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 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. 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. 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.

Ensemble Members

Headshot of Francesca holding their banjo, looking slightly up and to the left. They are in front of a white circle on a black background and the lighting is dim.
Photo by Sydney Woodward at Niamh Studio
Finn Letourneau – fiddle/ vocal harmonies

Press Photos

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
B&W photo of Francesca Mirai sitting on a stool, facing sideways with their legs crossed, 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
Headshot of Francesca holding their banjo, looking slightly up and to the left. They are in front of a white circle on a black background and the lighting is dim.
Photo by Sydney Woodward at Niamh Studio

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 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, Rogue Arts Fest, Edge of the World Music Festival, Peace Valley Folk Festival, Outhouse Music Festival.
  • Festival appearances alongside names including: Father John Misty, Jack Johnson, Wax mannequin, C.R. Avery, Kimmortal.

Logos/Wordmarks

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