Soulful folk & old-time
Soulful folk & old-time

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

What Can Audiences Expect?

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

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. 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-banjo player based in the Lekwungen territory colonially known as Victoria, BC. With performances ranging from solo to trio, 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. 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. They released their debut album, “Creature,” in 2017, followed by their sophomore album, “In The Rubble,” in September 2022. Their new single, “Lonely Winter” is out now.

Press Photos

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
Photography by Colin Smith
Photo by Jenna Barnable
B&W photo of Francesca Mirai sitting on a stool, facing forward with knees bent to the sides, holding their banjo in front of a grey backdrop. They are dressed in dark clothing, wearing jeans, a shirt with a scoop neck, a vest, a bolo tie and combat boots.
Photo by Sydney Woodward at Niamh Studio
Photo by Val Lalune

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 2018
  • 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, Robson Valley Festival & Islands Folk Festival.
  • Festival appearances alongside names including: Father John Misty, Jack Johnson, Wax Mannequin, C.R. Avery.
  • Signed with Just Right Music in 2024

Logos/Wordmarks

Ghostly Hounds image. Four wolves howl at the phases of the moon which encircle a wold skull.