LOS ANGELES — Music has long served as a source of healing for Dawn Richard. In the initial stages of her career, she found solace by dancing on stage, immersing herself in the grandeur of performance as a way of coping with life’s challenges.
Now, the former member of the girl group Danity Kane is embracing a different approach by allowing herself moments of stillness amid her struggles. Richard’s new album, “Quiet in a World Full of Noise,” emphasizes vulnerability and reflects her journey towards self-acceptance, self-care, and an optimistic outlook for the future.
“I made a commitment to myself that if I collaborated with Spencer (Zahn) on this album, it would ultimately harbor a sense of hope. Throughout my musical endeavors, hope has always been a consistent theme in my work,” Richard expressed.
In September, Richard garnered significant attention when she filed a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, her former mentor and collaborator. She alleges that he manipulated and assaulted her, seeking unspecified damages as well as account of potential lost earnings. Combs’ representatives have responded by claiming that Richard is attempting to “rewrite history.”
Combs is also facing serious legal issues, as he has been indicted on charges of sex trafficking and is currently detained in a federal facility in Brooklyn following his arrest on September 16.
During a recent interview about her new music, Richard opted not to delve into the details of her lawsuit or her past relationship with Combs. Instead, she discussed how her recent artistry—characterized by its melancholic yet poetic elements—was influenced by personal loss and the emotional toll of her parents’ health struggles.
“There was a lot happening in my life that made me realize I needed to vocalize my experiences to find peace within myself. For me, music has always acted as a therapeutic outlet that has kept me afloat,” she noted.
Richard emphasized that she has been advocating for herself from the outset of her career, whether as a part of Combs’ collective “Making the Band 3” or in her endeavors as a solo artist.
“As a Black woman, I’ve consistently shared my story, which hasn’t been easy,” said Richard. She experienced times where she felt more like an object than a human being. Her album “Goldenheart” served as a metaphor for her battles within the music industry.
“It represented a warrior, akin to David facing Goliath—someone with just a little rock against enormous foes,” she reflected. “This narrative and message have been recurring themes throughout most of my work.”
Now, Richard aims to encourage others in the music industry to explore this newfound freedom, advocating for a creative process grounded in self-control and artistic expression.
“I want people to feel empowered to express their truths in any manner that feels right for them. That’s what I hope to inspire,” she stated. “I aspire for every woman, queer individual, or anyone to feel secure enough to say, ‘I have the inner quiet to speak my mind.’”
Released earlier this month, “Quiet in a World Full of Noise” marks Richard’s second collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Spencer Zahn. The two, who began their musical partnership in 2018 through indie pop artist Kimbra, had previously collaborated on the 2022 project “Pigments.”
“We allow each other the freedom to be our authentic selves, which can be challenging to achieve in the often commercial-driven music scene,” Zahn remarked. “Neither of us has prioritized commercial success in our approach, for better or worse.”
Richard appreciates Zahn’s non-judgmental approach to crafting music, describing how he encouraged her creative output during their collaborative sessions. “He never hesitated to say, ‘Wow, that’s great! Let’s build around that notion.’ And that’s exactly what any artist hopes for,” she added.
For Richard, “Quiet in a World Full of Noise” symbolizes transformation—a chance to expose her deepest feelings and experiences with the hope that listeners can connect and find solace.
“I love who I’ve become as an individual; I love the evolution of my musical identity. This project encapsulates my journey and reflects how I truly feel,” she affirmed. “This is an authentic exploration of my identity, focusing less on my accomplishments and more on who I am and who I wish to become.”
