{{Short description|Canadian singer (born 1989)}} {{Use Canadian English|date=January 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox musical artist | background = person | name = Kiesza | image = Kiesza-3789.jpg | alt = Kiesza wearing a white crop top and grey sweatpants, standing onstage with her left arm raised, holding a microphone | caption = Kiesza performing in 2015 | birth_name = Kiesa Rae Ellestad | alias = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|1|16}} | birth_place = Calgary, Alberta, Canada | origin = | genre = {{flatlist| * House * pop * electronic }} | occupation = {{flatlist| * Singer * songwriter }} | instrument = {{flatlist| * Vocals * guitar * keyboards }} | years_active = <!-- 2004–present (or –present) --> | label = {{flatlist| * Lokal Legend * Island * Reverse Psycho Logic }} | website = {{URL|kiesza.com}} | module = {{Infobox military person | embed = yes | branch = {{Flagicon image|Naval ensign of Canada.svg|size=23px}} Canadian Forces Naval Reserve | service_years = | commands = | unit = | battles = | awards = }} }}
'''Kiesa Rae Ellestad''' (born January 16, 1989), known professionally as '''Kiesza''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|aɪ|z|ə}} {{respell|KY|zə}}), is a Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist from Calgary. She has released multiple singles, including "Hideaway" and "Giant in My Heart", as well as the albums ''Sound of a Woman'' (2014) and ''Crave'' (2020). She has also toured, both as headliner and as opening act, and she has earned several nominations and won multiple awards.
==Early life== Kiesza was born on January 16, 1989,<ref name="interviewde">{{cite news|url=http://www.interview.de/talent-kiesza/ |title=Talent: Kiesza {{!}} Interview |date=July 25, 2014 |language=de |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820204436/http://www.interview.de/talent-kiesza/ |archive-date=August 20, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="parismatch1">{{cite news |last=Verdot-Belaval|first=Athony|title=25 ans, la chanteuse canadienne vient de dévoiler en France son premier single "Hideaway". Portrait d'une ancienne militaire devenue reine des charts.|url=http://www.parismatch.com/Culture/Musique/Kiesza-elle-va-mettre-la-pop-au-pas-561795|work=Paris Match|access-date=May 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523065118/http://www.parismatch.com/Culture/Musique/Kiesza-elle-va-mettre-la-pop-au-pas-561795|archive-date=May 23, 2014|language=fr|trans-title=The 25-year-old Canadian singer has just released her first single, "Hideaway", in France. A portrait of a former soldier who became a chart-topping queen.|date=April 29, 2014}}</ref> in Calgary, where she was also raised.<ref name="herald2">{{cite news|title=Self-styled and self-titled|url=http://www.canada.com/story_print.html?id=014ae639-be2f-4501-8051-9f497c72a434&sponsor=|work=Calgary Herald|access-date=March 20, 2014|date=December 30, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818043435/http://www.canada.com/story_print.html?id=014ae639-be2f-4501-8051-9f497c72a434&sponsor=|archive-date=August 18, 2014}}</ref><ref name="sun1">{{cite news|last=Wilton|first=Lisa|title=Kiesza life stories written in strings|url=http://www.calgarysun.com/entertainment/columnists/lisa_wilton/2009/06/19/9850231-sun.html|work=Calgary Sun|access-date=March 20, 2014|date=June 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927095810/http://www.calgarysun.com/entertainment/columnists/lisa_wilton/2009/06/19/9850231-sun.html|archive-date=September 27, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="herald4">{{cite news|last=Bell|first=Mike|title=Calgary singer Kiesza taking the pop music world by storm|url=https://calgaryherald.com/entertainment/music/Calgary+singer+Kiesza+taking+music+world+storm/9804663/story.html|work=Calgary Herald|access-date=May 5, 2014|date=May 3, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060126/http://www.calgaryherald.com/entertainment/music/Calgary+singer+Kiesza+taking+music+world+storm/9804663/story.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Her middle name is Rae, but she prefers to be called by her first name only.<ref name="herald2" /> Her last name, Ellestad,<ref name="guardian2">{{cite news |last=Cragg|first=Michael|title=One to watch: Kiesza|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/27/kiesza-hideaway-one-to-watch | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427223955/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/apr/27/kiesza-hideaway-one-to-watch | archive-date=April 27, 2014 |work=The Observer |access-date=April 27, 2014|date=April 27, 2014}}</ref><ref name="wwd1" /> is Norwegian from her paternal side, and her grandfather is from Fagernes in Norway.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/rampelys/musikk/donkeyboy-vokalist-mot-toppen-i-storbritannia/a/10139246/|title=Donkeyboy-vokalist mot toppen i Storbritannia|website=Vg.no|language=no|trans-title=Donkeyboy vocalist heads to the top in the UK|date=April 15, 2014 |access-date=January 19, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/rampelys/musikk/hoer-90-tallsslageren-i-naken-versjon/a/10122695/|title=Hør 90-tallsslageren i 'naken' versjon|website=Vg.no|language=no|trans-title=Listen to the '90s hit in a 'naked' version|date=April 25, 2014 |access-date=January 19, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg.no/rampelys/musikk/vg-lista/vg-listeshowet-kvinnelige-stjerneskudd-til-raadhusplassen/a/23229552/|title=VG-listeshowet: Kvinnelige stjerneskudd til Rådhusplassen|website=Vg.no|language=no|trans-title=The VG-lista show: Female shooting stars to Rådhusplassen|date=June 13, 2014 |access-date=January 19, 2026}}</ref> In an interview with ''Metro'' in July 2014, Kiesza claimed that she can trace her lineage to someone who fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn, elaborating, "There's a lot of Scottish people in Canada. Tons. My grandpa was of Scottish heritage—he was of the black Douglases."<ref name="metro">{{cite news|title=Hideaway Kiesza's Scottish roots|page=17|newspaper=Metro|date=July 14, 2014}}</ref>
At 13, Kiesza took a sailing class at summer camp<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J_Ls6-2800&ab_channel=KieszaVEVO |title=Kiesza – Influences |date=September 15, 2014 |series=Becoming (Vevo LIFT) |access-date=February 14, 2021 |via=YouTube}}</ref> and continued her interest past age 16, when she took part in the Sail and Life Training Society program.<ref name="sun1" /> She later became a sailing instructor at the Glenmore Sailing School, in 2007. A year after, she joined the reserves of the Royal Canadian Navy,<ref>{{cite web|last=Cull|first=Alex|title=Introducing: Kiesza|url=http://www.planetnotion.com/2014/01/31/introducing-kiesza/|work=Planet Notion|access-date=March 24, 2014|date=March 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419101337/http://www.planetnotion.com/2014/01/31/introducing-kiesza/|archive-date=April 19, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> along with her brother,<ref name="herald1">{{cite news|last=Hunt|first=Stephen|title=Breathtaking Drive|url=http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=f9656496-3981-46a6-9433-ac77ad2cd8b3|work=Calgary Herald|access-date=March 20, 2014|date=June 24, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322002205/http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/entertainment/story.html?id=f9656496-3981-46a6-9433-ac77ad2cd8b3|archive-date=March 22, 2014}}</ref> becoming a Naval Communicator.<ref name="sun1" /><ref name="herald1" /><ref name="idvice1">{{cite web|last=Collins |first=Hattie |title=kiesza, the canadian singer on ballet, boats, bullets and big hits |url=https://i-d.co/article/kiesza-from-ballet-to-boats-to-bullets-to-writing-big-hits/ |work=i-D |publisher=Vice Media |access-date=April 15, 2014 |date=April 14, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417133231/http://i-d.vice.com/en_gb/read/interviews/2258/kiesza-from-ballet-to-boats-to-bullets-to-writing-big-hits |archive-date=April 17, 2014 }}</ref> She taught herself to play guitar during crew singalongs in the Navy.<ref name="4music">{{citation |title=This Week's Fresh Music Top 20|publisher=4Music|date=August 10, 2014}}</ref>
Meanwhile, she also entered the Miss Universe Canada pageant.<ref name="herald1" /><ref name="guardian" /> She stated that her time in the Navy motivated her to give away 4,500 CDs to Canadian troops serving in Afghanistan in 2008.<ref name="herald2" /><ref name="sun1" /> Kiesza took part in the Young Canadians program, a singing and dancing group that performed at the Calgary Stampede, where she trained in jazz and tap dancing as well as theatre.<ref name="herald2" /> She also trained as a ballerina,<ref name="guardian" /> but a knee injury at age 15 ended her ballet career.<ref name="wwd1" /><ref name="torstar1">{{cite news|last1=Rayner|first1=Ben|title=Kiesza at the MMVAs: Hideaway no more|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2014/06/13/kiesza_at_the_mmvas_hideaway_no_more.html|access-date=June 14, 2014|work=Toronto Star|date=June 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140613204000/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2014/06/13/kiesza_at_the_mmvas_hideaway_no_more.html|archive-date=June 13, 2014|page=E8|quote= ...since a knee injury at 15 cut her ballet career short...}}</ref> When Kiesza was 18, she said that her parents' divorce inspired her to write her first song as a way of expressing her feelings.<ref name="sun1" /> The same year, she heard one of her songs played on the radio.<ref name="herald1" />
==Music career== ===2006–2013: Career beginnings=== thumb|left|upright|Kiesza performing at Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary, July 2007
In 2005, CKUA ''Folk Routes'' host Tom Coxworth selected Kiesza to perform for a live audience and to be broadcast live on his radio show.<ref name="sun1" /> Shortly after, she was accepted to Selkirk College in Nelson, British Columbia, where she studied keyboard, voice, and guitar;<ref name="herald2" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Schafer|first=Timothy|title=Music, Environment & Passion; Before heading off to the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston, Selkirk College Music Grad Kiesza Ellestad is taking the Capitol Theatre stage in support of the West Kootenay EcoSociety and her future career|work=Nelson Daily News<!--|access-date=April 19, 2014-->|page=3|date=April 7, 2009}}</ref> she graduated in 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2015 |title=Kiesza joins Selkirk College gala |url=https://www.nelsonstar.com/entertainment/kiesza-joins-selkirk-college-gala-4843096 |access-date=April 14, 2024 |website=Nelson Star }}</ref> Next, Kiesza won a scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.<ref name="herald1" /> Afterward, she went to New York City in 2010<ref name="parismatch1" /> to advance her music career.<ref name="herald1" /> Although she started as mainly a folk singer,<ref name="herald1" /> after attending Berklee and then living in New York, she moved to a more "uptempo sound",<ref name="herald1" /> on which she worked with producer Rami Samir Afuni.<ref name="arjan">{{cite web |title=Hot New Pop Alert: Watch Kiesza's Lyric Video for Debut Single 'Oops'|url=http://www.arjanwrites.com/arjanwrites/2012/09/kiesza-oops.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014184733/http://www.arjanwrites.com/arjanwrites/2012/09/kiesza-oops.html | archive-date=October 14, 2013 |work=ArjanWrites.com|access-date=March 20, 2014|date=September 6, 2012}}</ref> In 2010, she was selected to play at the Canada Day celebrations at Trafalgar Square in London, to 30,000 people.<ref name="herald1" /><ref name="herald3">{{cite news|last=Parker|first=David|title=Rainmaker brings the party to London|url=http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/calgarybusiness/story.html?id=9f2b50aa-e861-45b7-9f98-467794f3db08|work=Calgary Herald|access-date=March 20, 2014|date=July 9, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322001722/http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/calgarybusiness/story.html?id=9f2b50aa-e861-45b7-9f98-467794f3db08|archive-date=March 22, 2014}}</ref>
In 2012, Kiesza released her first single after starting work with Afuni in New York, a "disco-infused pop" song titled "Oops".<ref name="guardian2" /><ref name="arjan" /><ref name="newmusiclive1">{{cite web |title=The Best New Videos for September 4 – 7|url=http://www.newmusiclive.ca/the-best-new-videos-for-september-4-7/|work=NewMusicLive.ca (MuchMusic)|publisher=BellMedia |url-status=dead |access-date=November 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524195906/http://www.newmusiclive.ca/the-best-new-videos-for-september-4-7/ |archive-date=May 24, 2014 |date=September 7, 2012}}</ref> She labelled her style of music at the time as "SteamPop", described by ArjanWrites as "a flaming brew of bold, boisterous pop filled with tongue-in-cheek lyrics".<ref name="arjan" /> In a 2014 interview, Kiesza said "Oops" was made as a joke.<ref name="guardian2" /><ref name="arjan" /> In 2013, the singer was featured in the single "Triggerfinger" by the Norwegian band Donkeyboy.<ref name="triggerfinger">{{cite AV media notes|title=Triggerfinger|others=Donkeyboy ft. Kiesza|publisher=Warner Music Norway|year=2013|type=inlay}}</ref> She also wrote music for other artists, such as Rihanna, Kylie Minogue, and Icona Pop.<ref name="guardian2" /><ref name="Calgary Sun">{{cite news|author=McMurray, Jenna |url=http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/04/19/calgary-born-songstress-kiesza-tops-united-kingdom-charts-with-hit-single-hideaway |title=Calgary-born songstress Kiesza tops United Kingdom charts with hit single Hideaway |work=Calgary Sun |date=April 19, 2014 |access-date=April 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420050748/http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/04/19/calgary-born-songstress-kiesza-tops-united-kingdom-charts-with-hit-single-hideaway |archive-date=April 20, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===2014–2016: ''Sound of a Woman''=== thumb|upright|Kiesza in Munich, 2015
In February 2014, Kiesza released the video for the single "Hideaway", through the label Lokal Legend.<ref name="arjan" /><ref name="idolator">{{cite web|last=Daw|first=Robbie|title=Popping Up: Kiesza|url=http://www.idolator.com/7510740/popping-up-kiesza|work=Idolator|access-date=March 20, 2014|date=March 20, 2014|archive-date=November 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125102217/https://www.idolator.com/7510740/popping-up-kiesza|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="guardian">{{cite news |last=Cragg|first=Michael|title=Kiesza – Hideaway (Gorgon City Remix): New music|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2014/feb/11/kiesza-hideaway-gorgon-city|work= The Guardian |access-date=March 20, 2014|date=February 11, 2014}}</ref> Frank Alex of ''Vanity Fair'' considered it her "breakout solo single".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Alex |date=July 7, 2014 |title=Introducing Kiesza: Summer's Big Breakout Voice |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/kiesza-billon-remix-summer-breakout-voice |access-date=January 19, 2026 |website=Vogue}}</ref> ''Idolator'' called it unique for having a long take throughout the entire video, as Kiesza walked and danced through N 12th Street in Brooklyn, New York City.<ref name="idolator" /> Kiesza reported to ''Rolling Stone'' that she had trouble making the video, partly because she broke a rib just before filming and "couldn't move for an entire month afterward".<ref name="rollingstone">{{cite magazine |last=Gentile|first=John|title=Kiesza Barrels Through the Pain in 'Hideaway' – Video Premiere|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/kiesza-barrels-through-the-pain-in-hideaway-video-premiere-20140213|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=March 20, 2014|date=February 13, 2014}}</ref> The video was premiered by Annie Mac on her Mac's Special Delivery segment on BBC Radio 1.<ref name="earmilk">{{cite web |last=Herr|first=Lindsay|title=Kiesza takes it to the streets in her debut video for lead single "Hideaway"|url=http://www.earmilk.com/2014/02/13/kiesza-takes-it-to-the-streets-in-her-debut-video-for-lead-single-hideaway/|work=EarMilk|access-date=March 20, 2014|date=February 13, 2014}}</ref> "Hideaway" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="OCC">{{cite news|author=Lane, Daniel |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kiesza-claims-her-debut-uk-number-1-single-with-hideaway-2940/ |title=Kiesza claims her debut UK Number 1 single with Hideaway |work=Official Charts Company |publisher=British Phonographic Industry, Entertainment Retailers Association |date=April 20, 2014 |access-date=May 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424110727/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kiesza-claims-her-debut-uk-number-1-single-with-hideaway-2940/ |archive-date=April 24, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bassil |first=Ryan |date=June 13, 2014 |title=Premiere: Listen to 'Giant in My Heart' the new single from Kiesza |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/premiere-keisza-giant-in-my-heart-new-single/ |access-date=January 19, 2026 |website=Vice}}</ref> The song, written and recorded by Kiesza in less than 90 minutes, achieved further success, with its music video amassing over 135 million views by October 2014, and it also took the top spot on two UK charts and peaked at No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' Dance Airplay chart.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Panisch |first=Alex |date=October 20, 2024 |title=Kiesza |url=https://www.out.com/entertainment/music/2014/10/20/kiesza |access-date=January 19, 2026 |website=Out.com}}</ref>
Shortly after "Hideaway" charted, Kiesza released a new video for her cover of Haddaway's "What Is Love".<ref name="idolatorlove">{{cite web|first=Robbie|last=Daw|title=Kiesza Covers Haddaway's "What Is Love": Watch the Video for Her Rendition of the '90s Classic|url=http://www.idolator.com/7515322/kiesza-cover-haddaway-what-is-love-listen|work=Idolator|access-date=May 1, 2014|date=April 23, 2014|archive-date=November 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125102215/https://www.idolator.com/7515322/kiesza-cover-haddaway-what-is-love-listen|url-status=dead}}</ref> Mike Bell of the ''Calgary Herald'' referred to it as a "jaw-droppingly gorgeous cover".<ref name="herald4" /> Kiesza's second single, "Giant in My Heart", premiered on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show on June 13, 2014.<ref name="attitude">{{cite news |author=Levine, Nick |date=June 13, 2014 |title=Listen to Kiesza's follow-up to Number One hit 'Hideaway' |url=http://attitude.co.uk/listen-kieszas-follow-number-one-hit-hideaway/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006120834/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kieszas-giant-in-my-heart-set-for-this-weeks-highest-new-singles-entry-3039/ |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |access-date=September 23, 2014 |work=Attitude |publisher=Attitude Media Ltd}}</ref> It entered the UK Singles Chart at number four, with 33,414 copies sold in its first week.<ref name="attitude" /> Her first studio album, ''Sound of a Woman'', was released on October 13, 2014, and included "Hideway" and "Giant in my Heart".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mokoena |first=Tshepo |date=December 1, 2014 |title=Five new albums to try this week: Kiesza, Wu-Tang Clan and more |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/dec/01/stream-new-albums-kiesza-wu-tang-clan-reviews-roundup |access-date=January 19, 2026 |work=The Guardian}}</ref>
Kiesza collaborated with Skrillex and Diplo (working together under the name Jack Ü) on the song "Take Ü There", which was released as the first single from the producers' collaborative 2015 mixtape, ''Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/skrillex-diplo-drop-surprise-jack-u-album-during-24-hour-dj-set-20150227|title=Skrillex, Diplo Release Surprise Jack U Album During 24-Hour DJ Set|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 27, 2015|access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Goble|first=Corban|date=March 5, 2015|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/20326-skrillex-and-diplo-present-jack-u/|title=Various Artists: Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack U|website=Pitchfork|access-date=March 5, 2015}}</ref> The song premiered at Diplo's Mad Decent Block Party on August 9, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/56506-diplo-skrillex-and-kiesza-debut-take-u-there-live/|title=Diplo, Skrillex, and Kiesza Debut "Take U There" Live|work=Pitchfork Media|author=Pelly, Jenn|date=August 29, 2014|access-date=January 20, 2026}}</ref> She co-wrote Gorgon City's "Go All Night", featuring Jennifer Hudson singing her lyrics, which was on the British duo's debut album, ''Sirens''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 8, 2014 |title=Gorgon City Just Dropped a New Music Video and It's Amazing |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/gorgon-city-just-dropped-a-new-music-video-and-its-amazing/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Vice}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 3, 2014 |title=Gorgon City and Jennifer Hudson, 'Go all night' |url=https://www.massivedance.com/music-news/dance-radio-gorgon-city-jennifer-hudson-go-all-night/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Massive Dance Radio}}</ref> Kiesza appeared as a guest on Duran Duran's album ''Paper Gods'', on the song "Last Night in the City",<ref>{{cite web |date=March 16, 2015 |title=Kiesza is expected back in the Studio for a few days to do a bit more work |url=http://www.duranduran.com/wordpress/2015/duran-land/ |access-date=March 16, 2015 |website=Duran Duran}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Joyce |first=Colin |date=August 27, 2015 |title=Duran Duran and Kiesza Team Up for One 'Last Night in the City' |url=https://www.spin.com/2015/08/duran-duran-kiesza-last-night-in-the-city-stream/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=SPIN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Geslani |first=Michelle |date=August 27, 2015 |title=Duran Duran shares new song 'Last Night in the City' featuring Kiesza -- listen |url=https://consequence.net/2015/08/duran-duran-shares-new-song-last-night-in-the-city-featuring-kiesza-listen/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Consequence}}</ref> released in September 2015,<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 10, 2015 |title=#albumoftheday / Review: Duran Duran: Paper Gods |url=https://duranduran.com/2015/albumoftheday-review-duran-duran-paper-gods/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Duran Duran}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 11, 2016 |title=Duran Duran, Kiesza Share New 'Last Night in the City' Video: Watch |url=https://duranduran.com/2016/duran-duran-kiesza-share-new-last-night-in-the-city-video-watch/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Duran Duran}}</ref> with a music video published a year later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Antonucci |first=Gabriele |date=September 12, 2016 |title=Duran Duran: il video di 'Last night in the city' |url=https://www.panorama.it/tempo-libero/musica/duran-duran-il-video-di-last-night-in-the-city |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Panorama |language=it |trans-title=Duran Duran: The Video for 'Last Night in the City'}}</ref> She wrote several songs for Rihanna, which were considered for the Barbadian artist's eighth studio album, ''Anti''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Copsey|first1=Rob|title=Kiesza writes "favourite song ever" for Rihanna's new album|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kiesza-writes-favourite-song-ever-for-rihannas-new-album-3114/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=September 12, 2014|date=September 11, 2014}}</ref> She also worked with Loreen on the 2015 single "I'm in It with You".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vos |first=Michiel |date=August 11, 2015 |title=Single Review: Loreen – I'm in It with You |url=https://abitofpopmusic.com/2015/08/11/single-review-loreen-im-in-it-with-you/ |access-date=January 19, 2026 |website=A Bit of Pop Music}}</ref>
===2017–present: Hiatus, ''Crave'', ''Dancing and Crying''=== Kiesza released the single "Dearly Beloved" on January 6, 2017.<ref name="Lipshutz 2017">{{cite web |last=Lipshutz |first=Jason |date=January 23, 2017 |title=Kiesza on 'Immense Tragedy' Preceding Second Album: 'I Had to Let Myself Heal' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/kiesza-interview-dearly-beloved-second-album-stuart-price-7662746/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127181126/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7662746/kiesza-interview-dearly-beloved-second-album-stuart-price |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |publisher=Billboard}}</ref> An accompanying music video was posted on YouTube the same day through the KieszaVevo channel.<ref name="Lipshutz 2017" /> According to Kiesza, the song and her future material were inspired by her best friend Alicia Lemke, who had died in November 2015 from leukemia.<ref name="Lipshutz 2017" /> On March 17, 2017, Pitbull released the album ''Climate Change'', featuring a collaboration with Kiesza titled "We Are Strong".<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2017 |title=Album Review: Pitbull's Climate Change Will Heat Up Your Summer |url=https://diandrareviewsitall.com/album-review-pitbulls-climate-change-will-heat-up-your-summer/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Diandra Reviews It All}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Benfield |first=Haydon |date=2017 |title=Album Review: Pitbull – Climate Change |url=https://renownedforsound.com/album-review-pitbull-climate-change/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Renowned for Sound}}</ref> At the same time, Cerrone issued the album ''RedLips'', which included a collaboration with Kiesza titled "Ain't No Party".<ref>{{cite web |last=Sengmany |first=Richard |date=November 25, 2025 |title=Cerrone embrasse le funk avec l'album ' Red Lips ' |url=http://blog.mothershaker.com/2016/11/cerrone-funk-red-lips/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422135443/http://blog.mothershaker.com/2016/11/cerrone-funk-red-lips/ |archive-date=April 22, 2017 |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Mothershaker.com |language=fr |trans-title=Cerrone embraces funk with the album 'Red Lips'}}</ref><ref name="PM Studio 2017">{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2017 |title=Bakermat Premieres New Song 'Don't Want You Back' Featuring Kiesza |url=https://www.pmstudio.com/music/music.html?page=20170603-5616 |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=PM Studio}}</ref> On June 2, 2017, she was featured in "Don't Want You Back" by Bakermat,<ref name="PM Studio 2017" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bein |first=Kat |date=June 2, 2017 |title=Bakermat and Kiesza Make Candy-Colored Disco Pop on 'Don't Want You Back': Premiere |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/bakermat-kiesza-new-song-dont-want-you-back-listen-7817397/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Billboard}}</ref>
Kiesza was involved in a car accident in 2017 in Toronto, when an Uber vehicle she was in was struck by a taxi in a side collision.<ref name="TorStar2019-07-05">{{cite news |author=Krewen |first=Nick |date=July 5, 2019 |title=Brain injury from Toronto crash derailed Kiesza's pop career: Now she's back |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2019/07/04/brain-injury-from-toronto-crash-derailed-kieszas-pop-career-now-shes-back.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251018172445/https://octopusmediaink.com/brain-injury-from-toronto-crash-derailed-kieszas-pop-career-now-shes-back/<!-- https://web.archive.org/web/20240828075429/https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/brain-injury-from-toronto-crash-derailed-kiesza-s-pop-career-now-she-s-back/article_101db4b3-0824-5477-91ea-2fe3466095cb.html --> |archive-date=October 18, 2025<!-- August 28, 2024 --> |access-date=July 5, 2019 |work=Toronto Star |quote=Not only did the accident put Kiesza — who plays her first, sellout Toronto gig on Saturday night at the Drake Underground since the accident — and her career in limbo, but that wasn't the worst of it: it took her another six months to realize the full extent of the injury.}}</ref> Part of her recovery, from what she described as a traumatic brain injury, required her staying in a darkened room for six months.<ref name="TorStar2019-07-05" /> After a two-year hiatus,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.papermag.com/kiesza-sweet-love-comeback-2638930021.html|title=Kiesza Wrote Her Comeback Single with an Opera Singer|date=June 20, 2019|website=Papermag.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/music/2019/07/04/brain-injury-from-toronto-crash-derailed-kieszas-pop-career-now-shes-back.html|title=Brain injury from Toronto crash derailed Kiesza's pop career. Now she's back | The Star|website=thestar.com|date=July 4, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/kiesza-new-single-after-brain-injury-1.5204365|title='I couldn't wait any longer': Kiesza releases single while recovering from brain injury|website=Cbc.ca|access-date=September 23, 2020}}</ref> Kiesza released a new single, "Sweet Love", and returned to touring in June 2019.<ref name="Wetmore 2019">{{cite magazine | url= http://www.papermag.com/kiesza-sweet-love-comeback-2638930021.html| title= Kiesza Makes a 'Sweet' Comeback| magazine= Paper| author= Brendan Wetmore| date= June 20, 2019| access-date = July 5, 2019}}</ref> ''Paper'' magazine referred to the new song as being a "blurring of genres unlike her other dance-pop anthems" and also reported that Kiesza was working on a musical.<ref name="Wetmore 2019" /> In 2020, she released her second studio album, ''Crave''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kiesza – Crave |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/kiesza-crave/ |website=pitchfork.com |date=August 15, 2020 |access-date=March 29, 2021}}</ref> In 2022, she was featured in the song "Money in the Bag" from the Lights album ''Pep''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Linzinmeir |first=Taylor |date=April 1, 2022 |title=Lights releases 'PEP,' featuring Josh Dun, Kiesza and Elohim—listen |url=https://www.altpress.com/lights-pep-josh-dun-kiesza-elohim/ |access-date=January 19, 2026 |website=Alternative Press Magazine}}</ref> In May 2024, Kiesza released a new EP, titled ''Dancing and Crying: Vol. 1'', which received praise from critics.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Doole |first1=Kerry |title=New & Upcoming Canadian Album Releases: Kiesza, Old Man Luedecke, David Myles & More |url=https://ca.billboard.com/music/new-upcoming-canadian-album-releases-kiesza-old-man-luedecke-david-myles-more |publisher=Billboard Canada |access-date=August 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gotto |first1=Connor |title=Kiesza – Dancing and Crying: Vol 1 |url=https://retropopmagazine.com/kiesza-dancing-and-crying-vol-1/ |website=RetroPop |date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024}}</ref> It yielded her first US number one on ''Billboard''{{'}}s Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, "I Go Dance".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Billboard Charts on "X" |date=August 13, 2024 |title=billboard charts |url=https://x.com/billboardcharts/status/1823481288155635922 |access-date=April 22, 2026 |website=X}}</ref> She issued its follow-up, ''Dancing and Crying: Vol. 2'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Teitz |first=Alex |date=June 24, 2025 |title=Kiesza – Dancing & Crying Vol 2 |url=https://femmusic.com/2025/06/24/kiesza-dancing-crying-vol-2/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=FEMMUSIC Magazine}}</ref> in July 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2025 |title=Kiesza Releases New EP 'Dancing and Crying: Vol. 2' |url=https://www.pmstudio.com/music/20250730-26263 |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=PM Studio}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chaparro |first=Paul |date=August 2, 2025 |title=Album Review: Kiesza – Dancing and Crying: Vol. 2 |url=https://music.mxdwn.com/2025/08/02/reviews/album-review-kiesza-dancing-and-crying-vol-2/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Mxdwn Music}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2025 |title=Kiesza new album Dancing & Crying: Vol 2 |url=https://www.ravermag.com/blog/kiesza-new-album-dancing-crying-vol-2 |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Raver Magazine}}</ref> In 2025, Kiesza toured the United States, Mexico, and Canada.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lapierre |first=Megan |date=June 24, 2025 |title=Kiesza Announces North American Tour, Preps 'Dancing and Crying: Vol. 2' |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/kiesza-announces-north-american-tour-preps-dancing-and-crying-vol-2 |access-date=April 22, 2026 |website=Exclaim}}</ref>
==Other ventures== thumb|upright|Kiesza in 2014
In 2014, Kiesza was selected to be the face of a new line of fashion eyewear called Color Block by retailer Fendi,<ref name="wwd1">{{cite web|last=Szmydke|first=Paulina|title=Kiesza Gets Into the Groove|url=http://www.wwd.com/eye/people/kiesza-gets-into-the-groove-7696843?gnewsid=3ba74164a2d255c26bf3148189287b6a|work=Women's Wear Daily|access-date=May 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528173419/http://www.wwd.com/eye/people/kiesza-gets-into-the-groove-7696843?gnewsid=3ba74164a2d255c26bf3148189287b6a|archive-date=May 28, 2014|date=May 28, 2014}}</ref> appearing in a promotional video shot by Ruth Hogben.<ref name="elle1">{{cite web|last=Tim|first=Andy|title=Fendi Color Block eyewear collection featuring Kiesza|url=http://www.elle.my/fashion/News/Fendi-Color-Block-eyewear-collection-featuring-Kiesza|work=Elle Malaysia|url-status=dead|access-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528174338/http://www.elle.my/fashion/News/Fendi-Color-Block-eyewear-collection-featuring-Kiesza|archive-date=May 28, 2014|date=May 27, 2014}}</ref><ref name="belfast1">{{cite web|title=Kiesza: I design clothes I can't find|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/fashion-beauty/kiesza-i-design-clothes-i-cant-find-30312166.html|work=Belfast Telegraph|access-date=May 28, 2014|date=May 28, 2014}}</ref><ref name="vogueitalia1">{{cite web|last=Tortora|first=Laura|title=Kiesza X Fendi|url=http://www.vogue.it/en/shows/oddities/2014/05/kiesza-x-fendi|work=Vogue Italia|url-status=live|access-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528180326/http://www.vogue.it/en/shows/oddities/2014/05/kiesza-x-fendi|archive-date=May 28, 2014|date=May 28, 2014}}</ref> It featured Kiesza "strolling on a treadmill against a painted skyline, while singing and donning the double-framed, colourful sunglasses".<ref name="harpersbazaar1">{{cite web|last=Ciobanu|first=Madalina|title=Kiesza Named as New Face of Fendi Eyewear|url=http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/fashion-news/fendi-collaborates-with-kiesza|work=Harpars Bazaar|url-status=dead|access-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528190517/http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/fashion/fashion-news/fendi-collaborates-with-kiesza|archive-date=May 28, 2014|date=May 27, 2014}}</ref> She announced plans to release her own line of fashion under the name SteamPop sometime in 2014.<ref name="belfast1" /> In May 2014, she was a guest star at the party organized by Safilo and Fendi at the closing of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival to celebrate the New Color Black Eyewear collection.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lovere |first=Ludovico |date=May 25, 2014 |title=Party a Cannes |trans-title=Party at Cannes |url=https://www.elle.com/it/showbiz/news/a1036471/kiesza-cantante-hideaway-fendi-occhiali-party-cannes/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Elle Italia |language=it}}</ref> In September 2014, she reiterated she wanted "to put my own fashions out and just sort of make my own fashion ideas accessible to my audience. That's the idea behind Steampop."<ref>{{cite web |last=Miller |first=David |date=September 17, 2014 |title=Interview with Kiesza |url=https://www.independentphilly.com/interview-kiesza/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=IndependentPhilly.com}}</ref>
In August 2015, Kiesza designed the latest Bad Bunch NYC latest clothing line, titled Select Surrealism.<ref>{{cite web |last=Szmydke |first=Paulina |date=July 30, 2015 |title=Kiesza Teams with Bad Bunch NYC |url=https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/feature/kiesza-bad-bunch-nyc-collaboration-10194286/ |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=WWD}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Ady |first=Floyd |date=August 14, 2015 |title=The Line 'Bad Bunch NYC' Clothing was Designed with Creative Director Kiesza |url=https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kiesza |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Trend Hunter}}</ref> She mentioned blending Old Hollywood style with punk rock elements, as she loved "really eccentric people", citing Alice Cooper and Freddie Mercury, as well as "those with simple glamour" like Audrey Hepburn and Lucille Ball.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gaynor |first=Emily |date=September 2, 2015 |title=Overnight Musical Sensation Kiesza Doesn't Hide Away When It Comes to Sharing Her Beauty Secrets |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/kiesza-shares-her-beauty-secrets |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=Teen Vogue}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=February 23, 2017 |title=Kiesza Exclusive Interview / Fashion Story 'KIESZA' |url=https://twelvny.com/fashion/kiesza-exclusive-interview-fashion-story-kiesza |access-date=January 20, 2026 |website=TWELV}}</ref>
==Discography== {{main|Kiesza discography}} * ''Sound of a Woman'' (2014) * ''Crave'' (2020)
==Tours== '''Headlining''' * Sound of a Woman Tour (2015) * Dancing and Crying Tour (2025)
'''Opening act''' * Demi Lovato – Demi World Tour (2014) * Lindsey Stirling – The Artemis Tour (2021)
==Awards and nominations== {| class="wikitable Sortable" |- ! Year ! Awards ! Category ! Work ! Outcome |- | rowspan="7"| 2014 | UK Music Video Awards | Best Pop Video – International | rowspan="2"| "Hideaway" | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="4"| MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Video | {{Nom}} |- | Best New Act | rowspan="3"| Herself | {{Nom}} |- | Best Push Act | {{Nom}} |- | Best Canadian Act | {{Nom}} |- |BBC Music Awards | Song of the Year | rowspan="2"| "Hideaway" | {{Nom}} |- | MTV Video Music Awards | Best Choreography | {{Nom}} |- | rowspan="19"| 2015 | rowspan="2"| ECHO Awards<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/germanys-echo-awards-2015-all-the-winners/|title=Germany's Echo Awards 2015: All the winners – Music Business Worldwide|date=March 27, 2015|website=Musicbusinessworldwide.com}}</ref> | Female Artist Rock / Pop internationally | rowspan="2"| ''Sound of a Woman'' | {{nom}} |- | Newcomer international | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="4"| Juno Awards | Single of the Year | rowspan="2"| "Hideaway" | {{nom}} |- | Video of the Year | {{won}} |- | Breakthrough Artist of the Year | Herself | {{won}} |- | Dance Recording of the Year | ''Sound of a Woman'' | {{won}} |- | YouTube Music Awards | 50 Greatest Artists and YouTube Performances | rowspan="2"| Herself | {{won}} |- | rowspan="2"| MTVU Woodie Awards | Cover Woodie | {{Nom}} |- | Co-Sign Woodie | "Take Ü There": Jack Ü feat. Kiesza | {{Nom}} |- | rowspan="2"| Canadian Radio Music Awards | Best New Group or Solo Artist: CHR | rowspan="5"| "Hideaway" | {{won}} |- | Best New Group or Solo Artist: AC | {{nom}} |- | Western Canadian Music Awards | Electronic/Dance Recording of the Year<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://breakoutwest.ca/blog/2015-western-canadian-music-awards-winners-announced/ |title=2015 Western Canadian Music Awards Winners Announced | Breakout West |access-date=January 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205223419/http://breakoutwest.ca/blog/2015-western-canadian-music-awards-winners-announced/ |archive-date=February 5, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | {{Won}} |- | rowspan="4"| International Dance Music Awards | Best House/Garage/Deep House Track | {{won}} |- | Best Music Video | {{nom}} |- | Best Rap/Hip-Hop/Trap Dance Track | "Take Ü There": ''Jack Ü'' feat. Kiesza | {{nom}} |- | Best Breakthrough Artist (Solo) | Herself | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="3"| Much Music Video Awards | Video of the Year | rowspan="2"| "Giant in My Heart" | {{nom}} |- | Best EDM/Dance | {{nom}} |- | Most Buzzworthy Canadian | ''Sound of a Woman'' | {{nom}} |- | 2025 | Electronic Dance Music Awards | Dance/Electro Pop Song of the Year<ref>{{cite web|title=Nominees Revealed, Fan Voting Opens for 2025 Electronic Dance Music Awards |url=https://edm.com/news/fan-voting-open-nominees-revealed-2025-edmas-electronic-dance-music-awards/ |website=edm.com |date=February 24, 2025 |access-date=November 1, 2025}}</ref> | "I Go Dance" | {{nom}} |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Kiesza}} * {{official website|kiesza.com}} * {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=kiesza-mn0003216938|label=Kiesza}}
{{Kiesza}} {{authority control}} Category:1989 births Category:21st-century Canadian guitarists Category:21st-century Canadian keyboardists Category:21st-century Canadian multi-instrumentalists Category:21st-century Canadian singer-songwriters Category:21st-century Canadian women guitarists Category:21st-century Canadian women singers Category:Beauty pageant contestants from Calgary Category:Berklee College of Music alumni Category:Canadian beauty pageant contestants Category:Canadian dance musicians Category:Canadian female dancers Category:Canadian people of Norwegian descent Category:Canadian people of Scottish descent Category:Canadian women pop singers Category:Canadian women singer-songwriters Category:Canadian women songwriters Category:Juno Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year winners Category:Juno Award for Dance Recording of the Year winners Category:Juno Award for Video of the Year winners Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Calgary Category:Royal Canadian Navy personnel Category:Selkirk College alumni Category:Singers from Alberta