Pharis: The Soulful Voice of Modern Canadian Folk

Pharis is a Canadian folk and roots musician celebrated for her evocative songwriting and masterful acoustic guitar work. Hailing from British Columbia, she achieved a major career milestone when her 2019 album "Starlight" was long-listed for the Polaris Music Prize and won a Juno Award for Traditional Roots Album of the Year.

Early career

Pharis began her musical journey deeply immersed in the traditional folk and old-time music scenes of Western Canada. Her early work, including the 2010 album "Long Gone" with partner Jason Romero, established her dedication to acoustic craftsmanship and narrative lyricism. This release on the independent label Lula Records showcased her raw talent and set the foundation for her authentic artistic path.

Breakthrough

The artist's national breakthrough arrived with the 2015 album "A Wanderer I'll Stay," released on the respected roots label Borealis Records. The album received widespread critical acclaim across North American folk circles for its intricate harmonies and timeless sound. It solidified her reputation as a leading figure in the new wave of traditional folk music, earning significant airplay on public and community radio networks.

Key tracks

Ballad of the Unknown Woman — This haunting story-song from her 2019 album became a live favorite and demonstrated her powerful narrative depth.

The Dying Soldier — A traditional arrangement highlighting her research-driven approach and flawless vocal delivery, often cited by critics.

Hometown Blues — An original composition that blends folk and blues, showcasing her skilled guitar fingerpicking and personal lyrical style.

Starlight — The title track from her Juno-winning album is a gentle, melodic piece that perfectly represents her warm and intimate sound.

Following this success, Pharis continued to tour extensively and collaborate with other notable folk artists, further refining her sound. Her subsequent releases have consistently charted on North American folk and roots radio charts, maintaining her presence as a vital voice in the genre.

Fans of Pharis's intricate guitar work and heartfelt storytelling should also explore the music of The Weather Station. This artist shares a similar commitment to poetic lyricism within a contemporary folk framework. The nuanced songwriting of William Prince offers another parallel, with its deep baritone vocals and spiritually-infused folk narratives. Listeners may also appreciate the rich harmonies of The Once, a group known for their beautiful interpretations of traditional and original folk material.

Pharis's music is a staple on the playlists of independent music radio stations and dedicated folk programs across Canada and the United States. Her songs are regularly featured on public radio networks and online folk radio streams that champion authentic singer-songwriters and roots music.

You can hear the soulful folk music of Pharis on a variety of radio stations featured right here on our website. Discover her award-winning albums and key tracks by tuning into the curated folk and roots stations available on onairium.com.