Check out the new single from Canadian singer-songwriter Mia Kelly. Blending elements of rock, folk and blues, Kelly produces distinctive music that is attracting lots of interest, having just picked up Young Performer of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards. ‘Bonefish Boys’ is an excellent introduction to her fine song-craft, featuring light, swaying percussion, absorbing lyrics and Kelly’s beautifully weary, storytelling singing voice.
The song was inspired by a man Kelly met while travelling, who had served in the British navy. She explains: “When living in Nicaragua, my next door neighbour was this old weathered man, who shared stories from his life with me over the course of my time there. When I asked him when he had joined the British navy, he answered, ‘When the ships were made of wood, and the men were made of steel,’ which inspired me to write this song.” Indeed, it makes for a fascinating tale and Kelly’s words are full of rich narrative detail.
The video was created by Randy Kelly, who says: “As a director, I love telling stories visually and appreciated the challenge of making Mia’s vision for her song ‘Bonefish Boys’ come to life.” It’s a brilliantly-executed accompaniment to the song that delivers its own story with the help of some fine acting from Chris White, Dan Boivin, Fred Lavertu, Mike Boekler, Jim Bryson, Tom Shoebridge, Norm Kelly and Björn the dog.
This is the first single release since Kelly’s debut album, ‘Garden Through the War’, which was released in 2022. The record is worth spending time exploring; the title track, in particular, is a gorgeously melodic example of real emotional and vulnerable storytelling. Compelling stuff. ‘Bonefish Boys’ will appear on Kelly’s sophomore album, due for release on 4th October 2024. The semi-autobiographical ‘To Be Clear’ promises to be full of intimate recollections, complex characters and emotional storytelling. Kelly says: “For me, songwriting has always been about storytelling. When I have big feelings sitting with me, I can’t just let them be. They simmer, and then they have to come out. Often the ones that need to come out are heartache and horror. Those boil over.” One to watch out for.
