Estella Dawn, Petty Review

Estella Dawn is a vocalist with something to say through music. The New Zealand-born, U.S. based songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist released her first EP, Dancing Girls, in 2018, with another eight singles being released by the end of 2019. Dawn’s focus on writing and working her craft allowed her to fill 2020 with ten singles. As a working musician, she writes and records her vocals and piano and co-produces all aspects of her music. Dawn’s songs are personal explorations of life and society. Her writing style continues to evolve as her songs of wide-spanning genres an impressive catalog based in melodic writing, strong vocal command, subtlety in lyrics, and an impressive vocal range. Dawn is excited to start 2021 with her next single titled “Petty.” The single marks the build to her new full-length album with a band.

Bottom Line: “Petty” has a theme of the intricacies in the complexities of a friendship, a breakdown of a relationship whether it be platonic or romantic. Dawn explains further, “where you feel that you became the support person for someone and, in hindsight, they were not as caring or supportive in return. Someone that you once defended tirelessly is now the one throwing jabs at you, and it can be difficult not to want to retaliate.” Simply put, “Petty” is about the breakdown of a friendship, knowing someone’s intimate secrets, and wanting to use them in retaliation but ultimately realizing that you are better off moving on and being a better person for it. Accompanied by a haunting acoustic piano, Dawn’s warm and expressive singing starts in her full lower register. The lyrics are interesting and capture your attention. The rhythmic activity increases for the chorus and is highly effective. Dawn’s upper register singing, and vocal harmonies are beautifully executed. The song layers in multiple string sounds, vocal harmonies, and instruments to give a strong sense of development. The bridge is a beautiful feel change, and Dawn’s singing chops are solid. The last chorus out has delightful vocal fills that are powerful singing expressions. Dawn is a solid songwriter and fantastic vocalist that is one to follow as she explores life through music, and that’s the short of it!

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