Richard Dawson | Artist

Richard Dawson aka Eyballs is an English progressive folk singer-songwriter born 1981 in Newcastle upon Tyne. Known for his music that blends elements of folk, experimental rock, and avant-garde improvisation, Dawson has carved out a unique niche in the music world with his unconventional approach to songwriting and performance. Dawson began playing guitar and singing in local bands before branching out as a solo artist, working in record stores for 10 years before becoming a professional musician. His early influences range widely from traditional folk music to experimental rock, and Qawwali, a form of Sufi islamic devotional music. Dawson first gained widespread recognition with the release of his album The Magic Bridge in 2011, which showcased his raw talent as a songwriter and guitarist. The album's intricate fingerpicking, poetic lyrics, and haunting vocals garnered critical acclaim and established Dawson as a rising star in the folk music scene. Subsequent albums such as The Glass Trunk and Nothing Important further solidified Dawson's reputation as an artist unafraid to push the boundaries of what is considered folk music. His music is characterized by its emotive storytelling, arresting melodies, and unexpected sonic textures that keep listeners on their toes. One of the most striking aspects of Richard Dawson's music is his powerful and emotive voice, which ranges from tender whispers to guttural wails. Lyrically, Dawson's material deals with dark subjects such as death. For The Glass Trunk, he took inspiration from old news stories involving murder and bodily harm. The track "The Vile Stuff" from Nothing important describes a continuous narrative of events, including one where Dawson pierced his hand with a screwdriver attempting to crack a coconut shell while on a school trip. To-date Dawson has released 12 studio albums, including collaborations. Standouts include The Magic Bridge (2011), Nothing Important (2014), Peasant (2017), 2020 (2019), Henki (2021), and The Ruby Cord (2022). The album Henki was recorded in collaboration with Finnish Psych-Prog outfit Circle. Dawson has also released solo material pseudonymously under the name "Eyeballs", and has also performed in the groups Bulbils, Hen Ogledd, Hot Fog, Moon, and Khunnt.

Artist Website: richarddawson.net

Featured Albums: Richard Dawson

Related Artists: Hen Ogledd, Bulbils, Circle