpop, ambient soundscapes, and cinematic orchestral touches, he’s crafted a style that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. “Dancing in the Dark” continues that evolution. It is at once intimate and expansive, polished yet deeply human.
The track features vocals from Junior Paez, whose delivery adds emotional texture to the lyrics. There’s a quiet honesty in lines like “Don’t you think you’re losing your mind again?” and “Hold on, I’ll take you a little higher tonight.” These words speak to the chaos we often feel inside, but instead of staying stuck there, the song encourages movement, connection, and hope. It is music that acknowledges the darkness but chooses to dance through it anyway.
The production is rich with shimmering arpeggiators, retro synth bass, and crisp electronic drums. It brings together nostalgia and futurism in a way that feels effortless. Imagine flickering neon lights, soft motion blur, and the kind of energy that makes you want to close your eyes and sway. It is cinematic but never overwhelming. Every layer serves the emotion at the heart of the track.
What makes “Dancing in the Dark” so appealing is how well it adapts to your mood. Whether you’re heading out for a solo night drive, setting the vibe for a weekend gathering, or simply lying on your bed in need of a reset, this song fits the moment. It never pushes too hard, but it always lands exactly where it needs to. There is something comforting about how sure of itself it feels.
CR Srikanth is not just making music for the sake of it. He is building emotional landscapes for listeners to get lost in and to find themselves again. With “Dancing in the Dark – VS Pop™,” he offers more than just a catchy tune. He gives us space to reflect, to feel seen, and to find joy in the act of simply moving forward. So press play, turn it up, and let yourself be lifted. This one’s for the heart, the soul, and the feet.
-
We Speak Soccer1 week agoNo Entry Allowed: How Austin Fortner Is Becoming a Standout Keeper with Confidence and Control
-
We Speak Football1 week agoFrom Snap to Touchdown: How Niah Reyes Plays the Game with Heart and Hustle
-
We Speak Coaches1 week agoCoach of Culture, Heart of a Movement: The Extraordinary Journey of Daniel Moore, Pioneer of Women’s Flag Football and Builder of Young Lives
-
We Speak Soccer3 days agoFrom Small Steps to Big Goals: How Alianna-Reyne Basa Became a Fearless Striker with a Champion’s Heart