Genre-bending artist channels parrots, perseverance, and pure fire in an empowering rock anthem
Hot on the heels of her critically-acclaimed sixth studio album Pure Katie, Canadian singer-songwriter Katie Dauson returns with a bold and buoyant new single, “That Volcano”, a rock-driven, surf-tinged, yacht rock anthem that’s equal parts playful and powerful.
Initially sparked by a burst of inspiration while listening to Jimmy Buffett’s greatest hits on vinyl, particularly the colourful parrot-covered album art, Dauson set out to write a fun, tropical tune. But as the writing unfolded, so did a deeper message. What began as a song about a bird turned into a cathartic self-portrait of resilience, self-worth, and shaking off the critics.
“I thought I was just writing a cute song about a parrot,” Dauson says. “But when I was rehearsing it before recording, I realised I’d actually written about myself, and all the people who’ve tried to tell me I’m not good enough.”
That realisation gave “That Volcano” its heart and fire. Backed by the crisp, confident strum of her 2002 left-handed Martin OM-18V acoustic guitar, and brought vividly to life by longtime collaborator James Nickle, who produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered the track, the song’s sunny vibes mask a deeper emotional core.
Accompanying the release of “That Volcano” is a vibrant animated music video, created by acclaimed Toronto-based animator Joren Cull. Known for his whimsical, offbeat style, Cull previously collaborated with Katie Dauson on the Freaky Vampire Blues video, and this latest project raises the bar even higher. Inspired by the song’s vivid, playful lyrics, the animation brings the story of “That Volcano” to life with colour, charm, and just the right dose of surrealism.
“I love how well this music video perfectly captures the essence of my song, That Volcano,” says Dauson. “It’s a beautifully whimsical interpretation that I hope viewers and listeners will connect with.”