THE DAWDLER is the low-key musical alias of Tyneside singer-songwriter John Edgar, who describes himself on his Twitter profile as “Ambient pop. Sad.”
He’s just signed to London indie Akira Records and by way of marking that partnership has just released a lovely (and admittedly, sad) little tune entitled “Lava Lamps” in tribute to his friend, Ewan, who took his own life in 2015. Watch the animated video with us, below.
He’s already picked up a champion in the shape of Elbow’s Guy Garvey for a brand of introspective delicacy which looks to merge “the atmospheric qualities of Low with the ambience of Grouper and Max Richter.”
The song is named for his friend’s huge lava lamp collection and the profits from the new single, both via Bandcamp and a limited edition run of tee-shirts will go directly towards the mental health charities Mind and Breathing Space.
John says: “For me, the song is about my friend, Ewan; but more broadly it’s about the last time you ever see someone. You’ve got no idea it’s the last time and only realise after they’re gone.
“It’s mad how you can pinpoint that moment and go over and over it. What could I have said or done to alter events? Did I miss signals?
“I guess it’s just part of the grief process. But, grief in itself is so vast. Every person’s grief is unique to them.”
The track comes from his forthcoming EP, on which, although the themes tackled may be melancholic – namely death, loneliness, grief and alcoholism – he aims for musical catharsis and hope.
“I feel happy in my life, I’m in love and I’m comfortable and I have a home. It means I can address things in a more subtle way. I like music where you’re able to form your own meaning”, he says.
Watch out for news of the EP and keep up with The Dawdler at Akira, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
