• Luminato 2023

Sister Ray

• Artist

Sister Ray, the project of Edmonton-born songwriter Ella Coyes, was conceived out of necessity; a self-designed vehicle built to examine trauma with unflinching honesty. Raised on the prairies of Sturgeon County, Sister Ray’s music is heavily influenced by a diverse range of cultural styles, including gospel bluegrass, 90s country, and traditional Métis music. Their debut album, Communion, was quickly met with critical acclaim. It was longlisted for the 2022 Polaris Prize, and Pitchfork deemed it “a complex study of webs of interpersonal hurt, and a celebration of emotional survival.” The album is a raw and emotional portrait of pivotal moments, both big and small, that have shaped Coyes’ life. Teeth, Sister Ray’s new EP, explores intimacy and avoidance, written quickly and recorded over five days with the help of collaborators and producers Ginla  (the Brooklyn based duo behind Communion and early Adrienne Lenker). The EP features three original songs and a spectral cover of Linda Ronstadt’s “I Never Will Marry.” With their soaring and haunting voice, Coyes’ music is a celebration of emotional resilience and survival.