Katie Dauson – Change (2026)
Canadian genre-blending multi-instrumentalist Katie Dauson has released her eighth album, Change, which is upbeat and full of fun and heart. Dauson is a rather unique musician who has a Lou Reed-esque deadpan singing style. There are numerous genres which are displayed here, including pop, rockabilly, classic rock ‘n’ roll and folk. The thought process behind this album is explained by Dauson as: “This whole album is about change, and being able to accept and deal with the consequences of all the changes around us“. The result is an album that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly personal at the same time.
Some of the highlights on Change are ‘You Say You Want Me’, which is very similar to what could be found on Blondie’s Parallel Lines or something by The Go-Go’s. It has great guitars and a rockabilly style to it. The buoyant ‘Sing the Blues Away’ is home to a gorgeous flute and an infectious chorus in: “We’re gonna sing / Sing your song / Because together we are strong / We’re gonna sing / Sing for today / We’re gonna sing all your blues away’“. The only downbeat track on the album is ‘Lay Me Down’, which can be likened to early Beatles, who are actually Dauson’s first musical influence and all-time favourite band. It has reflective chords and even has a tape hiss to make it sound old and authentic. The chorus is a great example of Dauson’s simple but effective songwriting: “Lay me down lay me down right here / Let’s not wait to have love today”
Dauson likes to occupy the leading edge of creativity. Humble, yet proud of her music. The album’s title track began its life as an acoustic folk piece but evolved into a pop and synth anthem. The piano playing on ‘We Could Go Dancing’ is vintage Elton John, think ‘Crocodile Rock’! It has a really nice tempo to it. ‘Ballad of Medusa and Olivar’ has a dense production with bucket loads of instrumentation. It contains narrative lyrics and nice strings.
There is a sweet love song by the way of ‘Life In A Daydream’, which has lush electric guitar chords and fantastic drumming. Dauson even finds time to celebrate the saxophone with ‘Saxophone Fever Blues’, which was inspired by Fats Domino and his legendary live performances. Dauson treats us to some jubilant lyrics in the way of: “I want to play the saxophone / ‘Where everyone sees me and everyone knows me / And I don’t want to play alone / Cos everyone loves the saxophone“.
A self-confessed nerd, Dauson is an in-demand live act who is playing the famous El Mocambo venue in Toronto on 6th June. With Change, she has reaffirmed her status as an unbelievably creative, quirky and interesting artist. This release should satisfy long-term fans whilst gaining her some new ones.
Find out more about Katie Dauson on Instagram, Facebook and Spotify.
