Kiesza
Kiesza: The Dynamic Voice of Dance-Pop and House
Kiesza is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and dancer known for her powerful vocals and high-energy electronic music. Her 2014 single "Hideaway" became a global dance anthem, topping the UK Singles Chart and achieving multi-platinum certifications across Europe.
Early career
Born Kiesa Rae Ellestad in Calgary, Alberta, her early life was steeped in diverse artistic pursuits, including ballet, jazz, and musical theater. Before her pop breakthrough, she served in the Royal Canadian Navy and studied jazz at the Berklee College of Music, later moving to New York City to pursue songwriting.
Breakthrough
Kiesza's career shifted dramatically in 2014 with the release of the deep house track "Hideaway" on the UK label Lokal Legend. The song's innovative, one-take music video, filmed on the streets of Brooklyn, went viral, propelling the single to number one on the UK charts and achieving platinum status in multiple countries.
Key tracks
Hideaway - This 2014 global smash defined her sound with its driving house beat and memorable bassline, earning her immediate international recognition.
Giant in My Heart - Released as the follow-up to "Hideaway," this track continued her chart success in Europe, solidifying her dance-pop credentials.
No Enemiesz - A collaboration with producer Jakwob, this song showcased a darker, more atmospheric side of her electronic style.
Sound of a Woman - The title track from her 2014 debut album highlighted her robust vocal ability over a classic 90s-inspired house production.
Her debut album, Sound of a Woman, arrived later in 2014, blending dance-pop, UK garage, and contemporary R&B influences. Following a period of recovery from a serious car accident in 2017, Kiesza returned with new music, exploring different facets of her artistry, including the 2020 album Crave which leaned into acoustic and folk elements.
Fans of Kiesza's energetic dance-pop and house fusion might also enjoy the work of Carly Rae Jepsen for her brand of infectious pop songwriting. The electronic depth of Jessie Ware shares a similar sophistication in modern dance music. Listeners drawn to powerful vocals in a dance context should explore Robyn, a pioneer in emotive electronic pop. The genre-blending approach of Allie X also resonates with Kiesza's experimental pop sensibilities.
Kiesza's catalog, from chart-topping anthems to her later introspective work, is featured across various electronic and pop-focused radio formats. Her music is a staple on dance-pop and contemporary hit radio stations that celebrate vibrant, vocal-driven production.
You can discover the music of Kiesza, from "Hideaway" to her latest releases, by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com.