There are a few record labels whose releases never seem to let me down. Case in point is Yep Roc. Already having one of the best rosters around, they have recently added songstress Dawn Landes. As an artist, Dawn has previously released four LPs and five EPs collaborating with some familiar names (Justin Towns Earle, Will Oldham and Jim James). In addition, as a player she has toured as a member of the band Hem and with Sufjan Stevens.

Gifted with a classic charming country voice, Dawn is right at home with one of her songs as she is with some of the cool songs she’s covered. While she’s covered Dolly, she’s also stretched from Springsteen to Roxy Music. Not afraid to experiment, she made me do a double take when I heard her sing Peter, Bjorn and John’s “Young Folks” on a 2008 EP. Now this gal’s got hipster class!

Her 2014 LP, “Bluebird” got her the buzz as a songwriter that she deserved, and the stage is set for her to make a big splash with her new record. Come see Dawn at the Basement on August 10, the day her new album, “Meet Me at the River” drops. You can hear her single, “Traveling” b/w “What Will I Do” at Spotify now. Thanks Dawn for your eleven.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

Kentuckiana by way of NYC. I moved here in November 2016 to finish a record and start a family. Also, our dog really wanted a yard, and the yards here are so great.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

Hmm, I definitely had a subscription to Columbia House for a little while early on, and probably Jagged Little Pill (Alanis Morissette) was first; let’s be honest. A few days ago, I picked up a Mickey Newbury LP at Grimey’s of songs he wrote while living in a houseboat on Old Hickory Lake. I love him so much.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First was Little Richard at the Kentucky State Fair, what a legend! Recently I saw my friend Angel Snow play before the Nashville Symphony at Centennial Park. What a cool night.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Fred Foster and Chet Atkins. Come on!

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Headquarters for coffee. Haven’t explored pizza here yet.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Any song by Skeeter Davis that Chet Atkins produced. Also love Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

No idea. New mom.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Angel Snow, Joe Pisapia & Birdcloud 🙂

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

The 5 Spot is a lot of fun.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

Missy Elliott

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

My new record Meet Me at the River is coming out August 10^th, so I’ll be touring that for a while. Also, I’ve been working on a musical called ROW, and there’s some stuff happening with that in the fall in NYC.