SOLD OUT: Dawes, Michigander

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Jon Chu

The two members of Dawes playing pinball.

Dawes

media release: Acclaimed California rock band Dawes are following last night’s surprise appearance at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards with today’s release of their exclusive cover version of “I Love L.A.,” available everywhere now. Proceeds will benefit The Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort To Support Music Professionals. To contribute to the Recording Academy and MusiCares’ Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort, or if you or someone you know needs help, please visit musicares.org/firerelief.

Last night saw Dawes co-founders Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith kick off the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards by leading an all-star lineup – including Brad Paisley, Brittany Howard, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, and St. Vincent – for an unforgettable performance of Randy Newman’s classic ode to his beloved Los Angeles, honoring the City of Angels’ strength and resilience in the wake of last month’s devastating fires. Dawes now joins an impressive list of artists who have opened the GRAMMY® Awards over the years, including Beyonce and Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, U2, and many more. 

Dawes – whose own lives were shattered by the fire’s unprecedented destruction – were also among the stars performing at last week’s star-studded FireAid benefit concert at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. After opening their set with their own “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” Dawes were joined onstage by Stephen Stills and Mike Campbell for a performance of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.” The supergroup then welcomed Stills’ longtime friend and musical partner Graham Nash for an unforgettable rendition of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Teach Your Children” that saw everyone in attendance at the arena singing along in unison.

Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith are among the many Los Angeles area residents whose lives have been impacted by the destructive fire. Griffin lost his home while Taylor lost his studio and most of the band’s musical gear and equipment. Dawes further supported MusiCares efforts to assist fellow musicians affected by the fire by visiting ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform a special version of “Time Spent in Los Angeles,” originally found on their 2011 album, Nothing Is Wrong.

“I Love L.A.” follows last year’s acclaimed release of Dawes’ ninth studio album, Oh Brother, available everywhere now. Exclusive split color vinyl, as well as an array of deluxe Oh Brother bundles, are available via the Dawes online store.

Hailed by No Depression as “a staggering soundscape where guitar-talking, folk-rock, bleary-eyed grooves, and a kind of misfit pop all blur into one succinct soundtrack for these unprecedented times,” Oh Brother marks a distinctive new chapter for Dawes following 2022’s epic Misadventures of Doomscroller and the amicable departure of two bandmates last year. The album steers Dawes decidedly forward, honoring 15 years of Taylor and Griffin’s musical relationship, as well as the next era and natural evolution of their beloved band. That spirit informed much of the writing and recording, with each track initially recorded live with just Taylor on guitar and vocals and Griffin on drums, later incorporating additional studio instrumentation and collaborating with touring guitarist Trevor Menear. Across its nine heartfelt songs — which move seamlessly between folk rock, piano ballads, and sprawling jams while maintaining both an immediately recognizable sound and a freedom from expectations — Oh Brother sees Dawes navigating new vistas in their personal and professional lives while remaining steadfastly creative, ambitious, and inspired. 

Co-produced by Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith alongside longtime friend Mike Viola, Oh Brother includes such singles as “Mr. Los Angeles,” joined by a hilarious official music video starring Conan O’Brien and streaming now at YouTube following its exclusive world premiere via PEOPLE.com. Further highlights include the sprawling album centerpiece, “Surprise!,” “Still Strangers Sometimes,” and “House Parties,” the latter two accompanied by creative fan-focused official music videos streaming now at YouTube. Dawes have also shared an exclusive live studio performance videos of “Surprise!,” “House Parties” (featuring special guest Brad Paisley) and “Still Strangers Sometimes” (featuring Madison Cunningham and Mike Viola). In addition, Dawes paid a visit to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a late night TV performance of “House Parties” praised by Relix for “(Dawes’) energized approach and affinity for tapping into a feeling of sentimentalism through satirical lyrics – all the while maintaining their distinctive ability to conjure a scene and emulate a desired feeling.”

Dawes spent much of last fall celebrating their new era traveling the US on their epic Oh Brother Tour, resuming April 9 at Woodstock, NY’s Bearsville Theatre. Support on most dates comes from Michigander. Dawes will also be among the artists joining Goose for Viva El Gonzo, a three-day destination festival presented by 100x Hospitality and set for May 8-10 in San José del Cabo, Mexico.

In addition, Taylor Goldsmith will join forces with his longtime friend MC Taylor (of Hiss Golden Messenger) for The MC Taylor Goldsmith Show, a collaborative tour that will see the two Taylors play onstage together, performing a mix of songs from both artist’s catalogs in a number of intimate venues around the country. The once-in-a-lifetime live run begins March 6 at Chicago, IL’s Thalia Hall. For complete details and ticket availability, please visit dawestheband.com/tour.