Ahead of Cat Clyde’s forthcoming album Down Rounder, the young artist has unleashed “Papa Took My Totems” – a raw and ready protest against the face of colonialism, the environment, and the patriarchy. Drawing on her indigenous heritage, which makes the subject matter all the more pertinent, Clyde’s Métis spirit fuels the track.

Since Clyde’s debut in 2017, she’s been able to carve out a space for herself in the music industry. Her last fully-fledged offering was Hunter’s Trance, released in 2019, but she’s kept herself on it and occupied since then. Crafting up “Good Bones”, an acoustic reimagining of Hunter’s Trance and her debut album Ivory Castanets, she then went on to collaborate with country singer-songwriter Jeremie Albino. There’s no doubt about it – Clyde is booked and busy.

“Papa Took My Totems” is carried by Clyde’s soaring vocals. Unfurling poetic, intimate lyrics – listeners are captivated by the sheer vigour the track emanates. Twangy guitars and thumping drums meld together, and the accompanying music video elevates the track. Clyde flits about a plush red theatre, guitar in hand, while a spotlight shines on. Reflecting on the track Clyde imparts: “There’s a lot of sacredness that’s being destroyed in the world, and that’s difficult to deal with sometimes. Totems, to me, feel like places and things that are important and real, to witness the destruction of things like that is devastating.”

Garnering millions of streams across all of her platforms, Down Rounder is set to light the internet ablaze. Joining forces with Lissie on a UK tour, and opening for Bonny Light Horseman at Celtic Connections next month – there’s no telling where she’ll head next. All we know, is that we’ll definitely be along for the ride.

To watch Cat Clyde’s music video for “Papa Took My Totems”, head below…