Across three solo albums, DAWN has honed a style of music that she describes as “genderless and genreless”.
DAWN’s 2019 album New Breed was her most successful to date. Showcasing her home city New Orleans and the Carnival Indian culture makes her latest album a one of a kind masterpiece. Her vocal and dance ability are matched with her production and songwriting skills making her one of most extraordinary talents of our time. New Breed was named as one of the year’s best albums by Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Vogue, FACT, LA Times, Spin, Rap Up and many more. DAWN continues to push the boundaries of music and visual technology with her videos and live show, becoming the first artist to perform live in 360 on YouTube. She has also released a VR album debuted by WIRED as well as collaborated with her long time partners Adult Swim making her the first black female singer to do so. What makes DAWN a unique pop sensation and a phenomenon is that she does this all DIY. Being completely Independent with no label or team she has broken ceilings for women, POC, LGBTQ, and so many others. DAWN is more than just her music, she is a movement.
Radio Free
Dawn Richard Lyrics
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Who are you now
When no one's around?
She losing, she losing herself
She not selling records, need help
They say she not worthy, she fell
Someone please save her, she in Hell (Yeah)
When it stop, they looking for the next honey
Now you walkin' 'round say, "Fuck the industry"
Numb to the pain like you drinkin' codeine
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Where do you go when the radio's down? (When the radio's down)
Who are you now
When no one's around?
Where do you go when the radio's down? (When the radio's down)
Don't lose sound (Lose sound)
Play your free love
Play your free
Where do you go when the radio's down?
Who are you now
When no one's around?
Hey, hey
Where do you go when the radio's down? (The radio)
Ooh, don't lose sound
Play your free love
In "Radio Free," Dawn Richard tackles the theme of identity and self-worth in the music industry. The first two lines suggest a sense of loneliness and insecurity that arises when one's fame and success start to fade. When the radio is no longer playing their music, they are left questioning who they are and what value they hold when there's no one around to validate them.
The following lines describe the struggles and criticisms faced by the artist. Richard sings about the singer losing herself, not selling records, and needing help. People in the industry question her worth and consider her a failure. The plea for someone to save her indicates her desperation and longing for support. This further highlights the artist's vulnerability and the detrimental impact the industry can have on one's mental and emotional well-being.
The lyrics also shed light on the superficiality of the music industry. The next lines reveal that the artist is only loved and appreciated when she's making money. However, when her success declines, people move on to the next popular artist. This underscores the fickle nature of fame and how an individual's value is often measured solely by their monetary success rather than their artistic talent or personal growth.
The final lines in the chorus offer a potential response and solution to the artist's struggles. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the industry, Richard encourages the artist to find her own voice and stay true to herself. The phrase "play your free love" suggests that the artist should create and express freely, without being confined by commercial expectations. It serves as a reminder to prioritize personal growth, love for the craft, and embracing individuality even when the radio is no longer playing their music.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Dawn Richard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind