Dawn in Darkness is the debut studio album by Australian singer and songwriter Mark Holden.

In an interview on the ABC TV program Talking Heads, Holden said that it sold about 2,000 copies only and was a "big flop", adding: "It was entirely original, all the songs I wrote as a kid.

"[1] In 1974, Holden entered Showcase '74, a television talent show on Network 9, on which he sang original folky songs.

John Bromwell, from Essex Music of Australia, saw his performances and brought Holden to Sydney.

Bromwell arranged an audition with Peter Dawkins, a record producer with EMI Music, who signed Holden.