Basia Bulat, photo courtesy of the artist.
Basia Bulat is a one of Canada’s most accomplished songwriters, having built a significant audience over the past 15 years through her distinctive voice and compelling songwriting, drawing from classic folk, neo soul and gospel. In addition to her powerful vocals, Bulat is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, playing electric guitar, piano, autoharp, ukulele, bass, and charango.
Over the course of five albums, the Montreal-based musician has brought together an intrinsic contemporary sound with a love of classic folk, indie folk, country and R&B songwriting. Three of her albums have been shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, including her debut album, 2007's Oh My Darling, as well as 2013's Tall, Tall Shadow and 2016's Good Advice (produced by My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James).
Basia Bulat comes to Banff Centre as faculty for the Banff Musicians in Residence program, which gives musicians and ensembles the time and space to develop new work, refine their craft, and collaborate in Banff Centre’s inspiring mountain setting. The second half of this concert will feature participants in this program.
Basia Bulat is a must-see in my books; she’s an absolute sweet-heart on stage and her voice and presence makes joy pretty infectious. - Concert Addicts
Bulat’s robust voice and quick rhythmic strumming had a larger-than-life fullness that needed no accompaniment. - Apartment613
Much like Florence Welch (of “the Machine”), she can belt it out and when she hits her stride she rides it all the way. - Live in Limbo
About Basia Bulat
Basia Bulat
Basia Bulat is a Montreal based singer songwriter whose work bridges gospel, soul, and classic folk, carried by a distinctive voice and a deeply expressive, multi-instrumental approach. A three time Polaris Music Prize finalist and JUNO Award nominee, Bulat has built an international reputation through a rich and evolving catalogue, from her early analogue folk recordings to more expansive, collaborative works. Her music has been celebrated on global stages and platforms from NPR’s Tiny Desk and Later... with Jools Holland to major tribute concerts honouring artists like Leonard Cohen and The Band and she has toured alongside artists including Sufjan Stevens, The National, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
In 2025, Bulat released Basia’s Palace her most sonically expansive album to date, featuring lush arrangements, synthesizers, and layered melodies, earning widespread acclaim across North America and Europe. In 2026, she returns to a more intimate setting, presenting a solo tour that reimagines songs from Basia’s Palace alongside highlights from her extensive catalogue. Performing on guitar, piano, and autoharp, these stripped down concerts foreground the emotional core of her songwriting, allowing each piece to unfold with clarity and depth. The result is a powerful and personal live experience one that highlights Bulat’s singular artistry and enduring place within the contemporary folk tradition.
Image by Richmond Lam.