Dawes is a band that sounds somewhat retro, yet there’s an intangible you can’t quite put your finger on; something that sets them apart and identifies them as a band of this era. Their music is pared down, unlike any number of current musicians who think they need to over-process their albums and autotune everything and say, “Here. This is all you need.” Their material is simplistically beautiful in its composition—its intricacies finding a home within lyrics.
We had an opportunity to ask drummer Griffin Goldsmith a few questions about the band. We hope you’ll read this, get jazzed about them (although I’m not sure HOW you couldn’t be jazzed about them already), and head out to a show near you. Dawes can be found at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland tonight.
How did the band get together?
Taylor and I are brothers and our lives of music have inevitably led us together. We met Wylie about eight years ago through mutual friends. And we met Tay the same way about three years ago.
Your sound is one that harkens back to musicians of yesteryear. How would you describe your sound?
It’s hard to be objective about our sound. In general I would say that we play rock and roll music. We all listen to various types of music, which is partially responsible for the unique identity of each member in the band. We have often been deemed an “Americana” band, which I don’t totally disagree with. It will be what it is and people will categorize it accordingly. We only do what comes natural to us.
How do you think the band has changed since its days as Simon Dawes?
The sound has changed a lot since the days of Simon Dawes. Taylor’s song writing is considerably more developed, and as we play what we think most appropriately accompanies his songs, so are the arrangements.
Why do you choose to record on analog?
We record on analog mainly because it forces us to perform at a certain level. If one of us were to play a wrong note or screw up a section you can’t exactly go back and fix it. Instead you have to do an entirely new take.
If you could only listen to five records for the rest of your life, what would they be?
1. Fresh by Sly and the Family Stone
2. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
3. Highway 61 Revisited by Bob Dylan
4. There’s No Place Like America Today by Curtis Mayfield
5. Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock
