The artist formerly known as Dawn Richard of Danity Kane is ready to dance away the drama. After a tour of the dark (and trippy) side with her last album Blackheart, the Dirty Money diva has unveiled her new single "Dance" off her third LP The Red Era. Written by Pitch Perfect star and songwriter Ester Dean (Rihanna, Nicki Minaj), "Dance" finds D∆WN returning to the EDM-tinged sound of her debut Goldenheart, while still maintaining some of the grit and edge she's developed over the years.
Produced by Noisecastle III and Swagg R'Celious, the high octane new single was released today via The FADER. "The Red Era is about moving on, redeeming yourself, and finding redemption. It's time for people to start feeling good and start embracing who they are while dancing in their own light. That time is now...Let's DANCE!" D∆WN said.
The single's artwork reflects that sentiment, featuring D∆WN in a space helmet floating somewhere between the sky and the stars, seemingly wrapped in the Milky Way. "I wanted to create a vibrant atmosphere," she said. The second promo image featured a NSFW D∆WN's nude body covered in red glitter and paint.
The RED Era. @sashasamsonova Hair @ninajhair make up @_nimzilla Styling @joeythao x @christianbrower_ A photo posted by D∆WN (@dawnrichard) on Sep 28, 2015 at 7:50am PDT
Her next album, formerly titled Redemption Heart, is the third and final project in her album trilogy. She spoke extensively over the summer about some of the new album's influences, primarily world and second line music. She briefly traveled Europe gaining influences and spoke on how her time in Diddy-Dirty Money opened up the doors for her creatively to make the music she is making now. She also spoke about Missy Elliot and Amy Winehouse's influence on her and how people initially doubted her trilogy would see the light of day. In addition to her new album, D∆WN is also doing some philanthropic work. Shes also encouraging fans to #Lightitred for Lymphoma.
Today I #lightitred for Lymphoma. I wear red for my father. You are power. You are strength. You are beautiful. Everyday you walk through life with no fear. I pray I learn to be as resilient as you. To all those diagnosed with cancer or family members of those who are ...you are beautiful. Thank you for living with a strength that most of us could never have. Thanks for being the example. And @lymphomacommunity thanks for giving us a platform to talk and learn more about this diagnosis. #lymphomaawareness A photo posted by D∆WN (@dawnrichard) on Sep 15, 2015 at 8:05am PDT
The Red Era currently has no release date, but D∆WN expressed plans to tour new material throughout the fall. Her new single "Dance" is currently on iTunes.
