Bio

Photo-By-Scott-Blackburn-2-A powerful performer with an undeniable stage presence, Kim Wempe has been tearing up highways and stomping her way across every stage in the country. Some say her vocals are haunting & smokey while others insist she is the child of Janis Joplin & sister of Adele. This Canadian artist has earned herself an East Coast Music Award in Canada for Rising Star of the Year as well as multiple nominations for Female Artist of the year, Pop Recording of the Year, and Folk Recording of the Year. Her new album ‘Coalition’, is a big bold leap into a new sound that puts her vocals in the driver’s seat and her spirit in the spotlight.

Born in Humboldt, a small Saskatchewan farming town, Wempe lived in Alberta before finding her true home in Nova Scotia in 2007 where she dove full force into the east coast music scene. Off the strength of her ECMA and Music Nova Scotia award-winning 2009 debut “Where I Need To Be,” Wempe caught the attention of Joel Plaskett, Old Man Luedecke, Thom Swift, and Geoff Hilhorst of Deep Dark Woods – all of whom appear on her subsequent release “Painting With Tides.” With producer Charles Austin (Buck 65, Jenn Grant, Tanya Davis) at the helm, it was released in 2010 on GroundSwell Music/Warner Canada and nominated for an ECMA and two Music Nova Scotia Awards.

Touring consistently in Canada for the past four years, Wempe has peformed alongside Canadian favourites Sam Roberts, Royal Wood, Jill Barber, Jenn Grant, Amelia Curran, Matt Andersen, and Madison Violet. She has showcased at JUNOFest, the Vancouver Olympics, Canadian Music Week and festivals across the East Coast of Canada including the Stan Rogers Folk Festival and Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival. In 2013, Wempe’s touring expanded to the U.S and Australia. Now on her second Australian tour, Wempe has had the privilege of performing at the 2013 Woodford Folk Festival, and the opportunity to perform with Wes Carr and Australian legends Diesel & Ian Moss.

Her new album “Coalition” is roots-tinged pop/blues influenced by Americana storytelling and gospel melodies. Produced by Newfoundland soul artist Chris Kirby, the album showcases Wempe’s powerful vocals like never before. Supported by an insistent kick drum, alternative percussion, layered guitars, blues organ, and a gospel choir, Wempe’s voice pulls the weight of every song like an unstoppable train.

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