[3] In 2009, he released an independent EP titled Reflections as well as gaining features on two discs in the Acoustic Guitar Forum franchise.

"[6] Dawes' next release was another Candyrat single, this time dual-released with an independent collaborative remix featuring Helsinki-based guitarist Petteri Sariola and Adam "Nolly" Getgood from the American band Periphery.

world tour visited over thirty countries on five continents, including performances on the Great Wall of China and the Troubadour in Los Angeles, as well as the first fingerstyle guitar concert in Lebanon's history.

[14] The lead single, a one-man cover of Metallica's "One", gained around forty million clicks in its first fortnight online through Metal Hammer, Viral Thread, and Dawes' own YouTube channel.

He was also featured on AMC's Better Call Saul, playing percussion and additional guitar on "Cold Feet", a song created in a session with Fink.

[16] The 2018 Moody Blues Cruise saw Dawes share the stage with Cathy Richardson of Jefferson Starship while opening for the Orchestra featuring members of ELO.

Dawes is heavily influenced by folk, pop, and rock music as well as other fingerstyle players such as Michael Hedges, Pierre Bensusan,[7] and Eric Roche.