Kaia Kater

One of the youngest performers in the Canadian old-time and folk communities, this 20 year-old plays the banjo, sings and has her own unique take on Appalachian and Canadian traditional music.  Kaia is an eclectic traditionalist, having quickly gained the attention as one of the most promising young performers in the North American folk world.

Working with Toronto producer/musician Chris Bartos (Jonathan Byrd, Barr Brothers, Sarah Harmer), Kaia released her debut EP in February 2012. Her distinctive approach to traditional banjo styles caught the attention of Wepecket Island Records, who included two of her tracks on their North American release of their Banjo Babes compilation.  This earned Kaia the #15 spot on the 2013 North American Folk DJ radio charts, including radio play as far away as Louisiana, California and Australia.

Originally from Québec, and now based in Toronto, Kaia spends extensive time in West Virginia, where she is pursuing studies in Appalachian music and culture. In June 2014, Kaia released her first full-length album entitled Sorrow Bound, produced by Chris Bartos. She performs regularly in Canada and in the USA.

"I have just seen the Ola Belle Reed of the 21st Century." -Art Menius, No Depression/The ArtsCentre, Carrboro, NC

"I was struck by her eagerness to learn, her poise, and her fabulous ear..."
-Rhiannon Giddens, member of Grammy award-winning group The Carolina Chocolate Drops

"A wonderful musician, with abilities beyond her years..."
-Riley Baugus, old-time multi-instrumentalist and contributor to 'Cold Mountain' Soundtrack