We are excited to welcome Kaia Kater to the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings family! The Montreal-born Grenadian-Canadian has been busy in the studio working on her third full-length album, produced by Erin Costelo, to be released this Fall 2018. Her two previous albums, Sorrow Bound (2015) and Nine Pin (2016), have garnered critical acclaim from NPR, CBC Radio, BBC Music, Rolling Stone, won her a Canadian Folk Music Award, and allowed her to tour across the world, including a recent slot opening up for Rhiannon Giddens in the UK. They have also won her a place in the hearts and ears of the folk music community, earning her the status of a rising star.

Kater joins Smithsonian Folkways during the foundational label’s 70th anniversary. One-part celebration of Folkways’ influential role and one-part vision of the genre-spanning label’s future, the anniversary is the perfect moment to collaborate with Kater, who brings deep folk music ties, a unique and modern background and experience, and exceptional banjo and guitar playing to our roster.

Stay tuned to the Smithsonian Folkways website and social media sites for upcoming news about Kaia Kater’s upcoming album and touring plans, including an appearance at Newport Folk Festival this month. Follow her over on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and make sure to catch her on the road, where she is currently making appearances on the US East Coast and US & UK festival circuit.

Kaia Kater on tour: