In this episode, Pipeman sits down with Zachary from the Canadian metal band Dawn Vally to discuss the band’s unique sound, their roots in the Toronto music scene, and the stories behind their new EP. The conversation delves into festival experiences, the songwriting process, misconceptions about heavy music, and the influence of artists like Bring Me the Horizon. The episode is packed with laughs, genuine industry insights, and both personal and professional anecdotes from life as a working metal band in Canada.

Main Topics Covered

Band Name Origins and Spelling

Creative choices for spelling “Dawn Vally” to stand out online and nod to Toronto’s Don Valley Parkway (00:50)

Festival Culture and Experiences

Insights into Loud as Hell, Wacken Metal Battle, Alternative Waves Music Fest, and differences between metal and country crowds (04:17)

Songwriting and Musical Influences

Personal betrayal as lyrical inspiration (03:02)

Writing around working song titles – “Kneecapper” (12:28)

Bring Me the Horizon Fan Discussion

Favorite lyrics and the evolution of the band’s sound (07:40)

Canadian Music Scene & Brutality

The impact of harsh Canadian winters and the camaraderie within the metal scene (14:22)

Tour Life Stories

Performances in harsh weather, like dust storms at festivals (16:02)

Performance Tips & Vocal Care

Discovering and using the UK’s Vocal Zone for voice recovery after festival dust (16:47)

Live Shows vs. Studio Albums

The transformative experience of seeing a band live (19:49)

Key Discussions & Stories

Band Naming in the Digital Era

The deliberate misspelling of "Vally" for online searchability and funny encounters with venues incorrectly spelling the band’s name (01:24)

Zachary recounts chalking out the extra "E" himself outside venues (02:23)

Misconceptions About Metal Musicians

Both speakers laugh about metal’s hardcore image and stress the warmth and kindness of the community, sharing anecdotes of friendships and mutual respect (03:38, 04:06)

Festival Lessons & Advice

Pipeman advises bands to learn from feedback at competitions like Wacken Metal Battle, sharing numerous examples of bands who initially lost but later succeeded by heeding advice (05:05)

Zachary details how feedback from the Wacken tryouts improved their subsequent performances (05:13)

Lyrical Themes & Band Dynamics

Zachary shares how Dawn Vally’s lyrics often reflect personal betrayal and emotional growth, and highlights the band’s collaborative dynamic—especially the role of bassist Jeff in songwriting (12:29)

Live Show Impact

Zachary and Pipeman share how certain bands only won them over after experiencing them live, not just via their recordings (20:06)

Notable Quotes

"We purposely spell it wrong so that we’re easier to find on the internet." — Zachary (00:52)

"Most of the most brutal bands I know are the nicest teddy bears I’ve ever met." — Pipeman (03:38)

"Every single time, the guy’s just got like at least one or two lines every album where it’s just like, wow." — Zachary on Bring Me the Horizon’s lyrics (08:17)

"If you like what you hear, come see it live. We guarantee you won’t walk away upset." — Zachary (19:45)

Resources & Links Mentioned

Dawn Vally Online

Instagram with Beacons link: Merch store, Spotify, Facebook, and more (19:21)

Merch available via Big Cartel, ships worldwide at buyer’s cost

Vocal Zone (Vocal lozenge for singers; UK-origin, highly recommended)

Festivals Discussed
Loud as Hell Open Air (Drumheller, Alberta)
Wacken (Germany), Bloodstock, and others

Connect with Dawn Vally

Check out their latest EP for a taste of all their sound has to offer (18:42)
Follow on social media and support with merch purchases (19:21)
See them live for the full experience—shows guaranteed to win over audiences (19:45)