Dr Dawsound is a producer and beatmaker from Marseilles, France, who takes immense pride in being an “original” beat maker– as in, all his music is produced and recorded by him in his home studio, without the use of samples or prerecorded loops of any kind. On his latest album, “Universal Love”, he brings forth a style of music he christens vintage pop with electronic influences; keep reading for my thoughts!
Right from the start of the album, you’re subjected to the doc’s style with the opener, “Stellar Pulse”, which offers a whole new take on chill, uptempo house with vocoders and gentle, smooth vocals that charm the listener, and sets the stage for the rest of the album, with its downtempo breakdown layered amidst wafty reverbs, contributing quite strongly to the atmosphere. As we journey into the second track, “Electric Heartbeat”, we’re brought into a very warm, fuzzy synthwave sound that makes all the use of vintage synths as it can– right from the arpeggiated bass, to the pads in the background. The harmonies with the vocals that sit atop the foundation are just the icing on the cake, with great energy transitions, and similarly nice control in the dynamics that make this track an interesting listen.
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Come track three with “Amor De Verano”, there is a distinct Major Lazer reggaeton sound going on, and I mean this as a compliment; because the production holds up rather nicely, bringing some nice groovy energy to “Universal Love”, showing off Dr Dawsound’s chops as a producer. The work on the vocals here is also worth a shout (get it?) for the writing, as well as performance; it stays perfectly within the style of the rest of the album, which is particularly difficult when you’re collaborating with vocalists from all over the world; props!
The halfway point of “Universal Love” is marked by “Blue”, a strong retrowave sound layered with modern electro-pop elements, and once again, the vocal display here is excellent, with the synths and production ensemble in the background doing much to further the sound of the album, making for an interesting, engaging listen, especially during the hook, which makes easy work of getting stuck in your head. As we bring the album to a close with “Perfect Time” with Christine Cordless contributing vocals, the pace slows down to one of a romantic, slow shuffle, yet still within the style of the album; and makes the perfect sweet ending to the album.
1. As an independent musician, do you have a process through which you discover new ways to make music, or learn instruments and production techniques?
I learn non stop each day and I know that I this is a never ending story… I search tutorials on the web : articles, video, audio, review or interview from my favorites artists for all creation subjects. And i try again and again until the result is good. Sometimes it’s don’t work but I have no regrets ! many search by myself.
2. How do you find people to collaborate with?
I work alone in my home studio but I am not a performer and not a singer. So I work with international artists on Soundbetter for Voices.
And for Mixes realieds by Daniela Rivera a very high reference sound engineer from Atlanta who mixes stars.
3. Who are some influences that you say inspire your musical journey?
My Album and all my music were inspired by Artists like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, David Guetta, Ava Max, Bebe Rhexa, Shakira, Calvin Harris, Rosalia, Avicii, Karol G,Tiesto, Kygo, Enya, Celtic Woman…
4. What is your vision for AI and what impact will it have on the music industry?
Ai is both awesome and dangerous! Great because it helps artists find their career more easily. And it’s a shame because we will need the creator less and less. Ai can be used with limitations.
Personally, I use Ai for lyrics when I don’t speak the language I want in the song. For example, I don’t speak Spanish and Amor de Verano’s Chorus is written with the help of AI. (50%-50%).
5. Lorsqu’il s’agit d’explorer de nouvelles techniques de production musicale, quelles sont les choses que vous aimeriez essayer ensuite ?
Améliorer ma technique du multipiste avec des sons différents sur chque piste pour un même instrument (ex 3 pistes de Kick, 9 pistes de basses, etc… avec des sons complémentaires) et améliorer le design sonore. Cela prend beaucoup de temps !
6. What led you to get into music and production? What’s the story?
I started music late at 18 and was immediately drawn to composition and creation.
I joined a local group which no longer exists as a bassist then keyboardist. At the same time I composed for the group and for local artists in all styles on demand. When the group disbanded, I decided to write songs for myself in pop dance style with a vintage touch (80s to today) and I signed up as a producer and songwriter. the result is the album “Universal Love”.
Overall, “Universal Love”, by Dr Dawsound: A well thought-out album that has the right amounts of punch in the right places, and with the mixing chops behind the record, has panache, passion and punch. An absolute delight to listen to! Check out the album here:
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