Rich(ard) Dawson shares the second song from the forthcoming record, “Boxing Day Sales.” The track features clarinet from Faye MacCalman (who plays the role of “lightning” throughout the album). It’s also his hugely unorthodox bid for a UK Christmas Number 1 song. Dawson, recently announced news of his return with new album End of the Middle due February 14, 2025 via Domino Records (Beth Gibbons, Arctic Monkeys).

“I wanted to make a pure pop song,” says Rich. “Almost like a total throwaway song – like a Christmas gift: A pair of novelty socks, some Lynx Africa, or a daft plastic puzzle you get on Christmas morning and then chuck in a drawer for the next 10 years. I wanted it to be the most throwaway and lightweight triviality of a thing.” But Dawson also found himself moved by the noble spirit of the character in his song, lifting it to a place that went beyond disposable gifts, pop hooks, and a critique of capitalism. “Even when there isn’t much room for a character to speak you still must go all the way with them”.

The video, directed by James Hankins, features Rich posing in a series of shop windows and famous Central London spots as well as vignettes of eager shoppers going about their day. As Dawson’s final repeated lyrics “You owe it to yourself” ring out, we are left with a parting image of rubbish being collected.

Richard Dawson 2024-2025 tour Dates

December 7 – The Ivy House, London – sold out
February 14 – Rough Trade East, London
February 15 – Resident, Brighton
February 17 – Rough Trade Bristol
February 18 – Bear Tree, Sheffield
February 19 – Beatdown outstore @ Lubber Fiend, Newcastle
April 23 – Stoller Hall, Manchester
April 25 – Brewery Arts, Kendal
April 27 – City Varieties, Leeds
April 29 – Clapham Grand, London
May 1 – The Gate, Cardiff
May 2- Metronome, Nottingham
May 17 – The Glasshouse, Sage 2, Gateshead
May 20 – Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh
May 21 – St Luke’s, Glasgow
May 22 – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
May 23 – St George’s, Brighton
May 24 – Quarterhouse, Folkestone

pre-order End of the Middle HERE