Rock trailblazers The Dawn have joined forces with breakout alternative artist Sean Archer for their explosive new single 'Delikado'. The upbeat, guitar-driven track blurs generational lines and musical boundaries while staying true to The Dawn’s signature sound.
Steeped in themes of tension, truth, and tenderness, 'Delikado' explores the complex relationship between a father and a son — mirroring love, fear, and understanding. Beneath its pulsating beats lies a deeper message: always be aware, and stay mindful of what lurks in the night.
View this post on Instagram
Sancho Sanchez of The Dawn shares how the collaboration came about as he states, “When we signed with Sony, they encouraged us to collaborate with one of their artists. We sat down and watched videos of different Sony artists, and Sean Archer’s songs and music videos really appealed to us. It’s like his musical DNA is something we’re very familiar with.”
Guitarist Kiko Reyes adds, “We’ve always been on the lookout for interesting collaborations that challenge us creatively. Sean’s songs, especially 'Patay', had energy, wit, and great hooks. We initially wanted an artist who wasn’t in our area stylistically, but we couldn’t ignore how much we liked Sean’s songs and style.”
Though the two acts come from vastly different eras, their collaboration came together seamlessly. Sean shares that the song’s theme — a worried parent’s perspective — inspired him to add his own voice as the son. “I drew from my own experiences because I was often out late, and my parents used to worry a lot,” Sean explains.
The result is a dynamic conversation in song form — a father’s protective concern clashing with a son’s yearning for independence, both fueled by love and expressed through tension. “Sean did an awesome job of answering my words, which represent the typical worry of a parent,” says frontman Jett Pangan. “His lyrics complete the relatable narrative of a family living in dangerous times, plus his vocal style levels up that rebellious punch.”
Musically, 'Delikado' is a controlled explosion — post-punk in energy, yet refined in execution. The Dawn’s cinematic guitars and pounding drums collide with Sean Archer’s modern edge and textured vocals, forming a sound that’s urgent yet artfully restrained.
Guitarist Francis Reyes talks about the overall sound of the track as he muses “I think we liked the post-punk sort of thing that we drunkenly messed around with. It sounded very Gang of Four-ish or early Bloc Party-ish. Parts morphed during recording, and Bim was imagining a Billy Idol/Steve Stevens approach — aggressive guitars with synths. The song has a rawness that reflects the tension between two generations arguing, each wishing to be understood. Jett and Sean really nailed a great narrative with their lyrics.”
'Delikado' stands as a powerful, intergenerational anthem that connects eras, styles, and emotions through honesty, grit, and heart.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
1