Paul Hawkins is a London-based singer-songwriter most noted for his "endearingly out of tune" (Godisinthetv Zine) singing voice, his intense on-stage persona and the dark fantastical nature of his lyrics. Typical subject matter includes a teenage boy who throws himself into a nuclear reactor in the hope of gaining superpowers and a lonely outsider who gets his kicks from donning a medical coat and hanging around hospitals, operating on unsuspecting patients. Paul is a key figure in the contemporary UK antifolk scene and has frequently been compared to Nick Cave, Daniel Johnston and "a drunk British Tom Waits" (indiefolkforever).

Thee Awkward Silences are Paul's live backing band and currently comprise of Ben Anstis (guitar), Alexander Templeton-Ward (bass), Tom Mayne (keyboards) and Death in Vegas guitarist Ian Button(who also produces Paul's recordings) on drums. The band's live shows tend to be messy, chaotic and compelling affairs with anarchic behaviour from Paul himself, who frequently wanders off-stage midway through the first song and spends the remainder of the set prowling around the audience, teasing and tormenting them with cuddly toys, flowers and handcuffs.

So far Paul has released one album, 2006's "The Misdiagnosis of Paul Hawkins", on AFUK records and has also featured on compilations by AFUK Records, Cherryade Records and Jezus Factory Records. Jezus Factory Records are also planning to release Paul's future recordings, begining with a forthcoming 7" with country punk cowlgirl L'il Lost Lou, with Paul's contribution being his wounded, drunken and nihilistic anthem "The Evil Thoughts".