Dawn Richard’s Black Artistry transcends genre in collaboration

In a captivating interview with HYFIN Verified artist Dawn Richard, the multi-faceted artist from New Orleans, delves into her rich musical heritage, innovative artistry, and upcoming performance with Spencer Zahn at Milwaukee’s Turner Hall Ballroom on October 23. Richard’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of staying true to one’s artistic vision.

Born into a family deeply rooted in music, Richard’s father was the lead singer and writer for the band Chocolate Milk, known for pushing boundaries in funk, jazz, and pop. This diverse musical upbringing shaped Richard’s approach to genre-defying artistry. “I came from a home where the concept of genre did not exist,” Richard reflects, highlighting the influence of her father’s versatility in playing everything from Fats Domino to Bach.

Richard’s resilience was put to the test in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Instead of succumbing to despair, she used the tragedy as motivation to represent her city and pursue her career. “When you lose at that level… there is only one choice as a city, as a community, and that was to rise from it,” Richard says, embodying the spirit of New Orleans in her music and performances.

Her latest musical project, a collaboration with Spencer Zahn, showcases Richard’s evolution as an artist. Their album, “Quiet in a World Full of Noise,” is described by Richard as her most intimate work yet. “This is by far the most intimate I’ve ever been,” she reveals, emphasizing the raw and unprocessed nature of her vocals on this project. The album, born out of personal struggles and spontaneous creativity, represents a new level of vulnerability for Richard.

A unique aspect of Richard’s artistry is her deep connection to anime and Japanese culture. She draws parallels between anime aesthetics and black culture, particularly in fashion and self-expression. “We were already creating our fantasy,” Richard explains, noting how elements of anime style have long been present in black culture. This influence is evident in her visual presentations and artistic choices.

Richard’s approach to performance is as dynamic as her music. For her upcoming show with Spencer Zahn, she promises an intimate experience focusing on vocal performance and storytelling. “This is about vocal, this is about storytelling, this is about design,” she says, aiming to create a small theater-like experience that showcases the talents of all musicians involved.

When asked about her top influences, Richard’s answer reflects her grounded nature. She names her family members – her mom, dad, grandmother, and brother – over any musical influences. “When everyone leaves you, it’s the people. When you are at your worst, who’s standing there,” she explains, underscoring the importance of personal support in her artistic journey.

Richard’s artistic philosophy centers on authenticity and meaningful connections. She values being understood as an artist beyond surface-level perceptions. “I don’t have those numbers, but I have such a beautiful group of people that they know me,” she says, expressing gratitude for creative peers who appreciate the depth of her art.

As Dawn Richard prepares to take the stage at Turner Hall Ballroom, her performance promises to be a reflection of her multifaceted artistry – deeply rooted in her New Orleans heritage, unafraid to push boundaries, and committed to authentic self-expression. Her collaboration with Spencer Zahn is set to offer Milwaukee audiences a unique glimpse into the world of an artist who continually redefines the boundaries of R&B and pop music.