We have an exclusive video premiere, also our Song of the Day, from the young Canadian roots musician Kaia Kater who’s been picking up some great press here in the UK from the likes of fRoots. Kaia is of Afro-Caribbean heritage from Québec, but lives in Toronto now and studies a lot of old-time music in Appalachia. Her new album, Sorrow Bound, beautifully remixes Appalachian stringband songs and creates new lyrics and ideas, sometimes based on phrases, that speak to our racially-charged present. Watch the video for “When Sorrows Encompass Me Round”, which takes a line from an old fiddle tune song and reworks it into the story of a runaway slave:
About Kaia Kater
The Appalachian Mountains, perhaps the most iconic strongholds of traditional music in North American history, form a direct line running from eastern Canada down through Alabama. They are the backbone of a body of ballads and tunes that define Americana and have heavily influenced Canadian roots music as well. Few are more conscious and intentional in their journey through these Appalachian histories and musical treasures than KAIA KATER.
Her music combines beautifully subtle old-time banjo with soft sensibilities, mixing elements of both Canadian and American historical traditions with a decidedly modern sound.