Q&A: Carleton alumna Dawn Sev releases debut single

Carleton University alumna and Ottawa-based singer Dawn Sev released her debut single, titled “Five Drinks In” Oct. 5. Incorporating elements of pop and rock music, the song reflects on her desire for alcohol to ease anxiety during social engagements.

While Sev has always had a passion for music, she said she didn’t have many opportunities to pursue music professionally growing up in Kemptville, Ont. 

Sev graduated from Carleton in 2016 with a master’s degree in applied linguistics and discourse studies. While visiting Madrid, Spain in July 2019, she wrote the first draft of “Five Drinks In.” However, after losing the song lyrics on her trip home, Sev rewrote the song into the newly released version.

The Charlatan sat down with Sev to discuss her writing process, upcoming album and experience breaking into the music industry later in life.

The Charlatan (TC): What led to the creation of “Five Drinks In”?

Dawn Sev (DS): I always grew up with a little bit of anxiety. I admit that there have been times when I’ve pre-gamed a little bit. Anytime I’ve had to do something social, I’d go in with a drink or two under my belt. It struck me the morning I wrote the first version of the song: ‘I wonder how many other people have to do that?’

TC: From the first version to the second, did your perspective on the song change?

DS: It was the same message, but it was a lot more personal. There’s an American songwriter named Paul Westerberg, and he always said that when you’re writing a song, if you have something that feels uncomfortable, that’s immediately where you should go. So when I rewrote the song, I thought it was probably better to use it as an examination of my own behavior and say, ‘I don’t want to be that person anymore. I have done that in the past, but I don’t want to do that now.’

TC: How did it feel for you to get more personal?

DS: It was a little scary at first. Nobody ever wants to admit where their shortcomings are, let alone admit them using a medium where a lot of people would be listening, but I felt it was honest. There’s no shame in it, if it ends up being that common situation. We’re living in the age of anxiety, so where’s the harm in saying ‘you know what, it happens to me too?’ 

TC: What are you hoping people will get from listening to the song?

DS: I hope that people will get a sense that, if they’re feeling this, they don’t feel like they’re completely alone. At the same time, I don’t want it to be too heavy. It’s a pop song. It’s supposed to be fun. I wanted it to be danceable, fun and upbeat, but at the same time still making you think and reflect.

TC: As someone who is a bit older, getting into the music industry and rock in particular, what’s your message for people who have similar aspirations?

DS: I would say just go for it. We’ve always had this image that rock music was pretty much the domain of like the skinny little white guy who’s under 25, plays guitar, maybe doesn’t have any social skills and probably has good hair. No one’s ever really questioned why that stereotype exists when we know that there are people who get into their forties and fifties and still create. I am not an outlier. Everybody has the chance to do this. The fact that you’re older or that you’re female shouldn’t be a factor in that at all. 

TC: What does the future look like for you?

I currently have a co-written song with Terry Furio, a songwriter here in Ottawa. He and I have been working on an anti-Christmas Christmas carol called, “I’ll Have a Merry Christmas Even if it Kills Me.” My second single comes out Jan. 10 called “After Times.” I’m aiming to have my first EP out hopefully by Feb. 20. It’s going to be called Tart.

“Five Drinks In” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Featured image by Laura Collins.