For more than two decades, bassist Dawson Willsey has been one of the driving forces behind the infectious groove of King of the Swingers, helping turn festivals, street parties, and community events into dance floors across Eastern Ontario. Inspired to pick up the bass by the funk-infused energy of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dawson has built a musical career that comfortably spans rock, funk, roots, bluegrass, and acoustic tradition, proving that great rhythm never goes out of style. 

A lifelong creative, he began with fiddle lessons before playing tenor sax through high school, eventually discovering the instrument that truly spoke to him: the bass. Along the way, he developed a passion for recording and audio production, building his own home studio and collaborating with countless musicians in studios, on stages, at jam sessions, and on tours from coast to coast. Whether laying down a rock-solid groove or adding subtle texture to an acoustic performance, Dawson is known for serving the song first. Catch him with King of the Swingers live on The Cove Inn patio Friday, July 31, 2026 5-8 pm. Details and reservations here.

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Seamus Cowan: You’ve played everywhere from street corners to major festivals. What’s the wildest or most unforgettable moment you’ve ever experienced with King of the Swingers?  

Dawson Willsey: With this band it's always the crowd response. Being mobile, on the street, with the people makes for instant engagement.  Young and old people get into the feel and come away smiling. We can often be seen climbing on to the tables and when you get the crowd doing it too you know you've got something going!

Q: The bass isn’t usually the instrument that steals the spotlight, but it’s often the one everyone feels. What makes a great bass player, and what’s your secret to getting people moving?  

Dawson: Based on my experience it's bridging the melodic and forefont players with the rythym behind it all, pulling it all together, hopefully with a steadiness that the movers can count on. For me, it's gotta have groove, gotta have feel. Like you say, you feel it on your insides and it can't be denied.

Q: Your musical tastes span punk, funk, bluegrass, roots, and ambient music. Has there ever been a gig where those influences unexpectedly collided in the best possible way?  

Dawson: Sure! Maybe not one in particular but where the energy of punk, with a funky groove, on a doghouse bass in an acoustic setting... Touring with Mr. Zeman had a good amount of that. The ambient part is a little trickier to fit in, but that's just where we're just going to break it down for a bit…  Love that feel when it all comes together!

Q: You’ve toured and jammed with musicians all across Canada. Was there one performance or chance encounter that completely changed the way you approach music?  

Dawson: I remember a show by Wil (now Wil & Co.) that was so great: just drums and acoustic guitar but had everyone.  So locked in, so energetic (his website ibreakstrings.com was understandable). I always loved Darlene who I saw a few times on the festival circuit: Diverse in influence and so powerful as a performer, yet humble and a lovely person.

Q: After more than 20 years with King of the Swingers, you still bring incredible energy to every show. What’s the key to keeping the music fresh—and are there any songs or artists still on your musical bucket list?  

Dawson: Again, the crowd response!  We enjoy their enthusiasm and that pushes us to take it further. It has always impressed me how people can feel all this music that is largely rooted in the 20's and 30's (you know, the previous ones).  As we are largely redoing existing songs, there is a wealth still to discover and work in. As far as artists on my list, as my influences might suggest, pop culture has never been a big concern of mine. Seeing bands like the Lemon Bucket Orkestra last year renews my faith in the universality, community, energy, and joy that music brings to the beholder as well as the practitioner.

Posted: Jul 21, 2026