The Robotic Hawks featuring drummer Brian Sturk of Hudson, guitarist Shawn Doherty of Dracut, Mass. and vocalist/bassist Tyler Pollard of Hudson. Courtesy photo/Robotic Hawks
HUDSON – The Robotic Hawks, a three-person rock/pop band, was invited to compete in the legendary Boston Rock and Roll and Rumble earlier this month.
Despite making a valiant effort and leaving it all on the stage, the band faced a plethora of fierce competition and did not advance to the semifinals.
“We had an amazing time,” said drummer Brian Sturk of Hudson. “We’re very honored to have been selected to be part of it, it’s a Boston institution.”
Sturk said playing in the Rock and Roll Rumble was always a goal.
“It’s cool to be recognized by the Boston music community,” he said, adding that the band also received the 2023 New England Music Award for Rising Star: New Hampshire. “Inclusion means that we have built something viable, our vessel is seaworthy.”
Sturk is joined by guitarist Shawn Doherty of Dracut, Mass. and vocalist/bassist Tyler Pollard of Hudson. The trio met each other five years ago through an advertisement on Craigslist.
“The three of us wanted to make music that we would want to hear based on our shared musical tastes,” said Sturk. “We had an agreement on what our sound should be and luckily that sound is pretty natural to us. It’s great to be firing on all pistons.”
Sturk said he has played with several bands throughout the Merrimack Valley since the mid-1990s and is pleased to have finally found a home with the Robotic Hawks.
“This is definitely the most enjoyable band I’ve been in and we’re all of the same mentality as far as our goals and the music we’re making,” he said.
Pollard is also a seasoned musician having played with a number of groups in Greater Boston for the past 30 years. This was also his second time playing in the Rock and Roll Rumble. His first appearance was in 1999 with The Control Group.
“This is the most unified and drama-free band that I have ever been in,” said Pollard, adding that he, Sturk and Doherty all have jobs and families of their own. “We’re all just very proud of all the work that we’ve done and to be able to deliver our Mike Tyson level of Rock uppercuts to the people.”
Doherty said the Robotic Hawks is his “first real original project” having played in cover bands for many years.
“These are people that I would hang around with even if we weren’t playing music,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Robotic Hawks will be performing on May 11 at Koto, 76 Merrimack St. in Lowell, Mass., on June 18 at O’Briens Pub, 3 Harvard Ave. in Allston, Mass. and on July 13 at Thirsty First, 103 Market St. in Lowell, Mass.
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