DEVIN DAWSON'S ALBUM RELEASE SHOW
Devin Dawson's Album 'Dark Horse' Release Show
Singing to "Asking For A Friend," I started getting ready for the 'Dark Horse' Album Release show taking place at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood, CA. Devin Dawson is a California grown country singer who has the hit single 'All On Me' currently climbing the music charts. One listen to the hit single will have you automatically linking the lyrics to your best friend, a crush, your lover, or even dwelling on what ifs. When lyrics are this good, everyone will find a way to relate to your music and that is exactly what Devin Dawson has done. He has connected with so many people on a personal level and it shows with his single currently on crazy rotation on the radio here in Southern California.
OOTD for the show xx
Heading to the venue, there were two lines spilling onto the sidewalk as people waited for a chance to get into the intimate venue. 400+ people tried to reserve tickets & the venue remains very intimate with not THAT much space to give. Many people won entry through the radio as Go Country 105.1 gave away entry all week. Others RSVP'd with limited first come first served basis through the hit SoCal Country company Boots On Stage. Devin's fan base was evident & ready to show their loyalty. There were so many familiar faces with David, Amie & Graham from Go Country, Country fans I've seen at many events from California to Vegas, and even other artists like the talented Caleche Ryder showing up in support. There were people holding images of Dawson, cards, and other memorabilia with the hopes of having it signed while meeting him after his performance.
Country Fans are unlike any other genre of music supporters. No stuck up attitudes, just good ol' people sharing a love for realness. To all the girls who complimented my outfit, besos forever. I love how supportive this community is & couldn't wait to get inside!
The venue was decorated with the classic mega sized cowboy hats from Boots on Stage, silver balloons spelling out 'Dark Horse' (the name of one of Dawson's tracks and title of his album, and flyers of the midnight release on every table.
The Performance
Devin Dawson and his entire band stepped out in all black as expected from his social media presence, lyrics on the track Dark Horse, & vintage style. Fitted by Levi's prior to the show, Dawson was tailored to look casually his best. His full tatted sleeves, cut denim vest, and sleek pointed boots had every woman in there ready to sing with him.
He dedicated the first song to anyone who has (unfortunately) been cheated on and proceeded to sing the ninth track on his album: War Paint.
His crowd interaction was so casual, raising a glass of tequila to toast the audience, yelling to hype up the audience, and taking a moment as he put it: "to look out the window," in reference to taking it all in. He is so unbelievably personable on that stage that his natural ability to captivate an audience stood out loud and clear.
As he started singing his fifth track on his album, 'Symptoms', he had every person in the room swaying to the sultry nature of his voice. Before playing 'Secondhand Hurt,' he talked about the importance as an artist to not be scared of writing songs about heartbreak, love, the ups and downs we all face simply because he said everyone is going to need it at one point. "I know I did," he said as he related to all of the faces in the room who listened to his vulnerability and honesty. His connection to crowd continued as he had everyone yelling, swaying, singing along, and relating to life experiences all evening. Playing 'Second to Last,' he explained that it was about being the guy that she meets right before she finds the guy she's going to fall in love with and being okay with it. His songs ranged from slow and melodic, to quick and featuring ranging tempo from his talented band members. Many of his songs highlighted opportunities for each member to highlight their talents, playing off each other, and showcasing that these men are going to have a lot of sold out shows ahead of them to come.
In true basic weakness, when he dedicated his love for country music and song 'Asking For A Friend' to his mom, I was swooning hard. He talked about how she showed him what music to listen to, what bass lines to pay attention to, and raised him on country roots. His mom did a favor to all of us is all I'm saying.
Devin Dawson performing at his LA 'Dark Horse' release show
