Kaya Fraser

"Elements of country, soul, and sultry acoustic pop are combined with sophistication and polish ... Fraser's moving songs don't really need anything more, except to be discovered."- The Montreal Gazette

Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Kaya Fraser's music and process prove that good things take time. The daughter of Allan Fraser (of 70s folk duo Fraser & DeBolt), Fraser is steeped in the Canadian roots tradition. Her debut, Tremor and Slip (2007) found listeners worldwide, reaching #3 on the France iTunes folk charts and gaining traction via CBC and college radio. Her 2010 followup, Open Horizon, produced by Kim Deschamps (Blue Rodeo, Cowboy Junkies), was praised as “a journey of considerable emotional range” (Exclaim!). Fraser is now shaping her next album, showcasing songs developed over 13 years. There’s no doubt it will be worth the wait.

Music & live video

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    The Stars 5:15
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    Tremor and Slip 4:58
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    Good To Be Home 4:10
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    Time To Go 4:55
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    Cariboo Horses 3:58
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Press photos

Press / Reviews

“[Fraser] distinguishes herself from the school of singer-songwriters matriculated by Joni Mitchell with jazz-inflected phrasing that allows her to navigate this waltz-time rumination ["Tremor and Slip"] with admirable agility.” - John Sakamoto

— Toronto Star, Dec. 22, 2007

“Fraser's independently released seven-song EP Tremor and Slip is shockingly good. Her voice is intimate, arresting and mature; the songs are moving; and production is polished enough to sound professional without sacrificing authenticity. For quick reference, think Joni Mitchell or Sarah McLachlan. At such an early stage in her career, Fraser has the potential to one day hover in their midst. ” - T'cha Dunlevy

— The Montreal Gazette, Jan. 31, 2008

“With jazzy interludes and melt-in-her-mouth vocals, Kaya Fraser's first full-length release is a journey of considerable emotional range. Daughter to Canadian songwriter Allan Fraser (of '70s psych folk duo Fraser and DeBolt), the Victoria, BC-based musician has built upon the foundations she laid with her 2007 EP, the elegant Tremor and Slip. With Open Horizon, she offers a diverse collection of songs that explore passion of every variety, from the blissfully upbeat "Good To Be Home" to the achingly brief and emotionally wrenching "A Hundred Days." Other highlights include the banjo-licked "Made To Mend" and the brooding, Al Purdy-inspired "Cariboo Horses," which highlights Fraser's rich voice and her ability to create vivid moods within her songs. Produced by one-time Blue Rodeo guitarist Kim Deschamps (who also contributes pedal steel, dobro and banjo), the album flirts with soul and blues, jazz and country, but ultimately, hangs together as a beautifully cohesive and promising debut.” - Rachel Sanders

— Exlaim! Nov. 17, 2016

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