Singer Alicia Kayley Lands Bluesfest Debut After Viral Hozier Cover

Alicia Kayley has always dreamed of performing at Ottawa Bluesfest in front of a big crowd. The 26-year-old Orléans singer-songwriter, daughter of Kevin Chief — the Juno-winning musician and dancer also known as Flying Down Thunder — grew up in a family comfortable with performing, whether following the powwow circuit or touring Europe.

Being picked to play Bluesfest is going to be "life-changing," Kayley predicts, though she remains astonished by the opportunity. "I'm still absolutely floored," she said. "Honestly, when I applied, I had no idea if I should even try because I only had one song. It's been doing really well, but it's still pretty new. Then my guitarist actually was like, 'Just give it a shot.' So I did and we got in, and it was insane."

Kayley is booked for July 10, the second day of the festival, which runs July 9 to 19 on the grounds of the Canadian War Museum at LeBreton Flats Park. This year's Bluesfest headliners include Hardy, Limp Bizkit, and Gwen Stefani.

With more than 800 submissions from independent acts between Toronto and Montreal, competition was fierce. In all, about 40 unsigned artists from across the Ontario-Quebec region were selected. For Kayley, the booking represents a milestone in her blossoming career and a personal high. She's attended Bluesfest as a fan "many, many times" and knows the exhilaration of sharing the moment with thousands of like-minded people.

One of her favourite memories is seeing country star Shania Twain, who's played the festival twice in recent years, with a close friend who's a huge fan. "It's the best party," Kayley says. "Honestly, it's so entertaining, and I love seeing Shania perform. It's always something so different."

Kayley's own music leans toward soul-influenced indie with vocal power reminiscent of Adele — a comparison that's drawn her the informal nickname "Indigenous Adele" online. She's poised to release her first album this year.