Mia Kelly is an award-winning singer-songwriter from Gatineau, Quebec, making her mark on the Canadian folk music scene with a distinctive blend of folk, rock, and blues. Since releasing her debut album Garden Through The War (2022), she has been recognized as a poetic lyricist with a powerful and versatile voice. Known for her ability to weave the stories of those around her into her music, Mia is an imaginative storyteller who channels raw, vulnerable emotion through expertly crafted songs.
Her sophomore album, To Be Clear (2024), co-produced with fellow songwriter Jim Bryson (The Tragically Hip, Kathleen Edwards), received critical acclaim worldwide. The record featured “Meaning Well,” nominated for Single of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and went on to earn four 2025 Capital Music Awards nominations. Mia took home Single of the Year for “Bonefish Boys” and Video of the Year for “Si j’étais franche.”
Garden Through the War explored themes of resilience and growth following hardship and was recognized by the SOCAN Foundation. Mia was named Emerging Artist of the Year by Culture Outaouais, represented Canada as a finalist at the 2023 Jeux de la Francophonie in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and was awarded both Young Performer of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Her music has been featured by The AU Review, La Presse, Americana UK, Ottawa Citizen, Radio-Canada, Roots Music Canada, Le Droit, Châtelaine, CKUA, SiriusXM North Americana, The Scene Calgary, CBC, and more. She has shared the stage with Basia Bulat, Kim Churchill, John Smith, Bobby Bazini, Aysanabee, The Franklin Electric, Daniel Champagne, Jeremie Albino, Julian Taylor, and Lloyd Spiegel, and has performed at major events/festivals including Tallinn Music Week (Estonia), Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, Folk Alliance International, Ottawa Bluesfest, Summerfolk, Ontario Festival of Small Halls, Festival des Montgolfières, Mariposa Folk Festival, Live from the Rock, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival.
Mia is currently preparing the release of her third full-length album Big Time Roller Coaster Feeling (May 2026).
