Unplugged Lounge Conversations with Katie Dauson

Independent artist Katie Dauson is back with her latest single, “The Company We Keep”, a swirling, 1960s-inspired psychedelic rock track that marries vintage sounds with a fresh, playful approach to physical releases. Building on a string of previous releases, Dauson continues to carve out a distinctive musical identity that’s both nostalgic and forward-thinking, drawing listeners into her colorful, ever-evolving sonic world.

Continue reading to learn more about Katie Dauson. . .

Thanks for chatting with us at Sonic Sisters Magazine! Can you share a bit about how your journey into music began?

It’s my pleasure! My journey into music began in April 2022, when I saw a sign for an open mic night at a local pub; I was there to pick up a takeout order. I always wanted to get up on a stage and entertain people and make them happy, and I felt that this was a good time to try it. I practiced really hard, and a few weeks later, in May 2022, I finally got the courage to go up on stage and play some cover songs. I was terrified and terrible at the time, but it was exhilarating, and I wanted to go back and do it again. I kept going back, singing cover songs, and eventually stopped in my first original song, Virtual Sky, and no one could tell the difference between my song and the covers that I sang. That’s how it all started.

Who have been some of the most significant influences on your musical style?

There’s a lot of people who have influenced my style, too many to name, in fact. But, I will name a few. My all-time favourite band is the Beatles. I also love Bob Dylan, Fats Domino, ELO, George Thorogood, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Stray Cats, and many, many more in rock and roll, country, folk, etc.

And which female musicians or women in the music industry have inspired your journey?

There’s quite a few: Wanda Jackson, Orianthi, Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith, Aretha Franklin, Juice Newton, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Stevie Nicks, and many, many more.

How do your personal experiences shape your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners take away from those connections?

Life can pretty dark sometimes, with many twists and turns. But, even in the darkest hours, there is a ray of light. In my personal experience, it’s always important to be hopeful, even when you’re down and out that things will get better. It’s my hope that listeners will feel that positive energy in my music, take it with them, and brighten their day, at least for a little while.

Congratulations on your brand-new single 'The Company We Keep' - what inspired this particular song?

Thank you! People can sometimes get lost in life, and lock themselves away, because they don’t know where to turn. It happened to me, as it has to others, as well. It’s a feeling of hopelessness, and of being completely lost. But, even in that hopelessness, you can still find your way; it just might take a little while. That’s basically what inspired my latest single, The Company We Keep.

What song (not your own) has had the biggest influence on you and why?

It would have to be “I Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty off his album, Full Moon Fever. I’ve been put down a lot in life, but that song is so inspiring, because it tells me to keep going, no matter what.

Is there a song in your catalog that holds a special personal meaning for you? We'd love to hear the story or inspiration behind it.

I have some songs that stand out to me as favourites, but I don’t particularly have a song that holds a very special meaning to me, personally. The bigger my catalog gets, the harder it gets to pick a song for a question such as this.

What are some of the aspirations you have for your music moving forward?

That’s a tough question. I hope that more and more people listen to my music, and I can bring joy and happiness to their lives.

What advice would you give to emerging female artists who are just starting out in the music world?

Make sure you can play an instrument, and write your own music by yourself, so you understand what it takes. Also, listen to a lot of music, especially from the past (50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s), which is the foundation of modern music. Listen to as many genres as you can too, including jazz and classical. By listening to the greats of the past, you understand it, and can build towards the future.

Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

I hope you enjoy my latest release, The Company We Keep, and there’s a lot more music to come!