Jean Dawson Is Swiping His Stan Card for Prince

Photo courtesy of Jean Dawson.

This is SOUND ADVICE, a weekly destination for playlists curated by Interview’s friends, enemies, and lovers. Over the past few weeks, we’ve gathered playlists from Naomi Sharon, Sasha Colby, and Skype Williams. For this week’s installment, we linked up with Jean Dawson, the genre-defying experimental artist who got his start making records out of his dorm room, and since then has remained prolific, releasing his third album, CHAOS NOW*, in 2022. In September, Dawson released “NO SZNS” with SZA, alongside a harrowing music video. His music defies easy categorization: the tracks meld together rock and pop with lyrics that range from wounded to fiery, and the playlist he created for us is no exception. With tracks from Frank Ocean to Deftones to New Order, Dawson takes us on a trip where the come-down is just as good as the come-up. He confirms his love for Prince and reveals he doesn’t want anyone on the aux.

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Where do you dance? In my dreams.

Your album is called Chaos Now. Are you chaotic good, chaotic neutral, or chaotic evil? I don’t know what any of those mean.

Bluetooth or wired headphones? Bluetooth, I’m a fan of innovation.

What’s the song that gets you in your feelings?  “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Prince.

Who do you trust most with the aux? Nobody play anything.

What song on this playlist makes you cry? “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Prince.

What song on this playlist makes you dance? “Computer Love” by Zapp & Roger.

What was your first concert? Mac DeMarco.

We’ve heard “No Szns,” but what’s your favorite: Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer? Winter.

Dead or alive, who is your dream collaborator? Prince.

Name your favorite artist no one knows about: Red Steven aka Mary Unfazed.

Where’s the afters? Target parking lot.

What song do you have on repeat? Thom Yorke – “Unmade”

What do you listen to when you’re high? I don’t do drugs.

What’s your favorite movie needle-drop? “New Slang” by Shins in Gardenhouse.