Canadian singer-songwriter Katie Dauson is embracing growth, reflection, and the unpredictable nature of life with the release of her eighth studio album, Change. Rich in musical variety and personal insight, the new record sees Dauson drawing from a wide range of influences while delivering a collection of songs united by a common theme: learning to navigate and accept life’s constant evolution.
Based in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Dauson has steadily built a respected career as an independent artist, earning recognition from outlets such as Earmilk, Tinnitist, and Sonic Sisters Magazine. A familiar face across Toronto’s music community, she has established herself as a songwriter unafraid to follow her own creative instincts, blending genres and influences while maintaining a distinctive artistic voice.
Produced and engineered by longtime collaborator James Nickle, Change showcases Dauson’s versatility as both a songwriter and performer. Across ten tracks, she moves comfortably between pop, rockabilly, classic rock and roll, folk, and heartfelt balladry, creating an album that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
At the center of the project is the idea of embracing transformation.
“This whole album is about change, and being able to accept and deal with the consequences of all the changes around us,” Dauson explains.
The album opens with its title track, Change, a song that mirrors the creative journey behind the record itself. Originally written as an acoustic folk piece, the track gradually evolved into a vibrant pop-inspired anthem driven by synth textures and renewed energy. Its evolution ultimately made it the perfect introduction to the album’s overarching message.
Throughout the record, Dauson pays tribute to the artists and sounds that have inspired her. You Say You Want Me channels the spirit of classic rockabilly while drawing influence from Blondie’s iconic Parallel Lines era. Meanwhile, Life in a Day Dream captures the carefree energy of 1960s rock and roll, blending inspirations from The Lovin’ Spoonful and Hall & Oates into a bright and uplifting listening experience.
One of the album’s standout moments arrives with Saxophone Fever Blues, a lively tribute to the timeless appeal of saxophone-driven rock and roll. Inspired by the legendary Fats Domino and his unforgettable live performances, the track celebrates the expressive power of classic instrumentation. On the other end of the emotional spectrum, We Could Go Dancing offers a heartfelt rock ballad inspired by Bob Seger’s Against the Wind. Written during a sleepless night, the song captures a sense of longing and emotional vulnerability.
The album continues its stylistic exploration with Sing the Blues Away, an uplifting and infectious sing-along influenced by The Marshall Tucker Band, while Ballad of Medusa and Olivar delves into themes of love, redemption, and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from songwriting legends such as Bob Dylan and Electric Light Orchestra, the track stands as one of the album’s most personal and emotionally resonant moments.
Elsewhere, I’m Feelin’ Groovy embraces the carefree joy of 1960s-inspired rock and roll, celebrating the simple pleasure of music and self-expression. Lay Me Down strips things back with an intimate acoustic arrangement, delivering a tender love song influenced by the timeless songwriting of The Beatles.
Closing the album is Mamma Bear Shuffle, a playful and energetic finale inspired by Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde. The track leaves listeners on an upbeat note while reinforcing the album’s spirit of spontaneity and creative freedom.
With Change, Katie Dauson continues to expand her musical horizons while remaining firmly connected to the classic influences that helped shape her artistry. The result is a deeply personal and musically diverse collection that reflects on life’s twists and turns with honesty, warmth, and optimism. More than just an album title, Change serves as a reminder that growth is inevitable, and often, it is through embracing uncertainty that we discover who we truly are.
Track Listing
- Change
- You Say You Want Me
- Life in a Day Dream
- Saxophone Fever Blues
- We Could Go Dancing
- Sing the Blues Away
- Ballad of Medusa and Olivar
- I’m Feelin’ Groovy
- Lay Me Down
- Mamma Bear Shuffle
Produced and engineered by James Nickle
