Press Kit

“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

Close-up of Francesca playing banjo and singing into a ribbon mic with eyes closed and head bent slightly back. They are wearing a black, sleeveless dress.
Photo by Cud Eastbound

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 a driving kick drum 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. Upright bass imbues the performance with melodic rhythm, moving their audience between states of mesmerized captivation and joyful dancing. 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 folk project of Francesca Mirai, singer-songwriter and banjo player based out of S,DÁYES/ Pender Island, BC. With a background in classical, jazz and punk, Francesca has become known for their unique vocals. They captivate their audience 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 and often on the road, Ghostly Hounds has toured this project all over the country delivering hundreds of performances from coast-to-coast.
Francesca’s deeply personal song writing, with focus on themes of love and grief, has evoked 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. Ghostly Hounds’ sophomore album, In The Rubble, released September 10th 2022.

Ensemble Members

Press Photos

Live Video (Trio)

 

Live Video (Duo)

Live Video (Solo)

Past Highlights

  • Voted #4 for ‘Best Country/ Folk Act in Montreal’ in Cult MTL
  • Feature article in Georgia Straight
  • Release of first full-length album 2017, second album Sept. 2022
    • Radio appearances such as CKUT, CKCU, CHUO, CJLO, CICK, CILU
      -hit #2 on the folk/roots/blues charts in Thunder Bay
      -hit #5 on the national folk/ roots/ blues charts for community and campus radio.
  • Festival Appearances: Astral Harvest, Hootstock, MTL Fringe Fest, En Plein Air Fest, CozyFest, Living Roots Festival, Koksilah Music Festival, CityFolk Festival, Woodstove Festival, Mosaic Arts Festival, Tour Des Iles Festival, Creekside Concerts.
  • Festival appearances alongside names including: Father John Misty, Jack Johnson, Wax mannequin, C.R. Avery

Logos/ Wordmarks

Ghostly Hounds image. Four wolves howl at the phases of the moon which encircle a wold skull.Ghostly hounds black wordmark text on white

 

 

 

Stageplots
Trio
Ghostly Hounds Stage Plot: (from left to right)
Finn- Fiddle (bridge pickup & preamp), backup vocals (SM58 & stand)
Francesca- Kick Drum behind (SM58 & stand), Banjo (SM57 no stand), Lead Vocals (SM 58 & stand)
Val- Upright Bass (clip-on mic requires phantom power, XLR-out), Backup vocals (SM58 + stand)

Duo
Ghostly Hounds Stage Plot: (from left to right)
Finn- Fiddle (bridge pickup & preamp), backup vocals (SM58 & stand)
Francesca- Kick Drum behind (SM58 & stand), Banjo (SM57 no stand), Lead Vocals (SM 58 & stand)

Solo
Ghostly Hounds Stage Plot: 
Francesca- Kick Drum behind (SM58 & stand), Banjo (SM57 no stand), Lead Vocals (SM 58 & stand)