Mia Kelly is a folk/Americana artist based in Quebec. She released her sophomore album To Be Clear in early October and she’s currently opening for The Good Lovelies on a Western Canadian that tour hits Darke Hall Nov. 19. Here’s Mia’s top six songs.
“Swordfishtrombone”
Tom Waits, Swordfishtrombones (1983)
“Swordfishtrombone” is the first Tom Waits song I ever heard and I remember being mesmerized. I love the junkyard band, the drama, the eclectic lyrics — it almost feels like a song version of MadLibs. “Swordfishtrombone” was a huge inspiration for the arrangements on my tune “Bonefish Boys”. YouTube
“Fisherman’s Blues”
The Waterboys, Fisherman’s Blues (1988, Remastered 2006)
This song makes me feel on top of the whole wide world. Mike Scott’s joyful whooping is pure delight, and the fiddle solo puts a giant grin on my face. This is my dad’s favourite song and we would sing along at the top of our lungs when he was my roadie on tour in the UK. It’s romantic, it’s cinematic and it’s timeless. YouTube
“American Flowers”
Birds of Chicago, American Flowers (2017)
When I was 14, I had the deeply inspiring and formative opportunity to open for Birds of Chicago [Allison Russell & JT Nero]. They put on an incredible show. They instantly created community — their music was healing and near-religious. They have remained inspirations throughout the years: their songwriting, storytelling and musicianship are exquisite. “American Flowers” is the title track of the record they were touring at the time, and it’s just beautiful. YouTube
“Black Eye”
Angie McMahon, Light, Dark, Light Again (2023)
‘Black Eye’ breaks my heart. Angie’s voice on this shakes me to the core. It’s so simple and her lyrics are perfect. Every time the chorus comes around it hits just a little bit harder. YouTube
“Woman”
Little Simz feat. Cleo Sol, Sometimes I Might be an Introvert (2021)
I listened to Little Simz almost exclusively when I recorded my latest album. I didn’t want to listen to my typical folky stuff because I was oversaturated with it in the studio, so I took a deep dive into this album, which is brilliant. She’s the coolest. YouTube
“Love, the Impossible Ghost”
Matt Holubowski, Weird Ones (2020)
Nine minutes and 48 seconds of perfect, dreamy landscapes. Weird Ones is one of my all-time favourite albums. This particular song has soothed me into sleep and swept me out of anxious moments time and time again. It’s my comfort song — it feels like a favourite sweater, or warm soup. YouTube