The Side Door Sitdown: Episode 03 – Kelly McMichael
Finding Balance and Managing It All with Kelly McMichael
In episode 03 of The Side Door Sitdown, Laura Simpson sits down with indie music hero Kelly McMichael to talk about finding your front person energy while managing all the things that come with being an independent artist. From balancing time for your art with answering emails, to learning how to delegate tasks to your band, Kelly shares candid insights from her own journey as a musician navigating the DIY world.
Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role in your band, figuring out how to get more done without burning out, or just curious how indie artists juggle it all, this episode is for you.
About Kelly McMichael
Kelly McMichael is an alternative artist and producer known for her buttery vocals, genre-bending arrangements and commanding stage presence. Kelly’s ‘instant-classic’ songwriting blends retro pop/rock with hints of psychedelia and jazz.
Based in Newfoundland, originally from Peterborough, Ontario, McMichael’s independently-released debut album, 'Waves' (2021), earned a spot on the shortlist for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize, and the ECMA for 'Best Rock Recording'. Her sophomore album 'After The Sting Of It' (2024), made the Long List for the Polaris Music Prize.
Kelly’s music career began while studying Art at The University of Guelph, as co-lead of DIY feminist synth band 'Rouge'. Recruited to accompany Gentleman Reg, The Hidden Cameras, Tim Baker, Sarah Harmer, and The Burning Hell, Kelly has performed across North America and Europe. After a decade as a side player, producing bedroom recordings under the moniker RENDERS, her breakthrough debut album allowed her to shift focus to her solo career.
Kelly McMichael’s second album, 'After The Sting Of It' (2024), is an expansion of the classic sounds on her first record, leaning into ‘art-rock’ production with adventurous sonic landscapes and vocal layering. Kelly's resilient and empathetic voice moves through themes of tear down and rebirth, gliding from biting grit to soft bliss on record, and “sounds even better live” according to critics. You can hear her music on national alternative radio, including CBC, The Verge and campus stations, or see her on tour in Eastern Canada, Ontario and Europe in 2025.
