Welcome to Talking Culture! In this weekly interview series from 97.9 The Hill WCHL, you’ll hear from writers, performers, musicians and individuals involved in advancing and promoting cultural arts in our community.
Talking Culture is proudly sponsored by Duke Arts. Duke Arts Presents “Music NEAR the Gardens, The Pinhook Edition,” a special edition of Duke’s long running summer concert series, Music in the Gardens. This five concert series celebrating The Pinhook’s legacy in the local music scene, runs every Wednesday at 7:00 PM from May 28th to June 25th at Duke’s East Campus. Full schedule at DukeArts.org.
This week, Aaron welcomes local musician Brandon Dawson, who performs his new song “Forever Gold” in the studio.
Follow Brandon Dawson on Instagram.
Though Dawson has had an extensive career in music, he hadn’t put out any new songs since relocating to the Triangle during the pandemic – but that changed in 2025, with the release of singles “Hide and Seek” and “Forever Gold.” Dawson says he’s planning to release more singles periodically throughout the year – and he’s getting back on stage as well, with a show at the Cave on Sunday, June 8 along with Chris Chism.
Visit Brandon Dawson’s page on Bandcamp to listen to his music and purchase downloads.
97.9 The Hill WCHL and Chapelboro.com are your headquarters for local news and local voices in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. Every weekday morning, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck chats with government officials, UNC scholars, business and nonprofit leaders, area musicians, and others in our community as they share their thoughts, their experience, and their expertise on the central issues of today. Click here to listen back to all of Aaron’s conversations – and tune in to “This Morning with Aaron Keck” at 7:30 a.m. on 97.9 The Hill to hear those conversations live.
Listen:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe:
Related Stories
‹
Covering the 'Bee Sides': Live and Local with Matty Frank!Local musician Matty Frank stopped by Live & Local this week, to launch a North Carolina tour ahead of the release of his new EP “Bee Sides.”
![]()
Five Affordable Music Venues in the TriangleConcerts are a choice night-out for many, especially in the summer months. What better way to spend an evening than with loved ones around, drink in hand, and good music playing? However, as many music fans know, a lot of gigs, especially ever-popular amphitheater shows, come at a steep price. Well, Chapelboro to the rescue: […]
Still 'Growing': Live and Local with Roxanne FortneySinger/songwriter Roxanne Fortney stopped by Live & Local this week, to mark the one-year anniversary of her debut album “Growing.”
'Self-Loathing Never Got Me Anywhere': Live and Local with Robert MortonLocal musician Robert Morton stopped by Live & Local last week, ahead of the release of his new album “Self-Loathing Never Got Me Anywhere.”
Live and Local: Counting Down the Top 50 Local Songs of 2025, Part 1Part 1 of our annual countdown of the top 50 local songs of 2025, featuring a range of artists from music legends to high schoolers.
'Maybe It's A Trauma Response': Live and Local with BANGZZErika Libero of BANGZZ stopped by after the release of the band's new album, "Maybe She's Born With It, Maybe It's a Trauma Response."
'True Til Death': Live and Local with the Gone Ghosts!Dave Hedeman and Justin Bowlin of the Gone Ghosts stopped by Live & Local this week, ahead of the release of their new EP, "True 'Til Death."
Talking Culture: Celebrating Halloween with Fancy Gap!Aaron welcomes the band Fancy Gap (Charles Crossingham and Stuart McLamb) back to the studio, ahead of a Halloween show at Local 506.
Talking Culture: 'Beautify Nothing' with Jeremy GilchristAaron welcomes local musician Jeremy Gilchrist, who's playing at the Cave in Chapel Hill on Thursday, October 9.
Talking Culture: 'Forever Gold' with Brandon DawsonThis week, Aaron welcomes local musician Brandon Dawson, who performs his new song "Forever Gold" in the studio.
›
