Dawn Drake is a singer, songwriter, bassist and percussionist living and working in New York City’s vibrant music scene. With her band ZapOte, the Virginia native explores the many nuances of a sound she calls “Tropical Pop.” They stir Brazilian Samba, Cuban Timba and Mountain Funk into a deep groove dance vibe with lyrics tackling personal and social issues of love, empathy, equality and unity.
She came to New York after first studying percussion in Ghana, Cuba and then Brazil. An accomplished musician and social activist, Dawn plays bass and percussion with musicians around the globe focusing on programs that celebrate diversity, global rhythm, youth and women’s empowerment through music. Although, like the rest of the world, the pandemic kept her locked down in 2020 Dawn did not let that stop the rhythm.
“Corona King” is the latest solo single from Dawn Drake, released worldwide to all major streaming services on February 12, 2021. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the track is a tongue-in-cheek telling of the singer’s true-life tale of being ghosted by someone she dubbed the Corona King. It’s a uniquely modern break-up song about a relationship that started and ended on Zoom.
However, this is no “woe-is-me” tale. Dawn Drake has turned the story on its head and delivers an upbeat Latin-Jazz infused dance number complete with intricate conga rhythms, a classic Cuban Timba horn arrangement and the smooth soul of Dawn’s bass guitar. Meanwhile the singer delivers a uniquely NYC Jazz-vocal performance with equal parts theater and comedy. It’s a ton of fun, accompanied by a fabulous video performed on the streets of Brooklyn.
If you find yourself staring at a blank screen this Valentine’s Day, click play on the video below and dance away the memories of your own Corona King or Queen. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dance playlist. Follow the links below to connect with Dawn Drake and get in the loop on all of the many projects from this multi talented and dynamic artist