New York based, New Mexico bred Kate Vargas is releasing a new track, “Call Back the Dogs,” that showcases her unique and gritty combination of rock, blues and folk and snakes back to her Southwestern roots. Vargas was greatly influenced by vocalists Tom Waits and Nina Simone, and after graduating from the Berklee College of Music she followed in the footsteps of many great musicians before her, and headed for New York City to start her solo career.

“Call Back the Dogs” shines in showing off Vargas’ raspy vocals and southwestern style. Her lyrics paint the young singer/songwriter as an unapologetic badass, as she sings, “Breaking it down just to build it back up/Takes a little bit of prowess and whole lotta luck,” and later, “Don’t you be expecting me at all/‘cause you and I have been sniffing around like two hounds in the fog.” Vargas already has the chops of a far more seasoned songwriter, which makes it hard to believe that she has only been at it for a short time. Vargas is definitely a dynamic addition to any musicians-to-watch list.

The music video for Vargas’ single was animated by Emily Hubley (an artist whose work can also be found in the musical feature, Hedwig and the Angry Inch), and will be exclusively debuted at Vargas’ Thursday, January 28th performance at the Rockwood Music Hall.

Listen to “Call Back The Dogs” below.