We Speak Music
From Star Charts to Stage Lights: The Remarkable Journey of Katie Dauson

Katie Dauson has never taken the obvious route. Before becoming a rising star in the indie rock scene, she studied physics and astronomy, worked in advertising, and even had a hand in video game design. But it wasn’t until she stepped up to the mic at an open mic night—armed with nothing but her song “Virtual Sky” and a quietly burning passion—that her path to music came into sharp focus.
Fast-forward to today, and Dauson is releasing Pure Katie, a genre-defying rock album that showcases the full spectrum of her creativity. It’s a project that started out as a concept album but morphed into something far more alive and immediate. “The songs took on a life of their own,” she says. “Now we’ve got this rock and roll thing—with a few surprises.”
The album plays like a musical autobiography—personal, bold, and refreshingly unpredictable. “Go Penny Go” channels punky energy and vintage swagger, while “When Will I Wake Up” taps into something more vulnerable and reflective. The throughline? Dauson’s fearless approach to storytelling.
Pure Katie isn’t just a collection of songs—it’s the sound of an artist discovering herself in real time. And for someone whose journey has always followed the road less traveled, this album feels like a thrilling new chapter.
We Speak Music
WESPEAKMEDIA: TOP 5 WEEKLY MUSIC ROUND-UP (18.04.25)

Find the latest new music in our ‘Top 5’ weekly music round-up here at We Speak Media. In this weekly feature, we will be bringing you the hottest new acts and music out there.
Stephan Folkes’ ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’
Stephan Folkes’ ‘It’s All Within Time (Travelling Through the Stars)’ is more than a song—it’s a moment. Every lyric, every note feels like it was crafted with care and intention, guiding listeners through the highs and lows of life’s personal journey. His ability to blend vulnerability with groove is unmatched, creating a sound that comforts and empowers all at once. If you’ve ever needed a reminder to trust the timing of your own path, this is it.
Marsha Swanson ‘Like an Angel’
Marsha Swanson’s “Like an Angel” is the kind of music video that gently grabs your heart and doesn’t let go—in the best way. With her dreamy vocals floating over a gorgeous live arrangement and paired with Sam Chegini’s stunning, otherworldly animation, the video feels like a quiet, cinematic tribute to love and memory. It’s the perfect mix of emotion and artistry, and honestly, it’s hard not to watch it on repeat.
Suki Summer ‘Summer Crush’
Light, lush, and emotionally rich, Suki Summer’s “Summer Crush” earns its place as this season’s dreamy anthem. The track floats between indie and dream pop, anchored by lyrics that feel pulled from the pages of a journal. It’s a song that understands the tension between self-doubt and desire, wrapped in breezy production that makes it feel like golden hour in audio form. The added touch of real-life banter at the end brings a whole new level of intimacy, grounding the fantasy in real, relatable moments. It’s playful. It’s honest. And it’s pure Suki Summer.
Brandes ‘Please Don’t Call’
Lifted from Brandes brand new album, The Distance Between Dreams, “Please Don’t Call” is a deeply poignant meditation on the agonizing end of an affair. With its alternating plaintive verses and cascading chorus, the song evokes a powerful emotional landscape, enhanced by lush strings and a soulful Hammond organ. The track effortlessly channels the melancholy of Leonard Cohen and the emotional vulnerability of Joni Mitchell, capturing the raw, aching honesty of a relationship falling apart. The lyrical depth and emotional weight are impossible to ignore, as Brandes lays bare the painful realities of love’s end with heartbreaking clarity. This hauntingly beautiful song sets the tone for the album, offering a glimpse into the profound introspection and intimate storytelling that defines, The Distance Between Dreams.
Ren Martinez ‘The First & Last of the Perfect Parties’
Indie pop artist Ren Martinez is making waves with her new single, “The First & Last of the Perfect Parties,” a sync-ready anthem packed with nostalgic energy and diaristic detail. Backed by a recent deal with Aperture Music (known for Girls, Trainwreck, Swarm), the track showcases Martinez’s signature blend of emotional candor and melodic indie rock, offering a powerful preview of her fall debut album Fingers Crossed. With past placements in series like New Girl and Friends From College, Martinez is poised for a breakout year—on screen and on stage.
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