Our musical artist of the week is the multifaceted Dawn Richard, known from the girl groups Danity Kane and Dirty Money. But let’s put some respect on her name because her blueprint doesn’t end there. She is a transcending solo artist and entrepreneur. The founder of Papa Ted’s, a vegan food truck, pop-up restaurant, and art exhibition for local artists to showcase their work and sale. She has so much love for her city that it exudes from her music, style, and humility for human beings.
Dawn is also a creative director at Adult Swim, “dabbling” (sis got skills) into anime and bringing diversity in a community that doesn’t always recognize black and brown people in such an unconventional space.
With the release of her sixth album Second Line, she is giving homage to New Orleans. The Second Line is a tradition that encumbrances a parade with live music, dancing, and community. Celebrating the beginning of a new life together, and that’s what this album personifies. Second Line has a range of songs on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness with a mixture of electronics, drumlines, and house beats.
Dawn sets the record straight in this album that she is memorable with the track, Mornin/ Streetlights, “You gon’ remember me in the mornin’,” and “I’m runnin’ every streetlight, I’m always ahead of the time,” and that she is!
A story narrated by her mother takes us on a journey through the eyes of a Louisiana-born woman who has gone through ebbs and flows with solid baselines and melodic vocals, leaving us feeling joyful and wanting to get up and dance.
Download and listen to on Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube, Pandora, iHeart, and Deezer.
