Putting the "Artist" Back In "Music Artist"

Let’s be honest here: the glorious music industry is not as glorious as we all want to think. The emphasis on talent-obscure. The emphasis on looks-too important. And the emphasis on “product”? The main goal.

            Too many times we, the listeners, have seen music acts race to the top, have their few moments of fame, then crash to the bottom in flames.

            John Dawson is one artist that sees this. He does his research on his career goals and is realistic about it. He knows that to be successful, you can’t put all your faith in others taking care of you. You need to know how to take care of your business yourself to market off as a good and independent product.

            “Even outside of ODU there are a lot of artists. But the problem is the lack of knowledge, the drive, and –quite frankly- the money. And people just don’t know. If you don’t know about opportunities, you won’t know to take advantage of them.”

            The best way to compare Dawson is to Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Everyone else seems to listen to the wizard, but only he has the knowledge of what’s really behind that curtain. The wizard that is the music industry is the same way as the wizard in that story.

“You see the glitz and glam, you see the ‘personality’. But you don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes. And that’s what you need to learn to have an edge.”

            Jon Dawson wasn’t always this sure of his place in this chaotic career. He first started off by competing in a poetry contest when he was nine years old.  He realized that while writing, he was actually writing to music playing in his head. It was this combination that changed everything.

            “I remember reading this article about a painter. I remember him saying that he could paint a picture in black and white and it would be okay, but the back-story wouldn’t come out and be alive until he added color. “

            With this concept, John Dawson places his focus on the meaningful parts of the lyrics in his music. He believes the lyrics are where the listeners can find the pieces of the artist.

            “I think it takes away the personal value. It takes away from the intrinsic value of the song. Everything I do with my music is 100%. Down to the songs, down to every word. Down to the melody. Everything is 100% me.”

            And this is definitely carried out. Placing himself in the Hop-Hop, R&B scene, he wishes to stay true to himself. But while doing so, he makes sure he is independent in his work as it makes him more accessible and versitile.

“That’s really where I am right now. I’m still the singer-songwriter John Dawson, but, I like to have my own input in the things I do so I’m able to attack all different points.”

So in the end, if you’re a listener that wants to hear lyrics with meaning and connectivity, check out John Dawson. We will definitely be seeing him in the future.

Check out John Dawson’s page at the top of the blog under “Artists”. He plans to have a new project out between the June and August months this year. While his original title for the project was “Paint Me In Colors”, the title is still tentative. Stay tuned.