A Hawk and a Hacksaw began in Saumur, France, in 2002, by Jeremy Barnes, the drummer of Neutral Milk Hotel. The band’s name is a reference to Don Quixote, intended as a reminder that while the path chosen is a fool’s quest, there is always the possibility of beauty and discovery along the way. In 2004 it became a collaboration with violinist Heather Trost. The pair have toured the world extensively and release music via their own LM-Duplication label.