Kaïa Kater Shines as SOCAN Foundation's Her Music Awards Winner

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Kaïa Kater, a jazz-infused singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in Montreal, QC, blends her roots from Quebec, the Caribbean, and Appalachia to create a distinctive sound that has garnered praise from NPR’s Tiny Desk, The Guardian and Rolling Stone. With five albums to her name, including Nine Pin (2016), which won a Canadian Folk Music Award and the Stingray Rising Star Award, Kaïa has toured internationally, performing at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush. Her 2018 album Grenades earned a JUNO Award nomination and was long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize. Kaïa’s musical contributions to The Porter (BET+) earned her a 2022 Canadian Screen Award, and her work on My Dead Friend Zoe won the 2025 Audience Choice Award at South by Southwest (SXSW). Her latest album, Strange Medicine, won the 2025 JUNO Award for Contemporary Roots Album Of The Year and features cinematic arrangements and collaborations with renowned artists like Taj Mahal, Allison Russell and Aoife O’Donovan.

Graphic announcing Kaïa Kater as the winner of the Her Music Awards, featuring her portrait and the logos of SOCAN Foundation and Anthem Entertainment. — Photo: SOCAN Foundation

I had the opportunity to chat with Kaïa about how it feels to be honored with a HER Music Award, career highlights and what’s next.

Kat: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your music journey so far?

Kaïa: My name is Kaia Kater—I’m a banjo player, guitar player and songwriter working mostly in the folk and roots scene. I was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and later moved to West Virginia, where I studied genres like old-time music. I have released four albums, the latest of which is called Strange Medicine. Strange Medicine won the 2025 JUNO award for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year! It was very exciting and I feel so thankful to have a wonderful team of people supporting me in my career.

Kat: You were recently announced as one of two grand prize recipients of the SOCAN Foundation’s Her Music Awards. Can you talk about the honour of receiving this award recognition?

Kaïa: I know that most artists don’t get into this industry for the awards—a lot of the job is fairly un-glamorous. Often we’re simultaneously scarfing down a pre-show dinner while putting our makeup and performance clothes on—all after driving five or six hours to get to the venue. We do it because we love it, but it’s not a particularly easy life either. So any kind of recognition, especially from an organization like SOCAN, is very meaningful. It signals to me that, amidst all the late nights and airport hotels, I’m doing something right. I’m on a path that feels productive—and other people are seeing that.

Kat: What has been a career highlight so far?

Kaïa: I’d say that winning a JUNO Award this year in Vancouver was a real career highlight. I’d dreamed about it for a long time and it meant so much to receive the award and feel the support from peers and judges.

Kat: What have you learned along the way that you would like to share with other aspiring artists and creators?

Kaïa: KEEP GOING! Consistency and persistence is key. Often what will ‘make’ your career is not one single ‘big break’, but many small opportunities. Be professional and treat everyone well. Be easy to work with—try to get back to people as much as you can. Be honest when you’re struggling and need help.

Kat: What are you currently working on now, and what can fans expect next from you this year

Kaïa: I’m taking a bit of a break from the road after a very busy year but I have a deluxe album release of ‘Strange Medicine’ in the works, and of course I’m also always working on new musical collaborations. Keep in touch with me to know more!