Irish Millie, 19, is a celebrated Ontarian fiddler, vocalist, and composer. She’s on her way to Calgary soon for the Canadian Folk Music Awards (CFMAs). It’s the fifth year in a row she’s been nominated for Young Performer of the Year.
“I love going to the CFMAs and just being in that environment,” she says. “I never go really hoping for anything, I just love the experience.”
She has been selected for the Young Performer category every year since her debut album, Thirteen, came out in 2021. She is also up for Single of the Year this year, for her song “You Were There.”
“I really hope to be able to stay a part of this community for years to come but I don’t really mind if I don’t win,” she says. “It’s not really on my radar a lot while I’m there.”
Next year will be her last chance to be nominated for Young Performer of the Year.
“I’m kind of sad it’s one of the last years for me in this category,” she says. “The nomination is just such an honour, especially being alongside people who I look up to, whose music I listen to every day.”
She does, however, concede that “it would be extremely mind blowing if I did win at some point.”
If you’re curious about the “Irish” part of her name, it’s a sweet story.
“As a child, I used to create imaginary plays about my travels around the world, always casting myself as ‘Irish Millie,'” she says. “The name came from a deep fascination with — and pride in — my Irish heritage, something I connected with long before I ever picked up the fiddle.”
When she started performing, the name stayed, she says.
The Peterborough native picked up the violin at age six. She hated practicing alone, though. So when she was nine, her dad Murray decided to learn the guitar so he could accompany her.
Fast forward a decade and she and Murray are an established touring duo. They are heading to Sweden in June to perform at the Lilla By Festivalen festival. Then they’ll kick off an Eastern Canada-Quebec-Ontario tour in July. In late July or early August, she should have a new album coming out.
“I’m really hoping that it’s a fresh breath of air for this next chapter of my music career,” she says, of her upcoming record.
She’ll get a break in August and then … back to school! Millie will enter her third year of studying Music Industry and Technology at the University of Toronto.
“It’s definitely complex at times,” she says, of her dual life as a student and touring musician. Luckily her academics and musical life complement each other. “It’s been really helpful to work in studios in class and then also outside of class. It ends up working quite well.”
Her trip to the CFMAs marks her first time setting foot in Alberta.
“It’s going to be great. I’m really, really excited. I’ve been [to the Awards] the last four years and it’s always such a magnificent experience,” she says.
“I just feel so lucky to meet all the wonderful musicians and artists and people behind the scenes and to have a weekend where it feels like folk music is right at the core.”
Interested in hearing more about this talented young fiddler? Listen in to Alberta Morning on Thursday, April 9, 6am to 9am MT to hear host Grant Stovel’s feature on Irish Millie.
Millie will be joining Kelsi Mayne’s band for a show in Calgary on June 6. Check out her website for more details.
CKUA supports young artists like Irish Millie. Support CKUA and keep the music playing. Our Spring Fundraiser starts April 17. Help us start out strong, and donate now!
“You Were There” by Irish Millie:
