Kiesza

Kiesza, a Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist, first gained international recognition with her debut album "Sound of a Woman" in 2014 and her hit single "Hideaway," which debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart. She is known for her unique music videos, including one with a continuous long take. In addition to her singing career, Kiesza is an accomplished songwriter, having written songs for artists such as Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, and Icona Pop. Her second album, "Crave," was released in 2020 followed by two EPs, "Dancing and Crying Vol. 1" and "The Mysterious Disappearance of Etta Place" released in 2024.

Before her music career took off, Kiesza served in the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve, where she taught herself to play guitar. Her experiences in the Navy informed her music, and she has remained committed to supporting the troops, once giving away 4,500 CDs to Canadian forces serving in Afghanistan. Kiesza's background in sailing, where she worked as an instructor, and her Norwegian heritage, tracing her lineage back to someone who fought alongside Robert the Bruce, also play an important role in her identity and music.

Kiesza's musical education includes a graduation from Selkirk College and attendance at Berklee College of Music, where she won a scholarship. Initially a folk singer, she transitioned to a more uptempo sound that has been described as "SteamPop." Kiesza's accomplishments extend beyond music; she has been involved in various fashion endeavors, including being the face of a fashion eyewear line by Fendi. She has been nominated for several awards, including the UK Music Video Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and Juno Awards, winning the Video of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year awards at the Juno Awards in 2015.