Dawn are Julien Vuataz (bass), Nicolas Gerber (keyboards) and René Degoumois (vocals, guitars). This line-up also includes Patrick Dufresne now replaced by Manu Linder (drums) and Jean-Georges Linsig (guitar) recently replaced on stage by Christophe Dony (keyboards, guitar, vocals).

Recorded in November 2007, "Loneliness" is DAWN's first studio effort after a promising demo. This album is about life: dawn and dusk, ups and downs. This record is well balanced, featuring short tracks as well as longer ones.

Interesting enough for us so I got in touch with the band for their story..... so far. Julien answered my questions.

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When was Dawn formed and do you have anybackground from other bands ?

The early years were from 1997 to 2003. Julien(bass) and me were in the same school. We startedtogether. The music was not good but we had a lot of energy tocompose and improve.

For me, Dawn officially started in 2005, whenmusic became more serious. At this time, Nicolas (keyboards) joinedthe band and brought a lot of new energy.

Why did you choose that name ?

It'salways difficult to explain why... It was just obvious…

Whose bandswere you influenced by ?

Every member has very different taste, but we haveone common point: we love old good prog like King Crimson, Yes,Genesis, Gentle Giant, Frank Zappa,...

To start with; please give me your (long or brief) thoughts andlowdowns on your only album to this date Loneliness from2007

Thisalbum, particularly for me, was very important. During so many years,we had never recorded a real CD (except two demos...). I felt: wejust wait and wait until the songs are “perfect” (for us!), butwe don’t really understand that we need to record a CD for gettingmore experience, and reaching a new level. Now, we are happy about“Loneliness”, and we can experiment new stuff for the next album.

What were youup to after the release of Loneliness ?

Just enjoy! No, more seriously, Julien who hasworked less on the artistic, still hadenergy to sell the CD. That's one of the strengths of Dawn: everyonehas found its place.

You are currently working on a new album. Please tell us more aboutthis new album.

I can’t say much... Wehave already composed a big part of the new songs. This will be thetwin of “Loneliness” but with darker themes, and a bit more“symphonic” parts.

How is the writing and creativeprocesses in your band ?

The creative process has evolved over time. Now,we know more about our qualities. Most of the time, I come withlyrics ideas, some little themes and a global view of the songs (Ialways draw songs as graphs) then Nicolas arranges parts of thesongs, then we discuss and try again until it work.

How would you describe your music and which bands would you compareyour music with ?

We don’treally compare our music with others. We just use old sounds(Mellotron, Hammond, …) we love. Welike progressive rock because we are free: no time limit, no need toplease, just do what you want! We are sensitive to the melody,symphonic arrangements, (power or calm), atmospheres. To me, everymusic in every style has just one goal: to touch the sky, with joy ortears. Speak directly with the soul, the rest is just details.

Besides of the new album, what is your plans for this year and nextyear ?

Compose and play together as long as possible!

What is your five favourite Swiss albums of all time ?

Everyone has his favorite album, but none thesame… I would say: it’s better to hear English rock!

Anything you want to add to this interview ?

We are very proud, happy and even surprised ofthe welcome of “Loneliness” and we are very excited to presentthe new album, most likely next year.

Thank you to Julien for this interview

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