Toronto singer-songwriter Katie Dauson has released her latest single, ‘Get Ready’, a high-energy track that merges blues, rockabilly, and classic 70s rock and roll. Produced and engineered by James Nickle, the song features Dauson on rhythm guitar and harmonica, the latter of which was a spontaneous addition to the arrangement. Dauson noted that while there was originally no harmonica on the track, “after hearing Bob Seger’s Katmandu and his iconic harmonica solos, I knew I had to add them—and play them myself.” The artist drew further technical inspiration from legends Junior Wells and James Cotton, blending their soulful grit with a vocal style reminiscent of Wanda Jackson.
Lyrically, ‘Get Ready’ explores the tension between self-doubt and the motivation it provides to succeed. Dauson uses the track to confront detractors with a challenge to “rise up or step aside,” while maintaining a vibrant, positive atmosphere throughout the song. She explained that the track is “full of energy, from the vocals to the rhythm guitar and harmonica solos.” By channeling the influence of George Harrison through her 2014 Gretsch Duo Jet, Dauson continues to showcase the genre-defying versatility that has become her signature. The result is a timeless rock and roll anthem that encourages listeners to face their challenges with an upbeat perspective.