MICKI-LEE SMITH
Micki-Lee Smith is a Canadian musician and multimedia creator whose work reimagines classical, jazz, and folk music, wistfully whisking in drops of atmospheric emotion.
Micki has spent time interacting in many musical pockets across Canada, including competing in the Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Competition, playing with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, performing with her Jazz Trio in Vancouver, and playing around the Toronto music scene. Since completing her bachelors in Violin Performance with a minor in Music Technology at the University of British Columbia, and her masters in Music Technology and Digital Media at the University of Toronto, Micki has worked as a freelance music producer, engineer, music video director, performer, and multimedia artist.
As a multi-instrumentalist Micki has experimented with the ways acoustic instruments blend with synthesized sounds to create effects. Her release “Shattered Glass” (2022), is an example of this. The album is a testament to the struggles youth have faced throughout the pandemic. It features musicians from across the country, and blends real and synthesized sounds together to create an emotional and moody vibe.
Micki’s more recent projects are driven by a passion for communication, and aim to approach intense subject matter with creative honesty. Her work, “Submerge” (2023) premiered at Nuit Blanche Toronto; sparking conversations about underwater acoustic pollution through layers of strings, synthesis, and soundscape. The project received a feature on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning Show.
Micki is excited to premiere her next installation alongside Zakriya Bashir-Hill at Nuit Blanche 2024 Toronto. Titled "1-800-INF-ERNO", this interactive art installation uses phones, fire, and folk music to explore our connection to the climate crisis.
