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Biography
At the tender age of 16 Ellestad took part in the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS) program, which provides sailing training to young people, a year after she joined the Royal Canadian Navy reserves with her brother. She became a Naval Communicator during her time there, and was where she taught herself to play the guitar.
After leaving the Navy and competing in the Miss Universe Canada pageant, Ellestad attended Berklee College of Music in Boston on a scholarship, after which she moved to New York City, U.S., and started performing her mix of folky, acoustic songs. Soon after Ellestad found a proclivity towards upbeat dance and house music which led her to collaborate with producer Rami Samir Afuni.
Kiesza’s first single titled “Oops” released in 2012 was a song about a couple that had unprotected sex and was later revealed was made as a joke. But the song introduced Ellestad’s style of up-tempo pop combined with often facetious lyrics and had meant the Canadian singer/songwriter has been asked to write lyrics for the likes of Rihanna, Kylie and Icona Pop.
Ellestad’s breakthrough came with the video for her single “Hideaway” released through the indie label Lokal Legend. The video features Kiesza elaborately dancing through the streets of Brooklyn, New York, U.S. and was impressively shot in a single take. The song premiered on Annie Mac’s Special Delivery segment on BBC Radio 1 and later debuted at No.1 on the UK Singles Chart, released April 26, 2014. Kiesza’s follow-up single, also premiered on Annie Mac’s radio show on June 13, 2014 reacher No.4 in the UK singles chart.
This made way for Ellestad’s first full-length album titled “Sound of a Woman” which attempted to adopt the same sound as “Hideaway”, featuring cameos by Mick Jenkins and Joey Bada$$. Released in late 2014 to positive reviews, the album reached No. 42 in the US Billboard 200 and No. 10 in the German Album chart.
Live reviews
Keisza has already had a number one hit with her debut single 'Hideaway', a piano-house driven throwback to the 90's and one of the catchiest tracks of the year so far. After it was originally released on indpenedent record label, Lokal Legend, the video went viral overnight and is just as impressive as the track itself. The video follows Keisza dancing around the the back streets of New York with some excellent choreography. Twenty four year old Kiesza, was a member of the American navy but moved to California to pursue a music career. And her live shows are proving that she's made the right decision.
Accompanied by a pair of eccentric male dancers, the clearly 90’s influenced choreography and funk tracks are great to dance and sing along to. New single 'Giant In My Heart' ? mixes disco funk and a contemporary house beat perfectly. Later, she performs a stripped back cover of Haddaway’s, 'What Is Love' sat a piano for the ballad like moment. It allows her to show off her extensive vocal capabilities. Closing the crowd pleasing set with the aforementioned 'Hideaway', Keisza helps lift everyone’s spirits despite the ominous clouds up above. Infectious “ooh’s” and “ahh’s” mean a Keisza set is full of sing-a-long pop moments.
benjolley1
Canadian singer/songwriter Kiesza became an internationally recognised name in 2014 thanks to the runaway success of first single 'Hideaway'. Part of its appeal was the complex dance routine showcased in the wonderfully retro video, and much to the delight of fans Kiesza has brought some of these moves onto the road with her.
The singer herself runs a tight live operation, having clearly considered the track list of her debut 'Sound of A Woman' to really maximise effect from her crowd. She demonstrates power through her confident vocal during opener 'The Power' which is tinged with the synonymous 90's synth that is now known to be her sound.
The UK has been a big supporter of Kiesza's short career thus far and she addresses her crowd warmly before playing top 5 hit 'Giant In My Heart' to huge cheers and singalong as the crowd bounce beneath the strobe lights. It is the finale of 'Hideaway' that brings the house down, now certified Platinum selling on British shores, everybody has heard this infectious piece of vintage electro-pop and the bellowing singalong could tear the roof off.
sean-ward
Nobody needs me to state what a talented singer Kiesza is. I never thought I'd have an opportunity to attend one of her performances. Her show at Thekla, Bristol, was personal and intimate.
I knew that Kiesza had been badly affected by the loss through cancer of a close friend. I was unaware, however, that just 6 months later she nearly died in a serious car crash, in which she sustained brain injury. After she and her Record Label went separate ways she has now relaunched her career.
What a brave girl she is. Her powerful voice is matched by her fighting spirit. After the gig she mixed with fans and posed with them as they took selfies.
I wish her well and can't wait to see her again.
hayden.macey
Wonderful show done by Kiesza at La Flèche d'Or in Paris.
Was so happy to be There, one of the first to see Kiesza in concert. She is a great singer, very talented with many music style and specialy with house music and EDM.
All of her songs are different, she has her own style and music universe. Already waiting for her second album.
I am sure some day she will fill up huge concert places and it is why I was so please to meet her in this very intimate place in Paris.
Don't miss her next time she comes close to your place.
Pat.
patamalice
It was one of the best shows I've ever been to.
Despite the my expectations, this was purely acoustic show with Kiesza singing ukulele versions of her songs. And she did it flawlessly! In addition to that, she gave some backstory for her disapperance from public radars and even performed a short standup bit.
All in all, I immensely enjoyed the show.
snailandmail
Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it! Killed it!
beerae
The show was amazing! Both Betty Who and Kiesza brought the house down! And the icing on the cake was I had the chance by luck to meet Kiesza outside. She was kind,sweet,and easily approachable. I would definitely go see her show again if she was in the area.Fan for life
seasaleo-dejaneiro
She was Awesome!!!!!!!!!!! The best energy! I love her! It was so great singing along with her. Her dancers were good and so was her band. Everyone seemed to be having the greatest time.
I miss her already, bring her back!!!
nijah-smith
Absolutely amazing. My favourite live gig other than Muse! Her opener Betty Who was also really amazing! There was a long wait (about an hour before opener started and at least 40 minutes before Kiesza) but she made up for it!
betty-chow
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