A New Dawn Fades
2002 - 2008 / Lynchburg, VA & Richmond, VA
photo by Ryan Portnoy
A New Dawn Fades was founded in 2002 in Lynchburg, VA, by PJ Sykes and Nathan McGlothlin. Melissa Sunderland Jones later joined on the violin. The band often improvised and experimented during live performances, including the use of pots and pans as percussion and starting from within the audience. The band recorded and toured up and down the East Coast until 2008, sharing the stage with bands like Q And Not U, St Vincent, Beauty Pill, Peelander-Z, Des Ark, Unwed Sailor, Saxon Shore, Bella Fea, Army of Ponch, and many more.
Read the comprehensive A New Dawn Fades tour and recording session history
“This is one of the best stage shows you’ll see all festival, mostly because it refuses to be confined to the show: Rhythmic and loud and visceral and ecstatic, A New Dawn Fades uses avant investigations and atypical songcraft to challenge its audience and itself. You’ll be asked to participate (Bang on a ... pot), and you’ll want to.”
Stream the A New Dawn Fades catalog
A New Dawn Fades apparel
An Introduction to Richmond
by Landis Wine (of OPIN)
I moved to Richmond, Virginia, reluctantly after being accepted to VCU for English. I had never visited the city, and being from an extremely small town in Southern Virginia with virtually no music scene to speak of, excluding the sporadic nu-metal show at the American Legion or an open mic night at a local permissive church, I had no idea what to expect. My primary knowledge of Richmond consisted of GWAR’s appearance on the Jerry Springer show. I remember thinking they were incredibly reasonable dudes and being confused as to why the show’s other guest, El Duce, a true piece of human garbage, was even being lumped in with something that was more Jim Henson than GG Allin. My other impression of Richmond music came from the group Labradford, who were operating in the same sonic universe as Stars of the Lid and Godspeed You Black Emperor.
After I arrived in Richmond, I was more than a little timid about dipping my toe into local music, and one of the first bands that I began to see pop up on a regular basis was A New Dawn Fades, to whom I immediately gravitated due to the Joy Division reference. I remember being excited by their combination of drones and guitar riffs (courtesy of PJ Sykes) with percussion that ranged from ambient/experimental to pummelling percussive beats and crashes (via Nathan McGlothlin). I was impressed with their willingness to push the boundaries of their performances each time I saw them, gaining and shedding instrumentalists and styles, and often ending with an interactive percussive circle, always open to new ideas and contributors. Over the years, I began to work with different members of the band in other capacities, spending time writing for RVA Magazine when PJ was developing into a world-class concert photographer. Later on, when the band parted ways following their swan song, I See the Night Birds, Nathan began putting out records through his imprint Harding Street Assembly Lab and helped my barely-formed band White Laces release our first EP on cassette. I’ll always remember ANDF shows as a formative experience in Richmond that served as a gateway to a large, vibrant musical community.
A New Dawn Fades Live Performance Videos
A New Dawn Fades portrait by Nick Kessler
A New Dawn Fades tour history
04/26/2008 – Highwater (Toad’s Place)
Richmond, VA
w/ Coald Toast, Cinemasophia
LAST SHOW
04/26/2008 - Plan 9 Music
Richmond, VA
[Just PJ + Melissa Sunderland]
04/23/2008 - WRIR
Richmond, VA
01/2008 - 03/2008 incomplete
11/03/2007 - TROIKA MUSIC FEST
Durham, NC
w/ The Everybodyfields, Bodies of Water, Phosphorescent, Ben Davis and The Jetts, Bellafea, Ex-members, Richard Bacchus and The Luckiest Girls, Fin Fang Foom, On the Take, Champion Kickboxer, Opening Flower Happy Bird, Midtown Dickens, Eberhardt, Sweater Weather, Fan Tan, Simple, Betty and The Boys, The Drowsies
09/22/2007 - Bull City HQ
Durham, NC
w/ Maple Stave, The Scott Waite Debacle
09/21/2007 - Gallery 5
Richmond, VA
w/ Cinemasophia, Our Stable Violent Star (last show!)
07/28/2007 - Galaxy Hut
Arlington, VA
w/ Stamen & Pistols
05/25/2007 - Bull City HQ
Durham, NC
w/ The Whole World Laughing, The Gates of Beauty, Belles
04/14/2007 - Bull City HQ
Durham, NC
Durham Duo-Fest 2007
w/ Salt, Emotional Joystick, It's Reigning Men, Sequoya, Apis Bull, Oh My God I Just Had The Most Amazing Year, Eberhardt, The Whole World Laughing, Opening Flower Happy Bird, Beloved Beinge, Phon, Jew(s) & Catholic(s), Midtown Dickens, Robo Sapien
02/24/2007 - Plan 9 Records
Richmond, VA
w/ Conshafter, Daniel Parker Vaughan
[Just PJ + Melissa Sunderland]
01/05/2007 - Gallery 5
Richmond, VA
w/ The OK Birds, Marionette
I SEE THE NIGHTBIRDS CD RELEASE SHOW!
10/31/2006 - CMJ Marathon - Lit Lounge
New York, NY
w/ Mass Movement of the Moth, Daniel Striped Tiger, Complicated Shirt, Bravo Fucking Bravo
08/13/2006 - Fortress of Solid Dudes
Richmond, VA
w/ Fra Pandolf, Notes From Underground
08/09/2006 - Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar
Charlottesville, VA
w/ Fra Pandolf, Notes From Underground
07/28/2006 - New Belmont Bar
Norfolk, VA
w/ Foxes Through Fences (Nathan on drums)
Closing ceremony of Ghent Summer Bar Tour, Make a Wish foundation benefit show
07/28/2006 - KC's Music Alley
Fredericksburg, VA
w/ Foxes Through Fences (Nathan on drums), Gifts for Enola,
07/05/2006 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ The Great White Jenkins, Capillary Action,
Hallelujah (van broke down didn't play)
07/02/2006 - Relative Theroy Records
Norfolk, VA
w/ Baby Calendar, Roman Holiday
06/14/2006 - Revolution Records
Washington, D.C.
w/ Pattern Is Movement, St. Vincent
05/13/2006 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Year Future, Hex Machine
04/14/2006 - Drowsey Poet
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Ammi
04/12/2006 - the Boro
Murfreesboro, TN
w/ New Death of the Same
04/11/2006 - WUAG 103.1 FM
Greensboro, NC
live broadcast / internet stream with Jerrod Smith
www.wuag.net
04/10/2006 - 305 South
Durham, NC
w/ Des_Ark (solo), Cantwel Gowmez & Jordan, PYFKE
04/07/2006 - MACRoCk
Harrisonburg, VA
w/ Cedars, Staristdeous, Irving, Vox Trot, Ris Paul Ric (Chris - Q AND NOT U), Black Moth Super Rainbow, Saxon Shore
03/23/2006 - Audio Concepts
Lynchburg, VA
Interview with The Drop podcast
03/11/2006 - Relative Theory Records
Norfolk, VA
w/ Foxes Through Fences, Black Iron Choir
02/21/2006 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Red Canasta, Cinemasophia
02/12/2006 - Gallery 5
Richmond, VA
w/ Smoke, Now Sleepyhead, Mazinga Phaser II
01/24/2006 - MIXING/FINAL MASTER
Richmond, VA
01/22/2006 - Relative Theory Records
Norfolk, VA
w/ Saxon Shore
01/21/2006 - The Hangar
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Saxon Shore, My Epic
10/15,16,17/2005 - RECORDING/MIXING
Richmond, VA
w/ Allen Bergendahl
10/01/2005 - Relative Theory Records
Norfolk, VA
w/ Saxon Shore, Shapiro
09/30/2005 - Euro Cafe
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Saxon Shore
09/17/2005 - Euro Cafe
Lynchburg, VA
09/10/2005 - Turning Basin
Richmond, VA
RECOVERY FESTIVAL
w/ Robert Matter, Robert Bohannen, Family and Friends, Sonquatro, Third Tradition Speakers, Phifer Marshall Band, Johnnie and the Low Downs, Swing a Dead Cat, Hallelujah!, Tulsa Drone, Birds in the Meadow
Benefit Festival for: Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance of Central Virginia (SAARA-CVA) and Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA)
09/09/2005 - campgrounds
Williamsburg, VA
w/ [local bands]
08/17/2005 - Relative Theory Records
Norfolk, VA
w/ Sparrows Swarm and Sing!, Kingsbury
08/16/2005 - Charm City Art Space
Baltimore, MD
w/ Sparrows Swarm and Sing!, Rhythmandfall, Insect Factory, Earthen Sea
07/21/2005 - Drowsey Poet
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Pattern Is Movment,
07/06 - 10/2005 - RECORDING
Richmond, VA
w/ Allen Bergendahl
07/05/2005 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Hallelujah!,
06/05/2005 - Relative Theory Records
Norfolk, VA
w/ ???
05/29/2005 - McCormack's Irish Pub
Richmond, VA
w/ Decahedron, Sparrows Swarm and Sing!, Our Stable Violent Star
04/23/2005 - Relative Theory Records
Norfolk, VA
w/ Mahjongg, Cinemasophia
03/17/2005 - the Nightlight
Chapel Hill, NC
w/ (some noise & improv acts)
02/26/2005 - Relative Theory Records
Norfolk, VA
w/ the Nein
01/14/2005 - European Cafe
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Bellafea, Lint-free
01/07/2005 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ des_ark, Bellafea, Josh Small
11/20/2004 - house show
Forest, VA
w/ Hi Ho, Sixshooter!, Moscow Apartment
11/06/2004 - CVCC
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Engine Down, Silent Press, Shapiro
09/18/2004 - PS211
Winston-Salem, NC
w/ Hide and Seek
09/17/2004 - Kings Baracade
Raliegh, NC
CANCELED Hurricane
08/21/2004 – DURHAM MUSIC FEST - STAR* venue (the Edge)
Durham, NC
w/ Bringerer, Bellafea, Dame Fate, Calabi Yau, Bats & Mice, des_ark, Cheers For No Tomorrow, Circulatory System, The Rosebuds
08/01/2004 - Spaghetti House - 304 Old South High St
Harriosnburg, VA
w/ Struction, Sing! Sing! Prison
07/29/2004 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Struction, Sing! Sing! Prison, Lint-Free
06/18/2004 - Patchoulli House
Harrisonburg, VA
w/ Da Bris, Sing! Sing! Prison
06/04/2004 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ 302 Acid, Fallout Countdown, Seventeen After
05/26/2004 - The Loft
Fredericksburg, VA
w/ Sing! Sing! Prison, Paul Michel (Out-Circuit)
05/22/2004 - LaTassa
Philly, PA
w/ the Repercussions, Sharkskins
05/21/2004 - Grant St Basement
Albany NY
w/ Sleigh & Lions, Struction, Anaconda (one man band)
NY keyboard band (ex-Skeleton Breath/Shadow Maps)
05/14/2004 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ IfYouAreWhoYouSayYouAre, Double Helix, Crash Diagnostic,
Benefit for: Living Wage
05/08/2004 - The Record Exchange
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Hi, Ho Sixshooter!
05/07/2004 - McCormack's Irish Pub
Richmond, VA
w/ Beauty Pill, West
04/28/2004 - DC 9
Washington DC
w/ Delicious
04/17/2004 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Hortus, Are You Fucking Serious?, Triple Eagle
Nanci Raygun Birthday Show
04/07/2004 - Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Single Spies
7" Release Show
04/03/2004 - Post MACRoCK House Show
Harrisonburg, VA
w/ Order of the Dying Orchid, Da Bris
Police shut it down
03/26/2004 - Captain Tee's
Harrisonburg, VA
w/ Da Bris, Highways and Oceanshores, Maple Union, Shapiro, Valkyrie, AggroCrag, Dirt Pond
Stop Hunger Now Benefit Show
02/27/2004 - Alley Katz
Richmond, VA
w/ Nation Gaddy, West, Dark Little Rooms, Maple Stave USA, We Are Childhood Equals
Fan Free Clinic Benefit Show
02/16/2004 Black Cat
Washington DC
w/ Red Line Index
02/13/2004 Nanci Raygun
Richmnd, VA
w/Lint-Free, Youth Class, Tyler Speaks For Me, Single Spies
02/01/2004 Rocktorium
Richmond, VA
Recording split 7" w/ Allen Bergendahl
01/31/2004 Rocktorium
Richmond, VA
Recording split 7" w/ Allen Bergendahl
01/22/2004 GO! Studios
Chapel Hill, NC
w/ Audobon Park, Razzle
01/21/2004 Nanci Raygun
Richmnd, VA
w/ Peelander-Z, Dynamite Club, Are You Fucking Serious
01/17/2004 Shad's
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Good as New, If I Were Alive, Fall of Red, Adolyn Sky, Shaddi
11/20/2003 Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Q And Not U, 302 Acid, Da Bris
11/11/2003 Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Christopher Walkout, The Opposition, Social Dropouts,
WESLEY WILLIS TRIBUTE SHOW
10/29/2003 The Grace Building
Lynchburg, VA
w/ John Wilkes Kissing Booth, The Nein
WHITE TRASH PARTY! (dress down to get in)
10/17/2003 Meridian Coffeehouse
Williamsburg, VA
w/ the Lookups (ex-Times Ten), the Id
09/24/2003 Artful Dodger
Harrisonburg, VA
w/ Town and Country, Brigg Fair, Dirt Pond
08/08/2003 Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Ben Davis, Homesick for Space, des_ark
07/21/2003 Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Army of Ponch, House on Fire, We Are Spies, The Stellas, Exit 86, Christopher Walkout
06/21/2003 Recording
Lynchburg, VA
06/19/2003 American Legion
Lancaster, PA
w/ Broken Toaster, Tyler Speaks For Me, The Fiction Alliance, Shutup Gorgeous,
06/18/2003 Recording
Lynchburg, VA
06/17/2003 the Record Exchange
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Movies with Heroes,
06/16/2003 Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
w/ Forget Cassettes, Movies with Heroes, Skyline Awake, Communiqué
06/15/2003 Why're
Harrisburg, PA
w/ Movies With Heroes
06/14/2003 Now! Music and Fashion Washington D.C.
w/ Filo Betto
06/13/2003 Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
(Nick Ammerman [of The Id] on 2nd Bass)
w/ Zero Hour, High Watt, We Are Childhood Equals, You Are The Drum, The Mensa Select, Red Line Index, Rockbot, RPG
FAN FREE CLINIC BENEFIT SHOW!
05/09/2003 Nanci Raygun
Richmond, VA
(with help from The Id on "Eject")
w/ The Id, Listen Like Thieves, Chalkline Beauty,
04/13/2003 Richie's Grill
Richmond, VA
w/ the Id, Times Ten
CD RELEASE SHOW
03/29/2003 Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, VA
w/ [the] K Word, Born With A Tail, Water Not Tested
Amnesty International: Human Rights Awareness Show
03/18/2003 Court Square Theater
Harrisonburg, VA
w/ Unwed Sailor, The singing mechanic
03/17/2003 Grace Building
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Unwed Sailor, The singing mechanic
02/20/2003 Holy Chow
Richmond, VA
w/ Times Ten, Input Lust, The Hint
02/01/2003 Knights of Columbus
Lynchburg, VA
(with Sean Walters [of FCOL] on 2nd drum set)
w/ the Carlsonics, For Cryin' Out Loud, Input Lust
01/24/2003 Holy Chow
Richmond, VA
w/ Times Ten, Bravo Maxi, Broadzilla
12/07/2002 Guadalajara
Lynchburg, VA
(moved to the Drowsey Poet at the last minute)
w/ Mock Orange (canceled due to snow), Order of the Dying Orchid, Vroom
11/09/2002 Inner Ear
Arlington, VA
mix and master with Allen Bergendahl
10/25/2002 Shad's (Trotters)
Lynchburg, VA
w/ For Cryin Out Loud, Hero
09/21,22,23/2002 The Piedmont Center
Lynchburg, VA
Recording with Allen Bergendahl
09/07/2002 WWMC 90.9
Lynchburg, VA
Recording Demos
07/22/2002 the Piedmont Center
Lynchburg, VA
w/ Sheryl's Magnetic Aura, The Matlock Four
SHOW CANCELED
07/06/2002 Skatezone Skatepark
Fayetteville, NC
(David from 30 Day Warranty on drums)
w/ No Cash, 30 Day Warranty
07/01/2002 The Record Exchange
Lynchburg, VA
06/02/2002 The Spotlight
Woodbride, VA
w/ the K Word, Order of the Dying Orchid, Canadian Invasion
04/28/2002 Mitten Gallery Art Space
Harrisonburg, VA
w/ Aiden Coughlan, The Princeton Reverbs Colonial
04/14/2002 Percival's Isle
Lynchburg, VA
(PJ acoustic set)
w/ Jaded Jones, Canaan Tummond
03/30/2002 The Piedmont Center
Lynchburg, VA
w/ A Rocket Sent To you, Summersett, Dewey Beats Truman, Adara
03/10/2002 Knights of Columbus Hall
Lynchburg, VA
w/ In Clover, For Crying Out Loud, Twothirtyeight
03/09,10/2002 Knights of Columbus Hall
Lynchburg, VA
4 track demo recording
03/09/2002 CVCC
Lynchburg, VA
(PJ solo electric)
w/ Zickhead, New Age Vikings, Savory, Switching Suits, Curmdgeon, Tether
A New Dawn Fades related projects
Hoax Hunters, TLVS, Honeybrandy, Virgineola, Angels VS Aliens, The National Feather, Paratextures