Dawes (band)

Dawes (band)
Name	Dawes
Origin	Los Angeles
Genres	Folk rock, Americana, Rock and roll
Years active	2009–present
Labels	ATO Records, Hub Records
Associated acts	Simon Dawes, Taylor Goldsmith, Mumford & Sons, Jackson Browne, The Rolling Stones

Dawes (band) Dawes is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2009, known for its contemporary Folk rock and Americana sound. The group emerged from the remnants of the indie rock outfit Simon Dawes and rose to prominence through a series of studio albums, festival appearances, and tours with notable acts such as Tom Petty and Neil Young. Their work has been associated with the revival of singer-songwriter traditions exemplified by artists like Jackson Browne and Bob Dylan.

History

The band traces its roots to the Pasadena area of Los Angeles County, California where members previously participated in projects tied to the California indie scene. Following the dissolution of Simon Dawes, the group coalesced around frontman Taylor Goldsmith and bassist Wylie Gelber, later adding drummer Griffin Goldsmith and keyboardist Lee Pardini. Early exposure came via performances at venues in Silver Lake, support slots with Band of Horses and appearances at festivals such as Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and South by Southwest. Their debut album was released on ATO Records and produced by figures connected to the Los Angeles music scene, leading to touring partnerships with Neil Young and support dates for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Over subsequent albums they collaborated with session musicians who worked with Jackson Browne, Ringo Starr, and Beck, while their songwriting intersected with themes common to American folk and classic rock traditions.

Musical style and influences

Dawes' sound blends Folk rock, Country rock, and Singer-songwriter traditions, drawing explicit influence from Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Band, and Bruce Springsteen. Critics also note stylistic parallels with Fleetwood Mac-era Lindsey Buckingham arrangements, the harmonies of Crosby, Stills & Nash, and the lyrical introspection found in Paul Simon's work. Instrumentation often emphasizes acoustic guitar, piano, organ, alongside electric guitar work reminiscent of Tom Petty, and arrangements that recall studio approaches used by Reprise Records artists of the 1970s. Their production choices have involved engineers and producers who have worked with Ryan Adams, Graham Nash, and John Lennon-era collaborators, situating Dawes within a lineage that includes Americana revivalists like Wilco and The Avett Brothers.

Band members

Current lineup includes frontman and principal songwriter Taylor Goldsmith (lead vocals, guitar), bassist Wylie Gelber (bass guitar), drummer Griffin Goldsmith (drums, backing vocals), and keyboardist Lee Pardini (keyboards, backing vocals). Former and touring members have included musicians who previously worked with Jackson Browne, Bettye LaVette, and Frances McKee. Collaborative relationships extend to artists such as Mumford & Sons, Conor Oberst, Brandi Carlile, and session players tied to The Rolling Stones recordings.

Discography

Studio albums include their debut produced under the auspices of ATO Records and later releases that charted on lists associated with Billboard (magazine). Recordings often feature guest appearances by musicians from Jackson Browne's circle, and have been mixed by engineers who worked with The Eagles and Neil Young. Several singles received airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music and KEXP, and albums were featured in year-end lists by publications like Rolling Stone, NME, and Paste (magazine). Their catalog reflects an evolution through folk rock and Americana stylings while engaging with songwriting traditions linked to Laurel Canyon artists.

Tours and live performances

Dawes built their reputation through tours across the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, performing at festivals such as Glastonbury Festival, Newport Folk Festival, and Austin City Limits Music Festival. They have supported major acts including Tom Petty, Neil Young, Brandi Carlile, and Elton John on select dates, and have headlined venues ranging from The Troubadour in West Hollywood to Royal Albert Hall-adjacent stages in London. Live performances emphasize extended arrangements and harmonies akin to Crosby, Stills & Nash sets, and their touring band has sometimes included horn sections and pedal steel players associated with Wilco and Ryan Adams.

Awards and recognition

The band has received critical recognition from outlets including Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and MOJO (magazine), and nominations or mentions in award contexts linked to Americana Music Honors & Awards and regional Grammy Awards discussions. Their albums have earned placements on annual critics' lists compiled by NPR Music, Uncut and Stereogum, and songwriting accolades have been noted in features alongside artists such as Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson.

Category:American rock music groups Category:Musical groups from Los Angeles