Dawn Canon
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Dawn Canon

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"Dawn Canon is drenched in the '90s sound"

Lauren DeMichiei only has to say the name of her band and people from Western Pennsylvania light up. Then she quickly points out the name is Dawn Canon, not Don Cannon, the longtime local newscaster.

Still, there's a tribute involved.

"We all appreciate Don Cannon; he is Pittsburgh's Ron Burgundy," DeMichiei says, referring to the Will Ferrell character from the movie "Anchorman." "He has great hair, he has a great presence about him, he's very serious. We wanted to come up with a name that promoted Pittsburgh, in a way."

Without good music, however, a name is just a name. Dawn Canon's self-titled EP, being released Saturday at the Shadow Lounge, East Liberty, is drenched in a nostalgia for the '90s sounds of Belly and Pearl Jam, with a healthy dollop of '70s psychedelia thrown in for good measure. Each member -- singer and guitarist DeMichiei, guitarist Joe Serkoch, bassist/guitarist Allison Neusch and drummer Dave Neuhart -- brings something unique to the mix.

"We all have varying influences and we all contribute equally to the songwriting process," DeMichiei says. "That's why a lot of the songs, at least to me, have different feels."

For DeMichiei, the transition to a rock-heavy sound has tested her as a vocalist and guitarist. Her previous band, Lushwell, delved in trip hop and ambient sounds. Most recently she's been performing at Club Cafe's AcousticCafe Open Stage series, floating songs for trial runs.

"It's challenging as a vocalist to have a presence over a driving rock band," she says. "But I've always loved that music from the '90s. I grew up with the Seattle grunge scene and Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, and always appreciated rock music. ... It feels good to be in a rock band, to be on stage just playing music, getting frustrations out, getting out all the emotions that you find in music and in life."

The sound, as DeMichiei indicates, varies from song to song. The first tune, "Dawn Canon," is a blast of fuzzy guitars punctuated by yells of "Dawn Canon!" "Doda Ere" is a gorgeous pop tune that falls somewhere between Belly and Camera Obscura. At a little more than six minutes, "Lullaby" allows Dawn Canon to flex its musicality in a more reserved fashion.

Because Dawn Canon is still finding its way -- they've been together less than two years -- there's no real template, and the five-song EP is purposely brief.

"It's kind of a discovery process of figuring out how each other writes, how you interact with one another," DeMichiei says. "We're just kind of taking it slow. We definitely want to keep recording. We're also looking for the right producer to work with. As soon as those things fall into place, we'll definitely be recording again."

In at least one aspect, Dawn Canon is ahead of the curve. The self-titled release is being issued via a USB flash drive instead of a CD.

"People are sharing music in a digital form, and we wanted to make our music accessible," DeMichiei says. "Hopefully in a digital format it will be able to travel a little farther than being on a CD." - By Reger Behe, Tribune-Review, Wed., September 30, 2009


"Local Band Dawn Canon releases new EP... on USB"

Between seeing a band live and getting its tunes onto your computer or other music-player, there has to be some kind of link -- or you probably just won't get around to it for awhile. Usually that means buying a CD at a show and ripping it to your computer, but lately you might see formats like download cards at shows, as labels and bands scramble to figure out what's next.

A couple of months back, I ran into singer Lauren DeMichiei and guitarist Joe Serkoch, formerly of local band Lushwell, who told me they were trying a different music format for their new band, Dawn Canon. This week, the band, which includes Allison Neusch and Dave Neuhart, is releasing a self-titled EP via iTunes and other download services, and physically on a bright red USB drive keychain emblazoned with the band's logo.

The USB stick has some history as a way to sell music. In late 2007, several major labels announced they would release some albums and movies via USB. From the scant number of USB albums currently available on Amazon.com -- a literal handful of titles by the likes of The Mars Volta, Bullet for My Valentine (shaped like a bullet, naturally), The Rolling Stones and Ringo Starr -- it doesn't seem like it went very well.

A frequent criticism is that the drives cost even more than CDs: Matchbox 20 released Exile on Mainstream on a USB bracelet containing the album, videos, digital album art and other extras ... for $35. Back in 2005, when a 128 MB drive was actually fairly expensive, Barenaked Ladies, of all people, beat everyone to the punch, releasing an album with lots of extras, "incredibly low priced at $29.98."

As a promotional tool for a new band like Dawn Canon, though, it seems like a pretty good idea. In addition to transferring music more easily than a CD, the USB is reusable for more than a coaster. If you use it with any frequency, it might remind you about the band or spark a conversation about its music even when you're doing non-music-related things. Dawn Canon's red USB contains simply the EP artwork and five guitar-driven alternative-rock tracks, kicking off with the celebratory cheer "Dawn Canon!" over a raunchy garage-rock riff.

Dawn Canon's release show is 9 p.m. Sat., Oct. 3, at Shadow Lounge, with guests Kill the Drama and Blindsider; tickets are $6. And on Oct. 14, the group plays live on WPTS 92.1 FM. For more on the band, including a video for its song "Scrod," visit www.dawncanon.com - by Aaron Jentzen, The Pittsburgh City Paper, October 1st, 2009


"Local Scene"


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Local Scene
Thursday, October 01, 2009
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The debut EP from Pittsburgh band Dawn Canon can easily double as a keychain, as it arrives as a USB stick with a handy ring.

Plug it into the computer and up pops five dreamy-to-garagey guitar-rock songs topped by pretty female vocals from singer-guitarist Lauren DiMichiei. She's backed by guitarist Joe Serkoch, her former cohort in the band Lushwell, plus guitarist-bassist Allison Neusch and drummer Dave Neuhart.

"Allison and myself take turns playing guitar and bass and often switch a few times during a live set," DiMichiei says. "Since we both play guitar, I decided to take up bass so Allison was able to bring in her guitar riffs during the songwriting process. All members actively contribute to the songwriting process and bring in riffs or beats that we all collectively make into a song."

The band formed in February 2008 and cut its teeth by hosting "Netrock Full Band Open Stage" at the Shadow Lounge. As for the name, DiMichiei says "Our name celebrates Don Cannon, ex-newscaster from KDKA, who we lovingly refer to as 'Pittsburgh's Ron Burgundy.' We were hoping to fly him into town for the EP release but our band budget didn't allow."

In addition to the USB version, the EP also will be released on iTunes and other download services. The USB EP Release Party is 9 p.m. Saturday at The Shadow Lounge with Blindsider and Kill The Drama

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09274/1002145-388.stm#ixzz0Ztr5ozCP
- By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Thurs., October 1, 2009


"Dawn canon on USB Music Distribution"

Are your CD sales sluggish? Are you down with digital distribution channels like iTunes, but you want to complement it with something a bit more creative — actually putting something in the hands of your fans? If so, Pittsburgh band Dawn Canon might have an option: USB music distribution.

The concept is simple really. Your tracks are put on a personally-branded USB drive that fans can buy instead of a traditional CD. No more ripping just to transfer tracks to an .mp3 player. No more hassle trying to get songs setup on multiple systems and portable players.

USB drives might not seem like the most economical option, but it’s not really about that. It’s about the branding. it’s about giving fans something truly useful. Think of it almost more as merch than music sales. You’re selling the USB drive. It can be re-used for whatever the fan wants. They can keep your tracks stored there or they can back them up somewhere else and use the drive for their school assignments, work projects, or personal files. No matter how the use it the end result is the same — they’ll be keeping a reminder of your band with them, possibly wherever they go. It’s all about that branding boys and girls.

I talked to Joe, Allison, Lauren, and Dave about how Dawn Canon came up with the idea and what they thought about the risks of this kind of distribution model. Here’s what they had to say:

AX: What made Dawn Canon decide to release their debut EP on flash drives instead of either CDs or solely online via .mp3 downloads?

Joe: We liked [the] idea of having a USB drive that people can use well after the music has been dumped into their iTunes, and the uniqueness really appealed to us.

AX: How does USB production and distribution compare to of that of creating and selling CDs? How does it compare economically to going solely the online route?

Lauren: USBs are definitely a bit pricier than CDs, but this release isn’t just about making a fast buck, it’s about creating something cool for the people who dig what we do. It’s a limited run, almost like most vinyl releases today and they’re only available at shows. Our music can be found everywhere online though: iTunes, Rhapsody, Lala, etc.

AX: Do you believe that USB releases are going to replace CDs, or do you see digital downloads doing that where USB releases are more of a novelty for people who want a physical product in their hands (such as being able to buy directly at a show, so the band doesn’t lose those sales)?

Dave: The future is too unpredictable. I mean who would have ever predicted that vinyl would give way to 8-tracks, and 8-tracks to cassettes, and cassettes to CDs? It does seem like CDs are becoming obsolete, though I do not personally believe that USB releases will “replace” CDs. I think something else will come along that hasn’t yet been invented. Maybe they will have 3D music – a totally interactive musical experience like a holographic music video in your living room similar to Rock Band? Now that would be cool.

AX: Is there any kind of built-in protection to stop a fan from stupidly deleting the files from the USB drive, and if not, how would / should artists deal with those issues? Will there be some kind of purchase verification process (along the lines of software keys) that will enable them to replace the files (maybe some kind of limited access to re-download the songs from a private area of the band’s site)?

Lauren: No, we have more faith in people. But if you do happen to delete the files, you can always email the band at our site.

AX: Are your USB EPs branded, and if so how did you go about it (is there a company out there offering affordable customization that would work for most DIY artists)?

Lauren: Yes they are branded.

Dave: Our strategy was to find the two companies with the best quotes and see who could give us the best price. As far as being affordable, it depends on what kind of budget you are on, and how much you are willing to spend. Buying in bulk does lower the price per unit.

AX: How do you feel about music portability and the role USB drive releases might play in that? Are you intentionally trying to make sure that fans can put their purchased tracks on all of their computers, mp3 players, phones, etc., without the limitations some download services might place on them (or at least ways they make portability more difficult)?

Allison: Yes, that was the idea. Our thinking was that once the music gets into the computer (via USB), there’s no telling where it may go.

AX: Do you have any fear that widespread use of USB drives will simply make pirating easier, or are you looking at a more open approach to music?

Dave: No, I don’t think it makes it any easier If people want to pirate music, they’ll find a way regardless.

Allison: Our thoughts are of a more, open approach to music and we hope they share our music with their friends.

You can learn more about Dawn Canon and their USB music distribution by visiting their website at DawnCanon.com. - Jenn Mattern, AudioXposure, November 3, 2009


"Dawn Canon taps into its various influences"

Sort of like Pink Floyd-meets-The Smashing Pumpkins … but not really.

That’s the sentiment of Dawn Canon guitarist Joe Serkoch about his Pittsburgh-based rock band that makes its Youngstown debut Friday at Barley’s.

“We’ve been together for about a year and a half, and we’re just as straightforward as a rock band can get,” Serkoch said. “Our sound doesn’t really subscribe to any of the trends that are on radio today. It’s more classic rock in nature, more than anything modern. Our influences are ’70s rock, mainly, and some of the early ’90s stuff.”

The band recently released its debut EP, which boasts five songs that were largely written and recorded last year. This includes the garage-y “Scrod,” the poppy “In the Shade” and the grungy “Doda Ere.”

“You’ll notice that all five tracks have a completely different sound, from poppy to dreamy,” Serkoch said. “The thing is, everybody in the band writes, so everyone has slightly different influences. Therefore, all the songs contrast off each other. We don’t have really one distinct sound.”

Something unique about the EP is the band’s decision to release it not as a conventional CD or even as an online digital purchase, but on USB keychain. You have to admit, it’s different, not to mention more expensive.

“It was a little bit more than $5 a drive,” Serkoch said. “So it’s more expensive, but we’re really banking on the convenience of it because you buy the drive, put it in your pocket and pop it in your computer. And since everyone is doing everything on iTunes with MP3s now, we just figured we’d distribute them as digital files. Plus, you can erase them after you put them on your computer.”

Serkoch said the goal is to sell enough of the EPs to cover the recording cost of the band’s full-length debut, which the group hopes to have out next year. This invariably will be followed by more touring throughout the region and beyond. In fact, the band’s live show is its calling card. As far as Serkoch is concerned, the onus is on Northeast Ohio to come out and experience Dawn Canon in action.

“While we’ve played in Cleveland before, we’ve never played in Youngstown,” Serkoch said. “Because Youngstown is on the way to Cleveland, we thought it would be a pretty cool place, and there are a few cool venues to play there. So we wanted to try to make that a regular stop.

“Our show is for anybody that just likes good rock music. It’s pretty much all we’re looking for. I don’t think they’ll be disappointed.”
- By John Benson, Vindy.com, November 19th, 2009


Discography

Dawn Canon- Self Titled EP Released October 2009. We have a single "Scrod" which has gotten radio play on 105.9FM WXDX.

Photos

Bio

Dawn Canon met a couple of years ago. Lauren, Joe, and Dave knew each other already from collaborating on musical projects together and they met Allison the way most antisocial musicians meet, through Craigslist. They met one night in Dave's basement and put a song together that evening. Things clicked and quickly progressed. They started a Bi-weekly Netrock open stage for full bands bringing their equipment and music to share and network with other musicians. It's been an interesting road! Dawn Canon released their Self-titled EP in October of 2009. They've opened for a wide range of bands including, Mr. Gnome, Amazing Baby, El Ten Eleven, The Beatnutz, Dynasty Electric, and Chelsea Automatic. They've tried to define their sound, but really it's not easy as all of their songs are completely different, they love music, all types, and it comes through in their sound.