Secret Radio Unveil Their Latest Single, "DAWN"

Secret Radio, the English-language alternative band from Kazakhstan, continue to carve their own path in the independent music scene with the release of their latest single, "DAWN". Known for their eclectic fusion of shoegaze, noise rock, post-punk, and hardcore, the band have steadily built a reputation since their formation in 2018, embracing a DIY ethos and championing artistic freedom.

Set against a backdrop of atmospheric, reverb-drenched guitars and a brooding post-punk rhythm, "DAWN" is a track that draws clear inspiration from the early works of DIIV. Its existential lyrics explore the search for hope, weaving between melancholic introspection and a restless yearning for something beyond the darkness. This latest offering further cements Secret Radio’s ability to merge raw energy with ethereal textures, delivering a sound that is both expansive and intimate.

Accompanying the single is a strikingly surreal music video, directed by the band’s own Yelena Tovkachyova. The visuals are steeped in an unsettling sense of isolation, with the characters enveloped in deep darkness, evoking the vastness of an endless desert. The abstract nature of the imagery leaves the narrative open to interpretation, adding an additional layer of intrigue to the track. Tovkachyova’s direction ensures that the video, much like the song itself, lingers in the mind long after viewing.

Secret Radio’s journey has been marked by an impressive trajectory. Their inclusion in the 2024 encyclopedia 91–23: The Popular Music of Independent Kazakhstan - alongside celebrated artists such as Skryptonite, Dequine, and dudeontheguitar—further solidifies their influence on the country’s alternative scene. Their live performances have also gained momentum, from appearing on IZI.kz’s “Addiction” radio show in 2022 to playing at major festivals such as Big Summer Festival 2023, where they shared the bill with Tommy Cash, and Balama Fest 2024, where they performed alongside Russian new wave legends Alyans.

Beyond Secret Radio, Tovkachyova has played a crucial role in fostering the underground music scene in Kazakhstan. As a co-founder of Pink Noise, she has helped book and support artists from across the region, including acts such as Spasibo and Cruel Tie. Her work has been recognised by The Village Kazakhstan, which featured her in interviews in both October 2023 and April 2024. Additionally, Pink Noise curated the Distilled Sounds contest for emerging musicians, sponsored by Jameson, with Secret Radio performing at the project’s final showcase in November 2024.

With "DAWN" now released, Secret Radio continue their evolution, offering a sonic and visual experience that is both haunting and thought-provoking. As they push the boundaries of Kazakhstan’s indie landscape, their commitment to artistic integrity and creative exploration remains unwavering. Fans of brooding, immersive soundscapes would do well to immerse themselves in their latest release.