Stephen Dawes – Up At Night

By: Kaylyn Bell

Q) What was it like growing up with parents being musical influences in your life? Because you were so immersed in music did you always feel like this was what you wanted to do as a career?

A) Although my parents do not play any instruments themselves, their genuine appreciation for music certainly got me writing at a young age. I was not just listening to great bands like Wilco, but also taught that entertainment is just as critical to society as any other career. This immersion has indeed played a massive role at driving me towards this strange and amazing career choice.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) A few of my childhood influences consist of The Rolling Stones, Wilco, Elliott Smith and Prince. For the new EP, The Japanese House and The 1975 have played in a big role in helping me build this newer sonic palette.

Q) Please tell us more about the story behind Up At Night and why this was important for you to write about and express through music?

A) Likewise, a lot of my inspiration for starting this project stemmed from supporting Peter McPoland last year and seeing how his album was written with the stage in mind. For Up At Night, I wanted every song to feel like it belonged in front of a live audience.

Q) How has this album evolved with you from your previous work?

A) I think the main shift was this project had more energy. The vocal parts were more challenging, the choruses hit harder and although there’s less narrative the lyrics are more personal.

Q) You’ve performed a few shows recently, which song is your favorite to perform live from Up At Night?

A) It is undoubtedly the namesake of the EP: “Up At Night.” I spent every day after writing that song dreaming of playing it live and finally, I’m getting to open my show with it. More specifically, my favorite moment in the whole set is when that first chorus hits.

Q) Tell us a bit about your songwriting process. Is there something specific you do or a certain place you like to write to help you feel inspired?

A) Every song is very different, but for the most part, I love getting as many ideas down as possible and then going back days or weeks later to the one’s that get stuck in my head.

Q) Your music explores themes that a lot of people can relate to, so I’m curious about which lyric from this album is most meaningful to you and why?

A) “I’ve been reminiscing about fried Oreos in wintertime.” I love this line in “What We Wanted” because it takes me right back to the first winter I spent in New York at NYU. Songs have always been my favorite time capsule.

Q) You have such a unique sound to your music. I know you helped produce many of the songs on this album, so what do you like most about being involved in that process?

A) I went into this project wanting to incorporate more synth work while trying not to lose the live rock and roll element. On songs like “Want Me,” I love the way the chorus really takes advantage of this with the club-like synth bass.

Q) When thinking about the songs you’ve made on Up At Night, what do you hope resonates – either an emotion or message?

A) As I mentioned previously, this album was written to be played live. If nothing else, I hope that these songs are fun and exciting to be in the audience for even if the strongest theme of the project is longing.

Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on music in the future?

A) I’ve been working a bit with my friend Sombr recently. After tour, I’m very excited to keep that going.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?

A) This past month of touring has been an absolute dream come true. Thank you for being patient during the 10-month live show hiatus and I promise I will do everything in my power to get back to the stage. Hearing you all screaming my lyrics at the headline shows was unforgettable experience. I cannot wait to do that around the whole country.