“Like the siren enchanting the sailor into the depths, Francesca’s voice may drown you; but what a sweet death it will be”
Naked Underground MTL
What Can Audiences Expect?
Ghostly Hounds is known for having a “double take” inducing performance, to which audience members often ascribe terms such as “haunting” or “enchanting”. No matter the format in which they perform, the sound is larger than life. Francesca fills out their solo performance with driving foot percussion and expert banjo playing. When performing as a band, the traditional combination of banjo and fiddle met with classically trained, powerhouse vocals evoke a fusion of modern and vintage sounds, while vocal harmonies and upright bass add a resonant depth to the live sound. Audiences can expect an intimate experience from Ghostly Hounds, with a focus on deeply personal songwriting and vulnerable storytelling, powerfully delivered by Francesca’s signature commanding vocals.
Bio
Ghostly Hounds is the soulful folk-noir and old-time project of Francesca Mirai – a singer-songwriter and banjo player based in the Lekwungen Territory, colonially known as Victoria, BC. Drawing inspiration from many genres, Francesca has become known for their unique vocals, captivating audiences with a clear, soaring range, powerful projection, and just the right amount of grit, coalescing elegantly with traditional and modern banjo instrumentals.
Formed in Tiohtià:ke/Montréal in 2015, Ghostly Hounds has toured extensively across Canada, the UK, and Ireland – including a 2025 tour capped by a performance at England’s Red Rooster Festival. Performances range from intimate solo sets to a full five-piece band, delivering a “double take”-inducing performance often described as “haunting” or “enchanting.”
Francesca’s deeply personal songwriting explores themes of love and grief, earning adoration from audiences across North America and Europe. Their original, soulful arrangements and vulnerability on stage have garnered enduring and enthusiastic support from fans.Ghostly Hounds released their debut album Creature in 2017, followed by In the Rubble in 2022. Their latest single, Lonely Winter, was released in October 2024. Festival highlights include CityFolk, Koksilah Music Festival, MTL Fringe, Woodstove Festival, Mosaic Arts Festival, Tour Des Îles, Creekside Concerts, Peace Valley Folk Festival, Rogue Music Festival, Edge of the World, Astral Harvest, Hootstock, En Plein Air Fest, CozyFest, Living Roots Festival, Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival, Fern Fest, Robson Valley Festival, and Islands Folk Festival.
Press Photos
Live Video
Bandcamp
https://ghostlyhounds.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-rubble
Stage Plot
Past Highlights
- Voted #4 for ‘Best Country/ Folk Act in Montreal’ in Cult MTL
- Feature article in Georgia Straight
- Release of debut album “Creature” June 2017
- Release of sophomore album “In The Rubble” Sept. 2022
- Release of new single “Lonely Winter” Oct. 2024
- Radio appearances such as CKUT, CKCU, CHUO, CJLO, CICK, CILU
– Hit #2 on the folk/roots/blues charts in Thunder Bay 2018
– Hit #5 on the national folk/roots/blues charts for community and campus radio 2018 - Festival appearances: CityFolk Festival, MTL Fringe Fest, Koksilah Music Festival, Woodstove Festival, Mosaic Arts Festival, Tour Des Iles Festival, Creekside Concerts, Peace Valley Folk Festival, Rogue Music Festival, Edge of the World Festival, Astral Harvest, Hootstock, En Plein Air Fest, CozyFest, Living Roots Festival, Cowichan Valley Bluegrass Festival, Fern Fest, Red Rooster Festival, Robson Valley Festival & Islands Folk Festival.
- Successfully toured internationally in England, Scotland and Ireland in 2025
- Signed with Just Right Music in 2024
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