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Jean Dawson's 'CHAOS NOW*' is an exercise in empathy and self-reflection : World Cafe : World Cafe Words and Music Podcast The genre-defying artist talks about his latest album, CHAOS NOW*.

World Cafe Words and Music Podcast

Jean Dawson's 'CHAOS NOW*' is an exercise in empathy and self-reflection

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Jean Dawson on World Cafe

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Nico Hernandez/Courtesy of the artist

Jean Dawson

Nico Hernandez/Courtesy of the artist

Set List

  • "THREE HEADS*"
  • "PORN ACTING*"
  • "SICK OF IT*"
  • "PIRATE RADIO*"
  • "Ghost*"

Listening to Jean Dawson's music feels like the post-genre future we were promised at the outset of the 21st century. Sure, genres like rock and hip hop have played together in the past, as far back as the '80s, but Dawson's embrace of so many different sounds, styles and ideas feel truly organic.

Dawson grew up in Tijuana, Mexico, routinely spending hours crossing the border to go to school in San Diego. His influences are as wide as you might expect from someone in Gen Z: Nirvana, Odd Future and The Smiths are just a few. His latest album, CHAOS NOW*, continues an exploration of popular music that is exciting and surprising.

Episode Playlist