It's the return of Dawes to XPN Free At Noon.

The debut album North Hills, released September 29, 2009, from the local LA quartet and XPN Artist To Watch, Dawes (featuring members of the old Record Collection Simon Dawes) fringes with a blend of classic 70's folk-rock and contemporary embellishments.

When we first met the band Dawes early in 2010 it was almost like being reintroduced to an old friend. Their classic folk-rock sensibilities and contemporary storytelling made for a comfortable, inspiring discovery. North Hills, the title of their debut was a deliberate nod to their Laurel Canyon home and their sound indicative of the neighborhoods musical landscape, both past and present. Nothing Is Wrong, the band’s sophomore album, further embraces their geographic roots and reminds us how easy it is to get wrapped up their lush harmonies and wistful stories.

The debut album North Hills, released September 29, 2009, from the local LA quartet and XPN Artist To Watch, Dawes (featuring members of the old Record Collection Simon Dawes) fringes with a blend of classic 70's folk-rock and contemporary embellishments.

Various Artists
Live at the World Cafe, Volume 33
(World Cafe)

World Cafe with David Dye has just polished off the track list for the 33rd Volume in its incredible series of live recordings from XPN's signature program. Artists including Beirut, The Civil Wars, Ryan Adams, My Morning Jacket, Alison Kraus, TV on the Radio, and many others have contributed to this stellar collection.

Special Note: Today’s Dawes FAN will be a solo acoustic performance from Taylor Goldsmith for more information go here

The Free At Noon Concert with Dawes is at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, PA!

Dawes was an XPN Artist To Watch in April, 2010.

They live for the stage, pouring every ounce of their work into soul-bearing live performances; and show no signs of slowing down. The L.A. quartet's blend of classic '70s folk-rock and contemporary flair made their debut "North Hills" an instant hit, quickly pushing them onto everyone's radar. The combination of Taylor Goldsmith's lyrical and powerful voice and the backing folk-pop harmonies managed to capture the nuances of sorrow and optimism all throughout an overarching thread of mature condidence. Along with instrumental backing from Griffin Goldsmith (Tayler's younger brother), Wylie Gelber and Tay Strathairn (who replaced original member Alex Casnoff), this was a fine-tuned recipe for early success.

Two years since their debut, they are now preparing for the release of their sophomore effort, "Nothing Is Wrong," which is bound to evoke the same sense of nostalgia and anticipation that made their debut a standout. Going for more of a Springsteen/Petty American rock and roll sound, Dawes ultimately recorded the album at Echo Park studio between touring. According to the band, "the difference between this record and [2009's North Hills] is that this one has a much more live quality, because they were learned and arranged on stage."

The debut album North Hills from the local LA quartet Dawes (featuring members of the old Record Collection Simon Dawes) fringes with a blend of classic 70's folk-rock and contemporary embellishments. Ultimately this clever mixture evokes a sense of nostalgia and refreshing anticipation all at the same time.