Mia kelly
In today’s economic climate, it’s important for touring performers to adapt to changing realities. Last year, Gatineau, QC-based singer-songwriter Mia Kelly played 120 shows. Averaging out to one concert every three days, it means a lot of travel and a lot of nights in hotels, motels or other accommodations. It can all be a bit much to take — and can be quite expensive. Because of that, Mia bought a Sprinter van and had it converted into a home on wheels.
“It’s been life-changing for the comfort and lifestyle.”
Besides having the luxury of always resting her head on her own pillow, Mia can choose where she stays each night. This past summer, while touring in Atlantic Canada, she parked near the ocean after a gig.
“I woke up to the most jaw-dropping, gorgeous sunrise over the ocean!”
Mia has had a love of music since she was about seven years old, appearing in musical theatre productions. She released an EP of her music at the age of 14, with her debut full-length album, Garden Through the War, coming out in 2022. In 2024 Mia's album To Be Clear was produced by Jim Bryson and earned her multiple award nominations. At last year’s Canadian Folk Music Awards, she was named Young Performer of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year.
Her development as a songwriter has progressed from a teenager’s view on people’s lives to more mature adult themes of resilience and growth after life-challenging events.
An added element of Mia’s performances is her ability to write and sing in both English and French. She grew up in a bilingual home, so the language she writes in depends on the language of the song’s catalyst. A relationship break-up that occurred in French will come out in a French song, while a conversation with her English-speaking mother will result in an English song.
“The language comes out from where the emotion comes from.”
Another source of inspiration for Mia has been growing up in the Gatineau Hills region. Being surrounded by the natural wonders of lakes and rivers — not to mention a thriving artistic community — went a long way in developing Mia into the performer she is.
The last year was busy for Mia as she wrote material for her next, as-yet-untitled album, set for release in the spring of 2026. And it will be a noticeably happier album. While she sees herself as a generally happy person, she has acknowledged her performance sets have been quite somber.
“The new songs are messages of living well, loving hard, saying ‘yes,’ being open to possibilities and being grateful.”
The new album was produced by Connor Seidel at The Treehouse north of Montreal. The first single, ‘Sea to the Moon’, was recently released.
“It was so easy to make the record. It was effortless and fun and creative. I’m so excited to share it!”
For more on Mia Kelly, go to https://miakellymusic.com