"I don't consider writing a quiet, closet act.
I consider it a real physical act.
When I'm home writing on the typewriter, I go crazy.
I move like a monkey.
I've wet myself, I've come in my pants writing."-Patti Smith
Dawson/Scott
1 :An East-Coast based American Indie Music creative collaborative project which uses a melange of modern popular musical genres and audio production techniques to merge words, poetry, sound and music to powerful artistic sonic creations.
2 : Two highly creative performers who are instrumental in spearheading the emergence of the wordrock revolution in independent ("indie) rock music.
Dawson/Scott are:
Cyndi Dawson – Voice, Words, Effects and MaGik
Rk Scott (RkS) – Electric Basses, Guitars, Rhythm Programming, Electronics, Sound Manipulations, Effects and AlKemy,
Dawson/Scott came into existence in early 2009 when performance artist, poet and wordrocker Cyndi Dawson asked electric bassist/musician and budding music producer Rk Scott (Tweede Kamer), whom she met through mutual friends and artistic associates and colleagues, to assist her with an ongoing project that involved merging music with spoken word pieces. After a number of trials and tribulations to create just the right formula using a range of musicians, the two artists, who became fast and stalwart friends, realized that they shared a similar musical and artistic vision unlike that of their peers. Often referred to by close friends as "psychic twins" or "twins", (their birthdays being only a day apart), Cyndi and Rk both realized that they had very similar musical tastes and artistic leanings and that it was very difficult for other musicians involved in their scene to relate to the independent and alternative genres that they both were interested in working with. So they decided to embark a journey together to create not just a recording, but a new genre. As they began to encounter other artists and collaborations that were somewhat similar to theirs, it was suggested to them by close friend and artistic colleague, poet/musician/producer and all around renaissance woman Jackie Sheeler (one half of the SheelerBirth collaboration) that they start a new "scene", which she coined "wordrock".
Wordrock is not just poetry set to music. It’s not just spoken word with musical sound-scapes. It’s not merely some off-shoot of hip-hop and/or rap or slam poetry. It’s so much more. Wordrock is a budding genre of modern independent rock music that incorporates all of these elements and more to create a powerful form of music and expression. Dawson/Scott's music encompasses many influences and genres, including punk/hard-core, industrial, breakbeat, jungle, drum & bass, funk, and jazz. Their lyrical content addresses a wide variety of issues which may include but is certainly not limited to the social, the political, the emotional, the spiritual.
Central and Northern New Jersey and New York City are Dawson/Scott's primary focal point. But the use of the internet and their involvement in independent music and literary circles and communities has made it possible for Dawson/Scott to quickly gain international recognition and a burgeoning cult following, particularly amongst internet listeners. Cyndi's skilled poetic and lyrical composition skills combined with Rk's expansive musical arrangements and productions create Dawson/Scott's own unique style - their own brand within the quickly growing microcosm of wordrock.
Currently, Dawson/Scott have released a small handful of promotional singles over the internet (many of which can be found on this site) and are hard at work finishing up their first full-length CD production. They're also gearing up to perform their works live at venues in the New Jersey/New York Metropolitan area, and beyond, as well as various other radio, television, internet radio, and similar media outlets. For more information, to contact Dawson/Scott, and to hear Dawson/Scott's fresh, amazing brand of wordrock, check out the following internet resources: ..
International Word Rocker and spoken word artist Cyndi Dawson (one half of the Dawson/Scott duo) is a well travelled Artist and Curator of the world-respected poetry and music venue 'Poets and Angels Music and Poetry Series'. She has worked as an actress in TV and Film and as a Performance Artist whose work with Venezualen, Soho based artist Rene was well received in the 1980's. Cyndi has stood in for Madonna, appeared on Law and Order, Advil commercials and numerous films and TV series. Cyndi's poetry has been published in many, many anthologies and publications such as 'Heroin Love Songs',''Deep Tissue Magazine', 'Off Beat Pulp', 'Breadcrumb Scabs', The Phlebian Rag' '63 Channels', 'The Skyline 2009 Review','The Aquarian', 'Images of the Mystic Truth', 'Gloom Cupboard', 'Light Trauma', 'Journey of the 'Poet/Prophet', Poetz and 'The Livingston medium'Her spoken word has been featured in the 'Going Down Swinging' CD and has been heard on radio stations around the world. She has been featured in The Pulse Entertainment Magazine, The Star Ledger, The Home News Tribune and The Reporter. She is the author of two books of poetry, 'Dream Sequences' and 'Inside of Outside. She has read all over NY/NJ at venues such as The Bowery Poetry Cafe in NYC, Cornelia Street Pub, NYC; Grassroots Arts Facility in Jersey City; Tribal Spears Gallery in Harlem, NYC and St. Marks Church in NYC. She recently read at the Poetry Cafe in London, Maggies Bar in Stoke-Newington and the King Henry VI in Eton and at Feile in Dublin, Ireland. Cyndi is currently working on a second CD with RK Scott. Stay tuned!
REVIEWS:
'I’ve worked with many poets, and find your work emotive on so many levels ---love, observation, reflection, cynicism. Sure, many poets are dreamy, but you're also realistic. Your poems share a refreshing acceptance of life's ups and downs. “Still Beautiful” yearns for our prettier past, yet embraces the present with a hopeful future. I also identify with “Someone is Speaking but You Don’t Hear”, because I, too, see unfortunate souls who cannot, or will not, steer their destiny. Cyndi, don't make us wait too long for your next book.'
-Ivan Kral (Musician/Songwriter/Producer-Iggy Pop, Patti Smith,Blondie)
'Cool Stuff!!'
-Pete Jones (Musician-Public Image Limited)
Cyndi's poetry by itself is enough to open and awaken all the senses. Her strong authenticity is compelling and she effortlessly channels both craft and inspiration. It's extraordinary how well her beautiful, spoken voice expresses and adds dimension to her writing - bringing a unique sound and an expanded meaning to the words she so powerfully embodies. Though she is speaking, you could swear she was singing. The music adds gorgeous, seductive layers that invite repeated listening. Delicious and addictive. '
-Julie Flanders (Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist 'October Project')
'Fat Cat Ripple':
Produced and mixed by Jackie Sheeler.
Words - Cyndi Dawson
Music - Rk Scott, Jackie Sheeler, Rick Lewis, Tommy Abouselman
Cyndi Dawson - Voice
Rk Scott - 6-string Contra Bass, Samples
Jackie Sheeler - Backing Vocals, Samples
Rick Lewis - Keyboards
Tommy Abouselman - Guitars
'Funkie Junkie' :
Cyndi Dawson-words, vocals, concept
RK Scott - Bass, concept, editing, mixing
Guest musician Christopher McMillan - Guitar Solos
'
WE'RE ON CDBABY, BABY!!! GET US THERE!!
tracks from the 2008 CD 'Inside of Outside'
Please note that 'Shimmy Shimmy' was written by Cyndi Dawson, music written and arranged by Tommy Aboussleman (Guitar) with RK Scott on Bass, Dave Ambrosy on Drums, Rick Lewis- Keyboards. Mixed by Eric Rachel and recorded at Traxx East Recording Studio's.
Rk Scott is an electric bassist who has been playing in various rock, progressive rock/fusion, jazz, alternative, and funk bands in the South Jersey and Central Jersey areas for the past several years. Rk currently plays in the indie/alternative rock original band Tweede Kamer, and a number of other live cover band projects along with Tommy, as well as various independent recording projects for Cyndi and other independent artists and musicians around New Jersey. For more details, see Rk’s web site – www.rksbassplayer.com."
Tommy Aboussleman ('Nor'Easter', 'The healing', 'Big World', 'Rock Roll Maestro' 'Shimmy Shimmy', 'Fat Cat Ripple'and 'Struggle to Juggle' and 'Fire and Brimstone'):
Tommy is a long time veteran of the New Jersey music scene where he has performed with many of Jersey’s excellent musicians, and opened for many National Acts at some of the top venues.
Jair-Rohm Parker Wells (Magus, Big World, The Healing,Rock & Roll Maestro) is an American bassist, composer, programmer, conceptualist and record producer.
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'I don't think it is far off to compare Cyndi to the modern day Sylvia Plath or Anne Sexton, in terms of the emotional depth of her work. What drives this writer is what makes me mad for her poetry. It's addictive.'
-Steve A, photographer and poet
'As always, your mix of music and words is surfing the razor sharp edges of vision and reality. I love how the music seems to dare you into ever more dangerous realms. Bravo!'- Tony Vacca, Spoken Word Recording artist
You guys are amazing, like a cross between Gill Scott Heron and Henry Rollins only with a sexy chick. I love this stuff!"
- Seven (of the band Woundgirls)
• "Cyndi writes with the grit and honesty of a rock and roller but speaks her poetry with the smooth growl of a true spoken word poet,"
--Robin Ayers
• Your work is febrile, visceral stuff that complements the electrical modern jazz beautifully. I'll bet the two of you are popular performers wherever you appear; you're different, sharp and challenging, just right for a political edge - most impressive.
--Harry Owen, Chesire Poet Laureate and author of 'The Music of Ourselves.'
• "You guys are awesome! I love the fusion! The sounds you make are fresh...the collaboration creates an emotion seperate from those created by your words...awesome! Talk about layering!!!"
--Bunkhaus Poetics
• "I remember reading with Cyndi in NYC years ago , and her new work has evolved and emerged like an explosion. Watch out."
--Poet Michael Amati
• "How nice to hear these new poetry/music collaborations from two old Central Jersey friends--Cyndi's great voice and rhythms, Jair-Rohm's amazing music, and text that aims for the heart of the heart."
--Eliot Katz, author of Unlocking the Exits
• Cyndi Dawson writes with a raw edge -- pulling no punches, taking no prisoners.
Set to Jair-Rohm Parker Wells exhilarating and highly textural music, there is no real category for their type of Spoken-Word pieces -- they are doing something uniquely new, weaving layers of music over, under and in- between for a rare feast for the listener!
-- newspaper review
www.myspace.com/poetsangelsmusicandpoetryseries
'Fire and Brimstone' has been accepted for publication in the 2009 Skyline Review
Cyndi is a New Artist Feature at http://www.freshnewbeats.co.uk/
3/09 Cyndi Dawson-Featured Poet of the Month-PoetsLetter, London, UK
www.poetsletter.com
BIG WORLD played on Melbourne Australia radio- 102.7 FM!!!!- and has been included in the new Planetary issue at POETZ.COM---
http://poetz.com/2008/planetary.htm
All work is copywritten and registered with ASCAP.
(NOTE:Tommy Aboussleman- music and acoustic guitar on 'Nor'Easter',
'Rock & Roll Maestro' and 'Big World (Electric) with Jair-Rohm Parker Wells on percussion, Bongo's, Synth and Bass/Music and Cyndi Dawson Words and Vocals)
'The Healing'- words and vocals- Cyndi Dawson... Jair-Rohm Parker Wells-Bass, Synth, percussion... Guitar and additional vocals-Tommy Aboussleman
...Musical concept by Aboussleman, Parker Wells,Dawson
Cyndi's book cover designed by Rene I.A.T.B.A
'BIG WORLD' is on the new CD of 'Going Down Swinging' 27, a book/CD .
Cyndi's book, 'Inside of Outside, a collection of poetry, can be ordered directly through pay pal. Message for details.
Cyndi Dawson (of Dawson/Scott) wordrocker!!'s Friend Space (Top 35)
Cyndi Dawson (of Dawson/Scott) wordrocker!! has 3368 friends.
~ OPEN MIC RADIO ~ JOIN SPEAKEASY CAFE TONIGHT for the "SOUND OF INK" OPEN MIC POETRY RADIO SHOW! Show time: 4:00 pm West coast 7:00 pm East coast Call in number: 646-595-3965 Show site: www.blogtalkradio.com/speakeasycafe
now available for pre-order thru paypal ($5 plus S/H)...j. michael niotta's chapbook, "the devil's doin the same damn thing he's always done.'
noir, bars, women & cars - from vegas to dago, the brothels of germany to doha, kuwait: a wild & gritty collection of 17 cuts: pomes & prose, plus 3 excerpts from the novel, ‘the ants, thirsty,’ all from the former editor/columnist of 86…the man who put "hard fic" on the streets…the hardcore referee/translator/negotiator you’d hire when sitting bookended in a bar between nick tosches & chuck palahniuk.
"look, the stuff is good. quite good. straight up - like a good half-glass of whiskey." —dan fante, author of ‘mooch,’ ‘spitting off tall buildings,’ ‘kissed by a fat waitress,’ & ‘a gin pissing raw meat dual carburetor v-8 son of a bitch from los angeles.’
Martini and Movie Night :0) Ya-Ya Sisterhood!! And.. enticed by the theme of your soundtrack. How could anyone not? It's working wonders!!! All of it..
Thank You for showing support. We have been working hard on our new album “The Day Before Sound” due to come out in January. Please sign our email above if you are not already on it and if you’d like to bring us out to perform please let us know. We will be on tour from January to June in 2010.
thought it about time I listened to the songs Cyndi ~ love 'War Lords' with it's powerful, urgent and insistent beat, extraordinairy heart rending, apocolyptical images and all embracing compassion
Thanks for the friendship and support!!! I know I've been quiet for a while but I'm working on some new stuff so please check out my page in the coming months. One!