We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ridge Dawson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ridge, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I’ve always been inspired by my parents’ unwavering work ethic. Both of them have always been incredibly dedicated to their jobs, putting in long hours and giving their best effort, no matter what. Watching them work with such commitment and passion taught me the value of hard work and discipline from a young age. They never took shortcuts, always gave 100%, and faced challenges head-on with resilience. Seeing how much heart and soul they put into their work motivated me to do the same in everything I pursue. Their example instilled in me the belief that effort and perseverance are key to achieving success, and it’s something I carry with me in all aspects of my life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a musician based in Los Angeles, my mission is simple: to make people feel something real. I’m a singer-songwriter, specializing in solo acoustic sets, and I also play guitar in a local cover band. But more than just performing, my goal is to create music that connects on a deeper level. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected and inauthentic, I believe music has the power to ground us, to bring us back to the present, and remind us of our shared humanity. My lyrics are raw and honest, and through them, I want to give a voice to those who might feel unheard. I want people to listen and know they’re not alone, to feel seen and understood through the songs I write. At the heart of it all, it’s about creating a space where emotion can flow freely, and people can live fully in the moment.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities have been especially crucial to my journey as a musician. The first is having a deep understanding of my craft. I’m currently studying at music school, where I’ve built a solid foundation in music theory and the technical aspects of my instrument. This knowledge has not only refined my skills but also allows me to approach music with intention and clarity. The second is a willingness to fail. I’ve learned that the path to success is paved with setbacks and mistakes, but the key is persistence. It’s about taking each failure as a lesson and not letting it derail your passion. The final quality is my mindset of contribution over self-interest. Rather than focusing solely on what the music industry can offer me, I’m always asking myself what I can bring to the table. I believe that true fulfillment comes from adding value to others and finding ways to elevate the art and community around me.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes I’m always looking for people to collaborate with! Right now I’m looking for a producer based in LA who specializes in pop music production. The best way to reach me is to dm me on Instagram @ridge_dawson_
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ridgedawson.bandzoogle.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridge_dawson_/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ridge_dawson
Image Credits
The photos were taken by Chef Carnahan
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
