Featured Artist - Celeigh Cardinal

Celeigh Cardinal captivates audiences with a compelling blend of humor and vulnerability, forging profound connections on stage. A 2020 JUNO Award winner for Indigenous Artist of the Year, she continues to make waves, earning 2025 JUNO nominations for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year and Contemporary Indigenous Artist of the Year for her latest album, Boundless Possibilities. Follow Celeigh Cardinal on instagram.

Released on June 21, 2024, Boundless Possibilities has been praised as "an emotional stomping roadmap through grief." Its standout track, “Light of the Moon,” earned 2024 Songwriter of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards. The album also reached #1 on the CKUA charts, garnered two Canadian Folk Music Award nominations, and was entered in the first round of voting for a potential Grammy nomination.

Celeigh’s music has topped the Indigenous Music Countdown, CBC Music Top 20 Countdown, and !earshot charts. Her powerful voice and poignant storytelling have made her a celebrated figure in Canadian music, with performances spanning Canada and international stages like UK Americana, Your Roots Are Showing (Ireland), Dubai’s Expo 2020 and Germany’s Reeperbahn Festival. A true luminary, she continues to enrich the intricate fabric of Canada's musical landscape.

1. What is the coolest show you have ever played? 

In April 2025, I played two nights with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton, and it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. Standing on that stage, surrounded by the incredible power and precision of a full orchestra, brought my music to life in a way I had never experienced before. The energy in the room was electric, and hearing my songs arranged for such a massive soundscape was both surreal and deeply emotional. It was a moment of pure magic—one I’ll never forget.

2. How do you keep yourself healthy and happy working in music?

I keep myself healthy and happy as a music creator by staying connected to the things that ground me. Yoga, and walks with my dog help me stay active and clear my mind. Spending time with my son and my family keeps me centered, and I love cooking for the people I care about—it’s one of my favorite ways to show love.  I also go to therapy and have an excellent Massage Therapist who helps me take care of my body and mind (we really have the best conversations). Taking care of my plants brings me a sense of calm and every now and then, I like to sneak out for a fancy cocktail and maybe some oysters, just for a little indulgence.

3. What is the biggest challenge you've experienced in getting to where you are?

The biggest challenge in getting to where I am today has been WHO I am. I’m an Indigenous, plus-sized single mother from Northern Alberta, who didn’t come from money—so the challenges were very real and complex. But I also come from incredibly strong and resilient people. Both of my parents are charismatic and skilled salespeople, and that entrepreneurial spirit—the willingness to hustle—came naturally to me. Once I knew what I was meant to do with my life, I was ready to put in the work and push through every barrier in my way.

4. What is the best part of your life that isn't music related?

The best part of my life outside of music is the love and connection I share with my family, my partner and my friends. I also find happiness in the little things and in quiet times —taking care of my home, enjoying good food, and surrounding myself with people who make me laugh. Those everyday moments of care and connection make life feel full and meaningful. 

5. What is the best advice you have been given in the music business?

"No one will ever care about your career as much as you do.” That advice has stuck with me because it’s so true. You have to be your own biggest advocate—no manager, label, or industry connection will work harder for your success than you will. The more you take ownership of your career, the more power you have to shape it into something meaningful.