Veronique Hawksworth might be familiar to some as the keyboardist in Wonk Unit. Over the past few years though, she has been making her mark on the DIY scene with her solo punk-pop project, Xray Vez. If you’re looking for something you can dance along to, then make sure you check her out!
We got to know her before Manchester Punk Festival…
A lot of people may recognise you as being part of Wonk Unit – what originally inspired you to start your solo project?
Boredom in lockdown really! I’ve always been quite a reluctant musician, it was never my ambition but joining Wonk Unit made me see myself in a different way. I think when you’re a teenage girl it’s easy to box yourself in as just a fan. I always loved music but the height of my ambition was just to get as close to the bands I loved as possible. The day I realised I could just make the music myself was honestly a lightbulb moment. So, I started writing songs mostly because I didn’t have a lot else to do at the time, and my bandmates -particularly Alex – gave me the confidence to share them.
How would you describe your sound?
It sounds like someone trying to write pop music who can’t escape the fact they’ve always been in a punk band! I’ve been told I sound a bit like a mix between Kate Nash and Kirsty MacColl, which is a great compliment. I don’t try to be sexy or mysterious, it just wouldn’t be convincing… when I perform as Xray Vez I am completely myself.
If you had to recommend one of your songs to a new listener, which one would you choose?
My most recent release ‘Darren’ always goes down well live, and hopefully the video will make you laugh. Everyone has met a Darren.
What can we expect from your set at MPF?
Unfortunately I don’t know any magic tricks but you can probably expect between 7-9 songs depending on how many stupid stories I tell in between, and I might ask you to trot like a horse but please only do this at your discretion.
Are there any other bands on the line-up you’re particularly looking forward to seeing?
So many! If I could only see one band there it’s got to be Cherym, they must know by now I’m one of their biggest fans, ha. Also Pussyliquor (always iconic), Pizzatramp (needs no explanation), Grail Guard (the loveliest guys with great tunes) and Single Mothers (Negative Qualities is an immense album!!)
What else are you up to this year – any tours/festivals/releases you want to tell us about?
I’ve been pretty unproductive so far but thankfully people have been nice enough to ask me to play some great events this year. Aside from MPF I’ll be at Friend Fest in Brighton, Canterbury at the end of March, and I’ll be at Rebellion fest too. It probably goes without saying that there’s loads of Wonk gigs in between too! I’m going to release an EP this year and hopefully will also have some merch with me at MPF. I’m concerned Tshirts will take up too much room in my flat though so I might make knickers instead.
And finally, is there anything else you’d like to add?
Just how grateful I am that people support my projects. I work full time alongside all this (as do many of us) so the grind really never stops. I want to encourage other women in a similar position to me who never saw themselves stepping onto a stage to just go for it. Also I want more established bands to take a chance on unknowns – and don’t just talk about platforming women, actually do it. I’d never played with a band or been on tour when I joined Wonk Unit. If anyone wants advice about starting a band or touring, give it freely. We’re all in this together 🙂
Thank you so much to Xray Vez for answering these questions. Manchester Punk Festival takes place 18-20 April 2025 – full details and tickets here
You can find Xray Vez on Instagram // Bandcamp // Facebook
