Under the cover of night, the world is redefined, only to be known and discovered by those brave enough to step into it. For songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Dan CahillβDC Wolvesβthis unknown serves as a foundational catalyst into new music that is both singular and inclusive, mysterious and candid, exhilarating and grounded, cohesive and diverse. And itβs in the space between these contrasts that DC Wolves finds its lifeblood. With the vigor of a new challenge and the pride of a personal showcase, this rock connoisseur is back with his latest EP, Nighthawk. Today, we’re stoked to give you his full track by track rundown and special commentary below!
βWith Nighthawk, I was looking to start exploring different song structures and moodsβ says Cahill. βI always want to challenge myself to try new things, so that every release is a surprise to listeners.β
Since the bandβs start in 2016, Cahill has explored every corner of rock music that he can. The Nighthawk EP is DC Wolvesβ second studio album, following his full-length debut, Youβve Been Careless. Cahillβs latest releases showcases the full span of his feel-driven songwriting chops with a non-traditional approach to traditional rock styles. βFor this release, I took influence from major artists like Queens of the Stone Age and Mumford & Sons, as well as lesser known artists such as Cave In, Death From Above 1979 and Minus the Bear.β
With a personal test to tackle new musical feats and push boundaries in ways he never has before, the Nighthawk EP is both a monument in Cahillβs career and a cornerstone that paves the way for another full-length album later this year. Nighthawk will be available everywhere Friday, April 30. Learn more and stay in touch at dcwolves.com.
On the fringes of a main road in a small Connecticut town, self-built songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Dan Cahill spent endless hours hunting down every note he could play and every sound he could imagine. What started as social and artistic curiosity became a lifelong journey the moment that first recording blared through a pair of studio headphones.
As years of playing in metal, rock, and shoegaze bands blended into routine, Cahill grew an appetite for both creative autonomy and synergistic collaboration. In 2016, he ventured out into the wilderness in search of a sound he could call his own, and a pack of original minds to bring it to life. It wasnβt until the next year that his music took shape and his solo project, DC Wolves rose to the surface.
Pulling from both the mainstream rock classics every kid cuts their teeth on and the nuanced rock that he discovered and fostered along the way β the organic flavor of stoner rock, the sonic depth of post-rock, and the raw delivery of the early grunge movement β DC Wolves is a statement of ingenuity, an account of exploration, and above all, a personal challenge to unearth every corner of music as an expeditioner of oneβs own capabilities.
DC Wolvesβ upcoming release, the Nighthawk EP, showcases the full span of Cahillβs feel-driven songwriting chops with a non-traditional approach to traditional rock styles. The singularity and inclusivity that built and filled the rooms of this latest collection made for a work of art that is both mysterious and candid, exhilarating and grounded, cohesive and diverse. And itβs in the space between these contrasts that DC Wolves finds its lifeblood.
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Comments: Dan Cahill: “While working on the album, I got the opportunity to try something new — creating an album backed by fans and friends through crowdfunding. It was an energizing process to bring listeners through the creation of the album.
I wanted to create four songs in a month, and I challenged myself to write all new music inspired by a wide breadth of musical influences. This album tells a story — my journey evolving and growing as a musician.”
Track 1 – Nighthawk
I really wanted an infectious rhythm to kick off the song — something that gets people moving. I kept the guitars and vocals subdued to allow the chorus to punch hard and drive forward. Lyrically, I wanted to tell the story of a wild night that’s unforgettable in all the best ways.
Track 2 – Flight Plan
I wanted a song on the album to be minimalistic yet ethereal. There are only three components here – my voice, acoustic guitar, and electric guitar. I used a heavy distortion effect on the electric guitar to make it sound similar to a keyboard. I wanted to explore death and acceptance in the lyrics. We experience this many times over in our lives with our loved ones, and it may be unexpected and painful. Still, sometimes it may be a release from suffering. It’s scary but also lovely in its own way. My hope is that I will make a positive difference to those around me during my time here.
Track 3 – No Alarm
This is a pure, straightforward rocker. Loud riffs, pounding drums, and brazen vocals. I went political with this one, a direct critique of the previous US administration while questioning how the country got to such a divisive and toxic place. Willful ignorance of the state of the world right now is unacceptable. The apathy of “I didn’t vote, it doesn’t matter” can’t happen again. I wanted this song to serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance. We all should have hope for the future.
Track 4 – One by One
With the final track, I sought to set up a quiet, open, and airy scene with a simmering, slow burn right up to the climax. I’m most proud of the guitar work in this song. I wanted it to echo the harsh realities of surviving and persevering through stark winters. I doubled down with the imagery in my lyrics. No matter what comes, keep moving.
I hope you enjoy the music, and find me on Twitch or Instagram to let me know what you think!
