Dawn Jameson: A Fine and Elegant Mess

By Cassaundra Brooks

When we last chatted with Dawn Jameson a little over a year ago, she was sporting blonde locks and energizing crowds at Barcelona. As we transition into the new year, Jameson is making some transitions of her own. The now brunette songstress is set to release a solo album with a new, refined sound.

North Valley Magazine: What have you been up to in the past year-and-a-half?

Dawn Jameson: Barcelona shut its doors in July of last year. It was a devastating time for all of us. It felt like I just lost my family, and it all happened so suddenly. David [Hernandez] and I continued to perform nationally and internationally at different venues until I decided to take some time off to focus after the death of my mother, who had been fighting cancer for seven years. [I was also] newly married. I did some serious soul searching to figure out what I really wanted to do with my life. I then threw myself into my solo career with writing songs and recording my new album.

NVM: We hear you have a new album coming out. What can we expect?

DJ: I am continuing to work with Ryan Greene (2010 LA Music Awards’ Record Producer of the Year), but this new album was produced through the record label I signed with earlier this year—Fervor Records—and recorded in Phoenix at WilloDisc. The goal behind this record was to create music that married some of the retro sounds and arrangements quintessential to Northern soul and funk with an updated, modern pop sensibility. What makes Elegant Mess special is that the songs reflect where I’ve been, who I am, and where I’m going. At the end of the day, I think my audience relates to the stories. “Memphis Horns” represents a will to stay strong during adversity. Music makes me stronger. It’s like my guardian angel when life takes a turn for the worst. My hope is that it will lift others up, too. “Pink Umbrella” is an anthem for breast cancer survivors. It feels like all the moments of my life have led up to Elegant Mess.

NVM: How has the songwriting been coming along?

DJ: The songwriting has been going great. With all the dramatic life changes that took place all at once in my life, I’ve been really inspired to write out of my comfort zone. I feel like with the pop princess I portrayed at Barcelona, then the country band I was in [that played in Vegas], I was trying to figure out who I was as an artist and sent out too many mixed messages. I believe I’ve found myself in this new album. [It] describes my transformation to a T! I co-penned the songs with Jeff Freundlich and Jack Howell. Their music has been heard by millions in shows such as One Tree Hill, Law & Order, and The Office. I am currently writing new songs for a second album.

NVM: Where can we find you performing in the next couple of months?

DJ: For the months of December and January, I will be performing at different venues with my new band, based around the album.

NVM: What are your goals for the future?

DJ: To get picked up on a national tour, which isn’t far out of reach, and to eventually headline my own show internationally.
Elegant Mess will be sold on iTunes, Amazon.com, and all other major e-tailers in January. You can order physical CDs at DawnJamesonOnline.com or pick one up at one of her shows. Find tour dates on her Web site or Facebook.com/DawnMarieJameson.