Presented by CIMA's Canada House
Ila Barker
With her soulful voice and lyrics that wash over the minds and hearts of audiences like waves, singer-songwriter Ila Barker is a force to be reckoned with. This Winnipeg based folk-soul artist of Anishinaabe and settler heritage takes listeners on an introspective journey, inviting them to connect deeply with their own emotions. Ila has taken the stage at the Regina Folk Festival, sākihiwē festival, SXSW Sydney (AUS), and Talking Stick Festival. In the spring of 2022, Ila released “Intuition”, the first single from her latest album Fool Under Water (2022), which hit number one on the Indigenous Music Countdown. In August, the second single “25” was released along with a music video filmed in Mexico and directed by Patrick Shannon of InnoNative, which premiered on Entertainment Tonight Canada, garnering over 55k views on YouTube. In 2024, Ila is taking it to the next level with performances at Winterruption Churchill, SXSW Austin, and multiple festivals across North America, performing her new music set for release later this year. This brand new EP takes Ila's signature earthy vocals and sparkling Gretsch guitar and turns them up to an electrifying new maximum.
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