Photography by Sydney Woodward

Ghostly Hounds is the folk project of Francesca Mirai, singer-songwriter-banjo player based in the Lekwungen territory colonially known as Victoria, BC. Often accompanied by Finn Letourneau on fiddle and vocal harmonies, Ghostly Hounds creates soulful folk and old-time music with a distinct, haunting sound.

Drawing inspiration from many genres, Francesca has become known for their unique vocals. They captivate audiences with a clear, soaring range, powerful projection, and just the right amount of grit, coalescing elegantly with traditional and modern banjo instrumentals. Finn’s masterful fiddle playing and vocal harmonies add depth and richness to Ghostly Hounds’ performances.

The traditional combination of banjo and fiddle, met with classically trained, powerhouse vocals, evokes a fusion of modern and vintage sounds, while simple foot percussion infuses dynamics, drive, and rhythm into their live shows.

Francesca’s deeply personal songwriting, focusing on themes of love and grief, has garnered adoration from listeners across Canada and the United States. Their skill as a songwriter, the intimacy and vulnerability of their songs, and their original and soulful arrangements have earned Ghostly Hounds enduring and enthusiastic support from their fans.

Formed in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal in 2015, and frequently on tour, Ghostly Hounds has delivered countless performances nationwide, backed by a rotating cast of skilled musicians. They released their debut album, “Creature,” in 2017, followed by their sophomore album, “In The Rubble,” in September 2022. Their forthcoming single, “Lonely Winter” will be released at the beginning of 2025.