After several sonic rebirths from debuting and earning acclaim as part of K-Pop group Pentagon to carving his solo career under Psy’s label P Nation, South Korean artist DAWN re-emerges once again with an artistry that he describes as “new authentic pop.”
A powerhouse talent who reveals that he envisions music as “love, language and the future,” DAWN is amazed by how music allows people to“feel the same way even if you don’t speak in the same language,” as he endeavours to craft music that feels more personable – his latest single “Dear My Light,” being the first step of new sonic approach.
Speaking of the inspiration behind the track, which pays ode to the precious time spent between two people, he says,“ “Dear My Light” sings as a letter for all of us who are in search of the light,” adding further on the creative process, “ This song and my recent signing to AT AREA gave me the strength to believe in the power of my voice. It was certainly a new challenge for me. The creative process of this song taught me how to focus on my tone, and my delivery.”
With previous records having encapsulated other elements of his creativity including performance and his penchant for fashion, this new offering hones into the story and message first.
Delving into focusing on his lyrics he says, he says that song writing comes naturally to him but that he does feel pressure of something new, cool, and something that a lot of people can relate to. He says, “The process is natural to me but I always like to challenge myself,” adding, “I am always up for experimenting and I will continue to do that without putting any limitations or boundaries in any particular musical style.”
On the topic of challenges, we speak about how he keeps himself creatively motivated constantly. Explaining that a mix of collaboration with different artists not only in music but in other areas like painting, photography and more to share a love for art is what inspires him, he says, “First, AT AREA is a powerhouse for me; they inspire me and everyone here is so creative and professional at what they do. Second, I spend a lot of my time at my new studio space.”
Always pushing to creating something new that moves people and allows them to feel from the depths of their hearts, DAWN’s music has never failed to appeal to anyone listening. He reflects on the surreal feeling of taking the stage for every release in his career to receive equal amounts of love and appreciation each time.
Their warmth has him wanting to return better and more improved on each new step of his career. Looking to the future, he adds, “I’m looking forward to having my future solo concert and more connection with my fans.”
But before anticipation for the future, we come back to the present and the artistry he’s carefully developing now, standing at a point in his musical journey where he “ feels more liberated than ever.”
A talent who is never content to rest on his laurels, DAWN offers up “Dear My Light,” as a beacon of light not just for his listeners but for himself as he seeks to break down the walls he set up around himself. Rightfully having earned a reputation as an “industry favourite,” we’re sure to treated to this ever-evolving act’s conscious efforts to use his craft to break through more boundaries and inspire others to do the same.
