Paul David Johnson is an English singer, songwriter and producer, releasing indie songs as The Dawn Roar. He is joined on the road by Nick Tilling (bass) and Lee Jenkins (drums).
For Paul music is therapy...
“I often get up early in the morning and write, it’s a chance to get something done before the kids get up. I put a lot of feeling into my songs, and I can veer from one mood to the other, and that’s really how The Dawn Roar came about. Sometimes soft and gentle, sometimes loud and energetic”.
His songs, reflecting those moments, can be both fragile and cathartic. After completing a masters in Creative Music Production, 2026 is proving to be a busy year for Paul. A string of singles and Roadside Picnic EP...
Highlights include The Rooftop, a pensive indie folk track inspired by early Bon Iver and reminiscent of Novo Amor and Hazlett. It juxtaposes romance and depression, staring out at the skyline and the stars from a city rooftop, contemplating life. It builds gently, landing you softly in the end.
Wildflowers is laden with a noughties indie groove, pulsing bass guitar and snappy drums. Taking its cue from the likes of The Shins and Broken Bells, with a hint of Tame Impala psychedelia, the song was inspired by a conversation Paul had with his son while out walking one day, pondering love as only dandelion seeds can.
Dylan Had it Right draws you in with a lo-fi folk strum, crackling like an old radio before opening into full audio technicolour. Looking out towards the state of the world, the lyrics and production carry you from darkness to light. Complete with military drum rolls and gorgeous melody, the song reflects on these a-changin’ times with compassion.
The Car adds wonky keys to its indie-folk goodness. Paul tells of a sleepless night after his wife’s beloved car was written off. Contemplating her loss, a metaphor for making the most of life lurks somewhere in the darkness.
Roadside Picnic was inspired by the novel of the same name, and a Jeff Tweedy songwriting exercise. Gritty telecaster and distorted drums propel this song of addiction to the brink, and promises to be a great track to experience live.
