Before Dawn

Before Dawn is the synth-rock brainchild of Rob and Kate Houle, currently based in Appleton, Wisconsin. With roots stretching from the salty shores of Florida to a decade in weirdo Austin, TX, and a three-year nomadic stint in sunny Los Angeles, Before Dawn has cultivated a sound that’s as eclectic as their journey. Theater majors who first crossed paths at a college party, Rob and Kate shared passions for music, theater, and adventure; this has been the bedrock of their creative partnership. During the indie-sleaze era’s peak in Austin, Rob and Kate launched Before Dawn, aiming to deliver a sweaty, theatrical, high-energy, stadium-rock experience in the intimate setting of a duo performance. Their music offers a cathartic escape meant to ignite dance floors. Shawn Petsche, a promoter at Sled Island Music Festival, describes them as a "hook and synth-laden wall of sound" capable of sparking a dance party at a moment’s notice. Spanning nearly two decades, Before Dawn’s discography includes two full-length albums, two EPs, and several singles, showcasing their evolution and enduring appeal in the alternative and post-punk landscape. Today, with the addition of drummer Nathan Klein, their live performances are more visceral than ever.