NewDad longs for home. The emotions and chaos of life on tour, combined with the band’s move from Galway to London four years ago, converge on their second album – ‘Altar’. Throughout this new work, Ireland emerges as a significant presence in the NewDad universe. As the title implies, the album pays homage to the expansive coastline the band grew up near, contrasting the intensity of life in London. ‘Altar’ shows NewDad broadening their sound while contemplating the coldness and harsh realities of the music industry. While there are still cathartic moments expressing angst that echo the motifs of their critically acclaimed debut, ‘Altar’ signifies a shift towards lighter, pop-infused instrumentation for NewDad.
Julie Dawson, Sean O’Dowd, and Fiachra Parslow first joined forces in school and released their debut album, ‘Madra’, last year. The aftermath of that release was frenetic yet thrilling, with the band supporting renowned artists such as Fontaines D. C. and PIXIES, receiving accolades from The Cure’s Robert Smith for their cover of ‘Just Like Heaven’, and going viral in China for the cover art of ‘Madra’. Just before the album’s launch, Dawson began working on ‘Altar’, providing her a chance to refine her craft and showcase the depth of her songwriting. From the classic NewDad fury in ‘Roobosh’ to the ethereal start of ‘Other Side’ and softer moments in ‘Mr Cold Embrace’, ‘Altar’ emphasizes the band’s true range.
‘Altar’ speaks to both acceptance and sacrifice. Through striking lyrics, Dawson grapples with her troubled relationship with the music industry, the cost of success, and the inherent tensions of ambition. NewDad seems conscious of their necessary path, even while yearning for an alternate reality at times. Despite some intense themes throughout ‘Altar’, the album confidently embraces lighter elements that enhance NewDad’s grungy style.
During her conversation with Clash, Julie Dawson beams as she reveals her vinyl copy of Big Thief’s latest album, ‘Double Infinity’. She’s refining her creative process, drawing inspiration from artists like Adrianne Lenker, as she figures out what being a musician truly means.
We chatted with Dawson about embracing the pop renaissance, the harsh realities of the music industry, and the legacy of shoegaze.
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You began working on this album before releasing your debut, ‘Madra’. What motivated you to start on ‘Altar’ so soon, and how do you believe it differs from ‘Madra’?
‘Madra’ was a compilation of songs from our teenage years… I was eager to continue writing since I was on a creative high, and as I worked to finish ‘Madra’, I sought assistance from other songwriters, marking my introduction to them. This relationship evolved, and I was truly motivated to keep it going, so I kept writing. Regarding differences, ‘Madra’ heavily reflects my teenage years and carries a lot of angst, while I feel ‘Altar’ is slightly more mature, as I am now a bit more grown up. It seems more direct and confident, likely due to my increased self-assurance compared to when I was twenty.
Did your creative process evolve as you experienced that writing momentum?
It actually changed. We were touring a lot, which made it challenging to find time to be together as a group. Often, our sessions were spontaneous, thrown together at the last minute. There’s a saying that you have eternity to create your first album and then just a year for your next, and we were all eager to finish it. While we did take our time, this process was notably different. I hope it’s not a process we experience again, as having more time would be nice. But we certainly had a great selection of songs that we wanted to release as soon as possible, and everyone contributed uniquely in the studio.
‘Altar’ frequently addresses the concept of home. What does ‘home’ signify for you, and how do you express it in your music?
Ultimately, it symbolizes peace. It’s about quiet and, in a sense, being nurtured, since even at twenty-five, I still rely on my mum, you know? […] The contrast between Galway and a place like London became apparent once I moved; I realized I genuinely miss that peace… and the ability to stroll to the sea within ten minutes. It’s grounding. It deepened my appreciation for home and the fortunate environment I was raised in. Many people do not have that reality. The move certainly made me love it even more. As I've said, when Irish people relocate to the UK, we often feel 150 times more Irish because we are eager to embrace our heritage and take pride in it. Moving somewhere so dissimilar, like London, enhances that appreciation.
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You composed the album in London, correct?
Yes, it’s all based in London
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NewDad longs for home. The feelings and chaos of life on the road, combined with the band's relocation from Galway to London four years back, converge on their