A Versatile Voice in Modern Folk Music
Dawn Landes
Tuesday 3rd Sep 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM
West Malvern Social Club, WR14 4AY
Bu Tickets online
Dawn Landes is a North Carolina-based singer-songwriter whose music might have already graced your ears if you’re a fan of popular TV shows like The Good Wife, House, or Gossip Girl. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Landes has released seven albums and five EPs since 2005, carving out a niche for herself as a prominent figure in the indie-folk scene. She is not only known for her evocative songwriting and distinctive voice but also for her collaborative spirit, working alongside contemporaries such as Sufjan Stevens, Norah Jones, and the renowned composer Nico Muhly.
Landes’ talents extend beyond the recording studio. She has graced stages with the Boston Pops and the NYC Ballet, and she delivered a memorable performance on the TED main stage. Her creative versatility is further highlighted by her work in musical theatre. In 2021, her musical ROW, which tells the inspiring story of fellow Kentucky native Tori Murden McClure’s quest to become the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, premiered at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. The musical was well-received and is now available for listeners on Audible.
Dawn Landes’ forthcoming release, The Liberated Woman’s Songbook, promises to be a significant addition to her already impressive discography. This album of folk songs takes listeners on a journey through the history of women’s activism, spanning from the 1800s to the vibrant era of Women’s Liberation in the 1970s. It’s a project that showcases Landes’ deep respect for historical context and her ability to bring the past to life through music.
The album was produced by her longtime collaborator Josh Kaufman, known for his work with Bonny Light Horseman, and features an array of talented guest artists. Emily Frantz of Watchhouse (formerly Mandolin Orange), Kanene Pipkin from The Lone Bellow, and artists like Charly Lowry, Rissi Palmer, and Lizzy Ross of Violet Bell contribute to the rich tapestry of sounds on this record. The collaboration with such esteemed musicians further elevates the album, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music and social history.
Critics have already started to praise The Liberated Woman’s Songbook. TED described Dawn Landes as a “master of singer-songwriter pop,” noting her “bright, supple voice and restless imagination.” American Highways lauded the album as “a gorgeous new album that spins you off in multiple directions,” while the Washington Post called it “a collection of heartbreaking and beautiful songs.”