Dawn Landes brings ‘The Liberated Woman’s Songbook’ to the Barbican

On 7th September, the acclaimed singer-songwriter Dawn Landes will grace the Barbican in London with a live performance of her widely praised album, ‘The Liberated Woman’s Songbook’. This special event will feature esteemed guests, including folk legend Peggy Seeger, US indie-rock songwriter Skylar Gudasz, folk singer Lail Arad, Roots/R&B singer and actress Bridgette Amofah, violinist MaGuire and jazz-influenced singer-songwriter Sylvie Lewis.

In an effort to amplify women’s voices, Landes released ‘The Liberated Woman’s Songbook’ in March during Women’s History Month. The album reimagines music from the women’s liberation movement, featuring songs originally published in ‘The Liberated Woman’s Songbook’ in 1971. Landes, alongside producer Josh Kaufman, has highlighted 11 musical stories from the canon of women’s activism spanning from 1830 to 1970. These narratives remain as pertinent today as ever, reflecting centuries of women’s struggle for their voices to be heard.

“The project began while I was grounded at home during the pandemic and came across this intriguing book at a thrift shop,” said Landes. “With the overturn of Roe v. Wade rolling back women’s autonomy by 50 years, I turned to the songbook for inspiration. We’re suddenly back in 1971 all over again. I know we’re in for a long fight, and it helps to find solidarity where you can.”

Josh Kaufman added, “Working with my old friend, Dawn Landes, on this collection of tunes was a real creative and collaborative gift. Many of these songs were already powerful in message but musically were never meant to travel beyond the picket line. I hope our work helps to amplify their message of freedom and equity anew.”

‘The Liberated Woman’s Songbook’ was recorded in Upstate New York at Little Pink and The Garage in Chapel Hill, NC, with Landes leading on vocals, guitar, and organ, and Kaufman steering guitars, keys, drums, bass, mandolin, and percussion. Landes enlisted an array of powerful voices to accentuate the album’s vital messages, including Emily Frantz of Watchhouse, Kanene Pipkin of The Lone Bellow, Rissi Palmer, Charly Lowry, Annie Nero, and Lizzy Ross of Violet Bell.

In July 2023, Landes and Kaufman captivated audiences with a live performance of ‘The Liberated Woman’s Songbook’ at the Newport Folk Festival.

Landes has established herself as one of music’s premier independent singer-songwriters, exploring a wide variety of styles from indie pop and folk to the French-language album “Mal Habillée.” She has collaborated with artists such as Justin Townes Earle, Will Oldham, and Norah Jones, and has shared the stage with Ray LaMontagne, Feist, Andrew Bird, Sufjan Stevens, Suzanne Vega, and other notable artists. Her work also includes numerous film and TV credits. Landes is currently based in Chapel Hill, NC.

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