Katie Toupin – “Dammit”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Lucius, Regina Spektor, Houndmouth

If Top 40 Radio sounded like Katie Toupin’s pop songs, I would definitely listen to commercial radio again. After missing her last year, I’ve had “Astronaut,” “Magnetic Move,” and “Shake Baby” on constant rotation without getting bored.  These three songs are near perfect pop; upbeat and bouncy with sweeping instrumentation, flawless songwriting, and earworm choruses that can be quirky (“Astronaut”), classic (“Shake Baby”), and even subtly subversive (“Magnetic Moves” – Here’s my heart, my dignity too, take it slowly like most men do.”).

But there is more to Katie Toupin’s music than these terrific pop songs.  Fans of Houndmouth, of course, appreciate her alt country chops and willingness to rock out with or without those boys. But much of her recent solo work lean more country, relying on her Kentucky roots and twang. The recently released “Adams Song” and her cover of Bink-182’s “Dammit” are good examples.  With “Dammit,” Toupin transforms a driving pop punk banger into a dramatic, plaintive country ballad.  And speaking of covers, a live set this year is likely to include her countrified cover of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” replacing the cynicism of Stones with a heartfelt sadness, bringing a different depth to this classic. 

Lastly, in addition to her evolving career as a solo artist, a nod goes out to Toupin sharing her already substantial experience with fellow artists, offering various online “Camp KT” resources where she shares thoughts on making it in the music industry and on the songwriting process. (David Zlotnick)