Noah Abrams
The Style girls love Dawes - and they're coming back to the Susquehanna Valley - to the Strand Capitol in York, September 24!
I've seen them twice there, and just love the intimate setting of the Strand. Seating is open and everyone gathers at the front of the stage to dance and sing along for a really fun show.
My daughter, Hazel, who is just about to turn one year old, is also a bone fide "groupie," having "seen/heard" them twice in my belly last summer and once live at Lancaster's Long's Park this summer for what singer Taylor claimed was their largest crowd ever. My husband and I first saw Dawes perform at the XPoNential Music Festival in 2010 where "Love is All I am" played as we strolled into Wiggins Park… I can still hear it in my head with a smile on my face.
I had the chance to ask the band some questions, and here's how drummer/singer, Griffin Goldsmith answered our pop quiz.
Names (and/or nicknames)/role in the band:
Griffin Goldsmith (drums/vocals), Taylor Goldsmith (lead vocals/guitar), Tay Straitharn (keys/vocals), Wylie Gelber (bass)
Hometown:
We're all from Los Angeles except for Tay who is from upstate New York and now lives in Los Angeles.
How would you describe your "style" (music/fashion/etc)?
I tend to say our music is rock and roll. I guess it's just natural and our style is careless (?)
Favorite song to play from new album "Stories Don't End":
"Someone Will"
Favorite song from a past album:
"The Way You Laugh"
What songs and/or bands would you say have most influenced you as musicians and a band as a whole?
Little Feat was a big influence for all of us during the first few formative years of the band.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what is the one thing you would take with you?
A companion
What is your ultimate comfort food after coming home from a long tour?
Sushi
For a band from LA, you seem to come to York and Lancaster quite often. In fact, Taylor said during the summer show at Long's Park in Lancaster, that was the biggest crowd you all had played to. Do you find it surprising to have such a big following in a seemingly "Dutchy" area (known for its Amish population)? Where else do you seem to have the largest fan base?
I think it's great that so many people came out to see us in Lancaster. It has really become one of our favorite stops. We have always felt loved like that in Minneapolis as well, among other places.
What first brought Dawes to Central PA? Was it the connection with WXPN?
I believe that the first time we played around there was in York. WXPN has always been very good to us and is instrumental in getting people to come out to our shows in the surrounding area.
What do you miss most about home when you're on the road?
I miss my family and the sushi.
Is it true "From a Window Seat" is about Taylor's fear of flying? And if so, does the band purposely drive from show to show?
I wouldn't call it a fear of flying. I guess it's just his perspective on the act of being in a plane and any ironies or things to consider which may ensue.
What are the band's must-haves when traveling (specific snacks, candy, drinks, technology, etc)?
We all travel with head phones and a few of us always have a few books with us.
If you had to wear one item for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A tank top and jeans. It's the most comfortable fit for me, especially when I'm playing. And probably a denim jacket.
The happiest moment in your career?
We've been given so many amazing opportunities. I think the happiest, and first of many for me, was being on stage with Jackson Browne.
How did you get involved with "Nothing But Nets" and are there any other charities you're currently working with?
They approached us about getting involved and we gave our support. They are the only charity that we currently work with.
What's on the horizon for Dawes for the rest of 2013 heading into the new year?
We're gonna tour the rest of this year and then take a little time off to write and arrange some new material.
