Wise beyond their writer’s years, Kaya Fraser’s songs search out the dark corners of the heart, illuminating them with lightning-flashes of clarity. Her brand of literate folk-pop recalls Joni Mitchell and Ron Sexsmith in its lyrical eloquence, while musically it draws on elements of roots, R&B and jazz to create infectious melodies and compelling grooves. Kaya’s influences are many and varied, from folk icons like Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, to pop songwriters such as Lennon and McCartney and Aimee Mann. Her songs are carefully crafted and soulfully performed, not unlike those of fellow Canadians Sarah McLachlan, Leslie Feist or Sarah Harmer.

Born in Toronto and raised in Montreal, she received formal musical training throughout her adolescence and studied English literature in university. This education has honed her skills in writing both music and lyrics. Now living in London, Ontario with her husband and her dog, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Canadian literature, which is a field that, for her, includes the history of Canadian songwriting: her country and its literatures have been important in shaping her artistic vision.2007 has been a busy year for Kaya; her songwriting and performances have been garnering more and more attention. On several occasions she was broadcast nationally on CBC Radio One and locally on university radio. She was also a prizewinner in the University of Western Ontario’s “Original and Unplugged” singer-songwriter competition in March, and she has been playing at various local venues to enthralled audiences.

She also embarked upon two mini-tours, including shows in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Having won a FACTOR grant, her focus in the fall of 2007 was on recording an EP at Willyboy Recordings in London, Ontario, with the assistance of engineer Will Haas and producer Jason Hakin. This debut record, entitled Tremor and Slip, was released in late November, 2007. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.