Artist: Katie Dauson
Album: Past The Sea
Release Date: March 24, 2023
Genre: Folk
Ontario-based singer-songwriter Katie Dauson has unveiled her ten-track album, Past The Sea.
“Symbols In Stone” begins the album, introducing the listener to Katie’s whimsical songwriting. The song’s melody is simple, and Katie’s clear, almost spoken-word vocals tell a historical story, which, combined with the beat, evokes a sing-song quality.
Next up, “You Can Talk To Me” may be the shortest track on the release, but it conveys a message of support and reassurance. The lyrics, “You can talk to me, Isn’t that why you’re here, Have a drink, Open up, You have nothing to fear,” show that folk music can be both meaningful and fun.
The title track, “Past The Sea,” consists of a playful melody that captures the listener’s childlike wonder. The lyrics are rich with vivid imagery and are poetic in nature. The track is sure to captivate anyone who enjoys music with a sense of adventure and whimsy.
“The Ballad Of The Blue Unicorn” caught my attention immediately. The bubbly beat mixed with the fantastical lyrics summons the listener’s imagination to take control. This track is a delightful and quirky folk tune that will surely put a smile on listeners’ faces.
“The Raccoon Shuffle” is a delightful and fun folk tune that captures the imagination and spirit of folk music with its playful storytelling and whimsical melodies. The song’s lively instrumentation and infectious energy make it an instant earworm. I dare you to try not picturing raccoons dancing around in the forest when you hear the lighthearted chorus.
Track six, “Red Eyed Moon,” begins with a beautiful intro, which merges with Katie’s crisp vocals. The lyrics about a lunar eclipse showcase Katie’s unique sound and storytelling ability. The song is a reminder to take a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of the world all around us.
“As Time Goes By” is a folk-pop song with a beat that won’t quit. The lyrics in the chorus, “I’ve got nothing left to lose, So I might as well play the blues, Of what could have been, Long ago, Nothing which I’ve got to show” urges the listener to sing along with their catchy sing-song tone at times, while at others, sit back and reflect. The track tells the story of the ups and downs of adult life, which resonates with many.
“The Land of The Setting Sun” draws upon traditional folk styles while incorporating the same whimsical edge that consists throughout the album. Despite its whimsical nature, the track has a deeper message about the importance of preserving and celebrating the natural world.
“The Green Dragon Motel” blends traditional folk elements with a sense of playfulness, whimsy, and a touch of eccentricity. Katie’s storytelling once again shines, telling the story of a man who wanted a one-night stand and the trials and tribulations that exist throughout. The simple yet evocative melody and clever lyrics make it a standout on the album.
Closing the album, “Paper Crane” features a lively melody, an upbeat tempo, and nimble instrumentation that is sure to get listeners tapping their toes. The clever lyrics “Paper crane don’t be shy, It is time for you to fly, You have such beauty, You have such grace, This is your time and place,” evoked nostalgia in me, transporting me to a time in school when we made paper cranes. The song encourages listeners to embrace their inner child and find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Overall, as a new listener to Katie Dauson, and not a huge listener to whimsical folk tunes, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it. After listening to Past The Sea, I was delightfully taken aback by the uniqueness of Katie’s music. Each song holds a deeper meaning and has a story to tell. If you want to have a unique and whimsical listening experience, be sure to check out Past The Sea.
Listen to Past The Sea below and learn more about Katie Dauson via our mini-interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Katie Dauson. I’m a singer, songwriter, musician, and performer. I’ve always had a passion for writing and music, and I just combined the two.
You have unveiled your debut studio album, Past The Sea. What can you tell us about the writing process behind the release?
Originally, the title track for the album was going to be a single until I realized that I had several other songs written that had a similar theme and could fall into the same genre. That’s when I decided to actually put an album together.
I only write songs when I’m inspired. Otherwise, they won’t turn out very well. Sometimes I have an idea for a title, and I write it down for later. Other times, the idea for the entire song hits me really fast in one shot.
For this album, I felt as though it should be ten songs in length. It seemed like a nice round number.
Let’s talk about naming tracks. How do you go about choosing the titles for your songs?
The titles just come to me, and the songs almost name themselves. If a song title comes to me first, then I will write it down, so I don’t forget. Then, I write around that title. Otherwise, I pick the song’s theme to be the track’s title if I don’t initially have a name for it.
If you had to choose just ONE song for a new listener to hear from your new album, which would you choose?
I would have to choose “Red Eyed Moon.” It’s because I did study some astronomy back in university, and I had a real passion for it. This song is about a lunar eclipse. Also, it’s a very upbeat song about nature’s wonders, and I hope my curiosity about the night sky would inspire others as well.
What’s up next for you in 2023?
First, I’ve got a surf rock single called Road Trip coming out May 5. It’s a really fun song, and I performed at a showcase event in front of around three hundred people back in February. It literally brought down the house. I’m very excited about this release, but I’ve also got a Rock N’ Roll album that I’m finishing up and am hoping for a May release as well. The album is called Full Nelson and I’m bringing back real Rock N’ Roll. Just like Past The Sea, I wrote all of the songs. After that, I’m planning to release more singles of various musical genres. At the moment, I have no plans on touring unless there’s a major demand.