Eden Dawn's new single, 'Crossroads', presents a refreshingly quirky take on post-relationship dynamics. The Plymouth-born artist, known for her introspective lyricism, flips the script with a playful narrative, imagining the unlikely alliance of her ex and her current partner's former flame. This whimsical concept, as Dawn explains, started as a humorous thought experiment, evolving into a fully realised track.
Dawn's journey to this point is a testament to her self-driven nature. Starting her musical endeavours during the 2020 lockdown, she honed her skills independently before pursuing formal education, culminating in a master's degree in music production and sound engineering. It's this newfound expertise that makes 'Crossroads' particularly significant.
The track, recorded at Bristol's Pirate Studios, marks a departure from her usual home-based vocal recordings. "I like to work alone and spend time with myself," Dawn shares, emphasising the solitary nature of her creative process. However, the Bristol trip, a city of her birth, provided a change of scenery. The single is heavily influenced by the work of female artists, with Dawn citing Fiona Apple and Tori Amos as key inspirations. Those influences help create the sonic landscape Dawn uses to perfectly tell her story.
Musically, the single is perfectly paced and built to resonate with every listener. Eden's vocals fall upon soft piano keys and a building melody, progressing slowly but surely. There's a lightness and playfulness within, something that latches on to you and refuses to let go.
'Crossroads' stands out due to the contrast between its polished sound and its light-hearted subject matter. Dawn notes, "The contradiction of how the song sounds and the fact it is my least serious song in terms of lyrics makes this song stand out to me." It represents a deliberate move away from her often deeply personal songwriting, a move she describes as liberating.
"This song allowed me to take myself less seriously and have fun with writing music again," she says. "I did what I wanted with this track instead of worrying about what other people would like to hear." In doing so, she has created what could be interpreted as her happiest song to date.
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