A new release from Dawn of Dusk brings out a crisp and refreshing acoustic rock undertone that blends textures of natural instrumentation to create an atmosphere that stands out and feels engulfing in the best ways possible.
The By Virtue of Existence EP boasts some outstanding songwriting that takes that strong almost alternative rock tonality and create something that is able to live and breathe in a cinematic soundscape.
Vocals come through heavy-handed and strong making the record an impactful and almost anthemic one. Most of that is due to the vocal performance being so passionate and heartfelt. You can clearly hear that the artist is putting his all into every note of this release.
You can also clearly hear a lot of honesty like these may have been chapters in his life but told in the form of stories through the songs themselves which makes them more genuine and real.
Most songs on this record come through really lush and full bodied there are grooves and those grooves are hard hitting but still exist and that acoustic rock platform. The record never loses that.
Now you do get a lot of cool instrumentation with this release as well and the sounds have a great way of blending together along with the songs being written and woven very beautifully and with attention to detail which in turn makes the record even more enticing and alluring.
Dawn of Dusk is a project with one man behind the curtain. At the helm of this project is songwriter Petar Zabic who is able to showcase his presence as an artist through this release.
There's something absolutely freeing about these songs. They feel good to listen to. This album is really best soaked in with headphones on alone. It just feels the best that way. You'll be able to listen to everything all the words the hooks those soaring choruses and all the intricate guitar work that's happening behind the scenes.
What's also kind of cool is that this record is a bit cinematic as well. It has this pull that enables you to almost visualize or depict the music visually and the words as well.
So out of an EP, you actually get quite a musical journey that's well worth taking especially if you have the time.
There are certainly more than a few gems on the record that definitely stand alone on their own two feet without the need of any help however listening to the record as a whole gives you a much better feel and understanding for this artist in general.
So, we suggest taking some time to sit down pop on a pair of headphones and dive into By Virtue of Existence.
With the release of such a gracefully performed record we wanted to sit down with the artist to have a chat about the release itself, and what may be next for him.
Here's what happened.
RAG: Let's kick things off with the By Virtue of Existence album. This record has a classic folk tone feel to it. Where did this album come from?
The last couple of years everyone’s been adjusting to a brave new kind of existence, so the impetus of writing this record came from what everyone was feeling, a mixed bag of anger, frustration, vulnerability, confusion, and hope! I’ve been rebranding as a solo artist, so this is the product of that transition, and for everyone to see Dawn of Dusk in a new, and more intimate light. Yes, sounds kind of folky!
RAG: When did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music?
I knew at the tender age of eight, when Pearl Jam brought out TEN, and I heard Soundgarden and Alice in Chains for the very first time, I knew something big was happening in music, a big shift, an upheaval of raw, in your face, vulnerable and pure, great honest music! I grew up listening to Metallica, there was no other band I carried in my back pocket in high school, and now, that's kind of where it began for me. I wanted a guitar, taught myself to sing and hold a note, I wanted to express myself through music!
RAG: What inspires you to write a song?
Life. Travelling. Love. Death. Existence!
RAG: This track has some great styles! Can you give us some of your top musical influences?
I presume you’re talking about the Hummingbird here. I’ve heard from a lot of avid listeners that there’s Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam in there. I had gospel thrown at me, which surprised me. The producer I worked with on this record said there’s a little Johnny Cash and Elvis throughout these songs, so yes, all valid influences! It's what innately pours out of me when I write and perform.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I book more gigs; I work my day job and go hit the punching bag at the gym. A romantic walk on the beach, read, and I might go take an acting class!
RAG: Who's in your headphones right now?
I’ve been constructing a list of my all-favorite Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder songs!
RAG: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I have my last performance of the year, tonight! At the Vinnie’s Dive Bar, which is kind of where we musicians and bands go here! No lie, it’s my birthday bash this evening, so yeah making it count tonight, it's going to be sublime!
RAG: This album feels like a big undertaking, is there any advice you'd give to other up and coming artists out there?
I’m not the one to give out advice, but everyone’s journey is different. I guess, stay true to yourself, and play what YOU want to hear.
RAG: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
I’m an unsigned independent artist, I’m still learning and going through the grind. Everything now is determined on streams and likes which is really discouraging at times, digital presence is quite imperative apparently, I’m learning not to be left behind. I want to be on stage supporting Eddie Vedder, I’ll put it out there! For now, enjoy this record that we are talking about, I hope to see you out there soon. I’ve delivered for now!
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Find me, search me, support me, share me, talk about me, and
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