The lucky secret to Dolly Varden's success
Thirteen years in the music industry isn’t the same as 13 years outside of it. Music years are longer, more complicated and wrought with all sorts of pitfalls. But the group Dolly Varden has a simple recipe for avoiding the toils and snares.
“We all get along pretty well and are easy-going people who love going on tour and playing music together,” singer-songwriter Steve Dawson says. “There are no egos, no one worried about not keeping up musically.’’
(File)
DOLLY VARDEN
with special guests Robbie Fulks, Edward Burch, Steve Frisbie, Alton Smith, the Janes and Lisa Crowe
8 p.m. Friday
Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln
Sold out
Dolly Varden will celebrate its 13th anniversary with a special show Friday night at the Old Town School of Folk Music. So way back when Dawson and wife Diane Christiansen decided to jump from their twangy Stump the Host outfit to a new endeavor, did they know it would have this type of longevity?
“Probably not,’’ Dawson admits. “We were just looking a few months ahead.’’
Since then, the group has carved out a special wing in Chicago’s hearts with its brand of roots-based power-pop that has stood the test of time and brought praise from both mainstream and indie music critics for its originality.
At the heart of the melodies is the interplay between Dawson’s and Christiansen’s voices. Their ability to seamlessly interlock harmonies makes the listener wonder if they are musical soulmates, as well. Dawson recalls their first meeting: “Literally, it was like a weird connection immediately. We were sitting around singing old country songs and it just clicked. We probably shouldn’t take it for granted, but then again if we analyzed it too much we might lose that spontaneity.’’
Dolly Varden’s road has had some detours and delays along the way. On its Web site, the group tells of a time the members had a collective nervous breakdown while touring in England in 2001.
“Up until 2002, we were marching forward and there was lots of pressure, so many non-musical things that come with the music industry,’’ Dawson explains.
The band members took a break to gather their wits and go confidently in the right direction, hoping to rid themselves of the pressure. It worked.
“After that, we started playing because we wanted to,” Dawson says. “Once we got back together and recording again, it was different in that there was less pressure, no need to prove anything. Part of that is being more mature. Matt [drummer Thobe] and Mike [bassist Bradburn] became fathers during that time. We do what we do. Some people like it and others don’t.’’
In early 2007, they released “The Panic Bell,” a record that maintains much of what makes Dolly Varden the band that it is but also is purposely rough around the edges.
“It’s a little more raw, a little more of a rock record,” Dawson says. “I wanted to eliminate a little bit of the cleanliness. I’m a big fan of the Kinks and the Stones, so hopefully it captures a little bit of that energy.’’
Friday's show will celebrate the band’s entire catalog, with a good mix of recent and not-so-recent cuts. Back to play on a few songs will be former bassist Lisa Crowe, and Dolly Varden will share the stage with old friend and touring partner Edward Burch. According to Dawson, the night is all about bringing everything full-circle, which includes reconnecting with people who’ve been part of the groups journey. All 13 musical years of it.