kaley bird

This songstress writes with depth heart and humour in her own distinct style.  After playing endless open mics and sold out shows in her hometown of Edmonton, Bird began building a reputation as a gifted performer and songwriter.  In 2007, Bird’s hometown of Edmonton began to take notice.  She began performing as one of Rhea March’s U22 artists and was awarded a $10 000 grant through Rawlco radio to assist in the production, mastering and manufacturing of her debut album, “Kaley Bird”.

Bird officially released her debut album on June 27, 2008 independently on Box records.  Since it’s release, Bird’s freshman album immediately garnered the attention of commercial, university, public and CBC national radio.  After charting on Campus radio throughout Canada, Bird has been busy this year showcasing her talent coast to coast.  Critics agree that this will not be the last you hear of Kaley Bird!

 
biography

Growing up more as the spectator than the performer, 21 year old Kaley Bird (Kaley Beisiegel) has surprised even herself in the past few months as this newcomer has broken into the Edmonton coffee house scene and delighted audiences with sincere, touching performances and thoughtful original lyrics.

When she was a little girl, her mother sang in a party band called “Hot Wax” and was always a lively performer.  However, Kaley initially took more after her dad -- who, although being a very talented guitarist, would just as well prefer to play in the basement as opposed to a stage. 

So, as she was growing up (a process she admits is still on-going), Kaley would lock herself away for hours, plugging away on the keyboard and guitar, and writing songs which she didn’t share with anyone. 

After graduating high school, Kaley took time off and backpacked across Europe to find out what she “really wanted to do”.  In her own words, it was an awesome experience, but she returned home more confused then ever.  Enrolling in University of Alberta, she took a barrel of random courses which she now hopes to find useful at some point in time.  "Like my mom says, 'Education is a light load to carry,' and it’s never wasted, but I was extremely frustrated because I never had time to work on my music."

At the end of the winter semester of ’07, Kaley decided to take the step to play her first open mic.  "Really, in the end," she says, "if I wouldn’t leave my basement, no one was ever going to hear my music." 

After such a positive response from the music community, Kaley has found her comfort zone in performing.  "I suppose I am more like my mom then I thought.  However, according to my friends I still remain the most unexciting 21 year old on Friday and Saturday nights, when instead of going out to the bar, I sit in my basement, take on hermit status and work on my music."

 
discography

kaley_bird_albumKaley Bird.  

2008.  Distinctively her own style, Kaley Bird's exceptional songwriting and catchy melodies set to the most interesting array of instruments, from Hawaiian lap steel to moog synth, can best be described as "some kind of folk music".

 
galleries
 
comments & reviews
Bird sounds like a new-age folk blend of Stevie Nicks or Joni Mitchell, creating the same laid back mood as these icons.
-- The Gazette (University of Western Ontario) 
Connecting with the hearts of young and old with her mature poetry and sincere performance.
-- The MacEwan Journalist
This record balances it’s urban sound with small-town nuance.
-- The Gateway (University of Alberta)
Bird produces music that is quirky, smart and full of musical goodies.  If she keeps on producing albums and getting her name out there, then this will not be the last that people hear from Kaley Bird.
-- The Gauntlet (University of Calgary)
 


community supporters

guitarSince May of 1995, The Uptown Folk Club has been holding open stages and concerts as well as participating in local non-profit events. We provide affordable, quality entertainment and assist local musicians in promoting their talent through the use of various performance formats and media. 

Our Mission: The Uptown Folk Club is a non-profit registered society that promotes local folk music by providing and supporting community based events in central Edmonton. We Value: *Volunteerism, *Originality, *Diversity, *Striving for Quality, *Local Musician Support, *Community Support, *Media Support, *Local Business Support. At all of our events, we have a concession with food and beverages.

 

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