Kelly McMichael
Kelly McMichael is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Peterborough, Ontario based in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.[1] Her music has been described as Alternative with experimental or art rock elements and nods towards classic pop from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Kelly’s second album 'After The Sting Of It' was released September, 2024. The single "Bomb" claimed #14 on Exclaim! and #53 on CBC Music's Top Songs of 2024 lists, spent 6 months in heavy rotation on The Verge (XM). The album peaked at #27 on Earshot campus and community radio charts. [2]
Her debut full-length album Waves was released in 2021,[3] and was shortlisted for the 2022 Polaris Music Prize.[4] and also won the East Coast Music Association Award for 'Best Rock Recording'.
A graduate of the integrated arts program at Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School and the fine arts program at the University of Guelph, McMichael spent some time in Toronto, performing as a keyboardist in Gentleman Reg's band and fronting the feminist synth-pop band Rouge, before moving to St. John's in 2013.[5] She has performed both under her own name and the stage name Renders, electronic alter-ego.
She began recording her first album Waves in 2019.[5] The album was delayed when she and her co-producer/engineer/drummer Jake Nicoll were both stranded back in Ontario during COVID-19 lockdowns, with production and mixing continuing remotely.[3]
Kelly has performed with Tim Baker, appearing throughout his 2024 album 'Full Rainbow of Light' and she performed as part of Sarah Harmer's band during her tour to support for Are You Gone[3] (2020-2023). She has also played with Canadian acts The Burning Hell (2021-2023) and Allie X (2012) and The Hidden Cameras. She began touring regularly as a solo artist in 2021 and also spends time writing, recording and producing at her home studio.
References
- ^ Alex Kennedy, "Kelly McMichael lives her dream in more ways than one on her debut solo album". CBC News Newfoundland and Labrador, May 18, 2021.
- ^ "National Top 50 : November 12, 2024". www.earshot-online.com. Retrieved 2025-02-18.
- ^ a b c Andrew Waterman, "Hidden gem Kelly McMichael making ‘Waves’ in St. John’s with new solo record". SaltWire Network, May 19, 2021.
- ^ Allie Gregory, "Here's the 2022 Polaris Music Prize Long List". Exclaim!, June 14, 2022.
- ^ a b Paul Rellinger, "Peterborough’s Kelly McMichael releases her first solo album with a tough COVID time in her rearview mirror". Kawartha Now, July 11, 2021.
- 21st-century Canadian women singers
- Canadian women singer-songwriters
- Canadian women pop singers
- Canadian women rock singers
- Musicians from Peterborough, Ontario
- Singers from Ontario
- Musicians from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Living people
- 21st-century Canadian singer-songwriters
- Singers from Newfoundland and Labrador
- Canadian singer stubs