New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Dawn Alberts is a classically trained vocalist-turned-rocker. She grew up in Tiverton, RI, and she’s the lead singer for Broke Since Tuesday, and Over The Edge, and Stricken, So…
She’s also collaborated on tracks with heavy hitters such as Gary Ramsey of Kings Mountain, North Carolina and John Wooten of Topeka, Kansas. I first ran into her on MySpace and really dug the track she posted. Here are excerpts from a recent conversation.
NBG: Dawn, how did you get involved with music?
Dawn: I’ve had a love affair with music as far back as I can remember. Music has always been the one constant in life that has never let me down. I played the position of first flute in the concert band at school, and just now in my 30’s I’ve picked up the guitar, but my true love has always been singing. I started studying vocals at the age of 14 at JoAnn’s Music in Tiverton, and just “found” myself there. Since then, I’ve worked with many musicians who ultimately shaped who I am today.
What is your latest project?
Dawn: I’m currently the lead vocalist for Broke Since Tuesday, an acoustic rock cover Trio consisting of myself, Chip Davenport on bass, and Scott Levesque on guitar. We’ve been together since 2008, and they are by far the most talented musicians and dearest friends I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Collectively we’ve been playing our instruments for 60+ years, and the chemistry definitely shows on stage!
I’m also the mouth behind the microphone for Over The Edge, an electric party band. We’ll have our debut with our new lineup is in May 2011. With myself and Chris Baptista on vocals and guitar, Roland Lavoie on drums, 2112 on guitar, and Chip Davenport on bass, we’re planning to take the nightclubs to new heights this spring, so WATCH OUT!
I also cater to my creative side by writing original tracks with my partner in crime, Chip Davenport in a project called Stricken, So…
With Chip’s heavy RUSH influence, and my Zeppelin influence combined, you’ve never heard anything quite like the noise we make.
And what are your musical influences?
I would have to say Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, and Tori Amos.
What do you like about the current music scene?
Dawn: I love the diversity out there now! I love that on any given night of the week there’s always someone pouring their heart out on stage… And I LOVE the fact that there are still people out there that will buy albums, and that appreciate the art of live performance and the sacrifices that fellow musicians make every day just to do what we love.
What don’t you like about the current music scene?
To be honest, I really don’t care for the fact that they’ll let anyone with auto-tune and some computer software release a CD these days; that, and the fact that there are so many bands out there that sound alike, or like someone else. I think that if you can stay true to your own style, and promote it the right way, you’ve really got something special!
Just curious: What’s your favorite movie?
Dawn: Pulp Fiction!! I could watch it every day and never stop loving it!
Great flick- love the music that Tarantino used. Where do you perform locally and where out of town?
I’ve performed at the New Wave Cafe, Miller’s Homeport, The Pour Farm, The Garden, Inner Bay, the PA, the Bayside Lounge, Marshalls Pub, JR’s Bourbon Street Rock House, Scottie’s Pub, the Wharf Tavern, and Bridge Street Station to name a few. I’m constantly looking for new venues.
Do you have a day job?
Dawn: I do! I care for the elderly with a company called Care With Love Inc. How else would I pay for all that gear? 🙂
When you go out locally what bands do you go see?
Dawn: I have many musical friends, so when I’m not playing myself, I try to see them all! I sometimes sit in with my pals Identity Crisis, and Outta Kontrol is another band that I’m close to. I’d love to see ALL the local bands play, and I will eventually, but my hectic playing schedule sometimes ties me down. I encourage everyone out there to get out and see a live band ASAP, because the New Bedford area has some of the best talent around!
Let’s get a plug in-When’s your next gig?
Dawn: We’re playing Feb 12th (TONIGHT!) at Marshall’s Pub, and we’re hosting our first ever open mic event at The Inner Bay on March 1st 🙂
You can learn more about Dawn Alberts’ music at these sites:
www.myspace.com/brokesincetuesday
