Kiesza

Early Life

Kiesza, born Kiesa Rae Ellestad on January 16, 1989, in Calgary, Canada, grew up in a family with rich cultural roots, tracing her lineage back to Scottish heritage. Her middle name, Rae, is often omitted as she prefers to be known simply as Kiesza. From a young age, she displayed a passion for the arts, participating in the Young Canadians program, where she honed her skills in singing and dancing. Despite a knee injury that curtailed her ballet aspirations, Kiesza's artistic journey continued as she took up sailing, eventually becoming an instructor and even joining the reserves of the Royal Canadian Navy. Her time in the Navy inspired her to donate 4,500 CDs to Canadian troops in Afghanistan in 2008.

Music Career

Kiesza's music career began to take shape in 2005 when she performed on CKUA Folk Routes. After studying at Selkirk College and winning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, she moved to New York City in 2010, transitioning from folk to a more upbeat sound. Her breakthrough came in 2014 with the release of her hit single "Hideaway," which showcased her unique style, dubbed "SteamPop." This was followed by her debut album, "Sound of a Woman," which solidified her presence in the pop and electronic music scenes. Kiesza has since released several albums, including "Crave" in 2020, and has collaborated with notable artists like Rihanna and Kylie Minogue.

Legacy

Kiesza's contributions to music extend beyond her own releases; she has written for various artists and earned multiple award nominations. Her ability to blend genres, from pop to electronic and folk, has made her a versatile figure in the music industry. With a growing discography that includes singles like "Giant in My Heart" and "No Enemiesz," Kiesza continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic performances and innovative sound.