DEXTER TORTORIELLO has released his first album under the pseudonym DAWN GOLDEN and it is called STILL LIFE.

I had never heard of Dexter or Dawn Golden prior to seeing him open for METRONOMY at the Imperial on October 26th, 2014, but I am now a fan. He seemed to grab the entire audience’s attention by pouring out his emotions via his big voice, and by playing electronic sounds in a way that filled the room with his heartbreak, pop culture influences, and surprisingly danceable dark music.

Dexter Tortoriello and I: fan friendly at the Imperial in Vancouver.

I asked Dexter if he had any experience feeling like an outsider. “Dawn Golden” explained that he has felt this way for most of his life. When I asked him what music helped him through it, he said that the song US ONES IN BETWEEN by SUNSET RUBDOWN has inspired him the most during painful times. After his set, Tortoriello sat selling his own records. I observed him have a genuine conversation with the three fans in front of me, which impressed me. Some artists seem to think it is cool to be arrogant. I do not feel this way, and Dexter doesn’t seem to either. I appreciated his open demeanour.

DAWN GOLDEN (this is the name he used to introduce himself to the audience) suggested new fans begin with ALL I WANT from STILL LIFE. I WON’T BEND is my DAWN GOLDEN favourite so far.

DAWN GOLDEN vulnerable and impactful.

Tortoriello’s best-known musical project so far has been as half of the duo HOUSES. With his band member (and girlfriend) MEGAN MESSINA, HOUSES released 2 albums: ALL NIGHT in 2010, and A QUIET DARKNESS in 2013.