Jelena Ciric’s expressive voice and incisive songwriting have prompted comparisons to the likes of Laura Marling and Joni Mitchell. Alone at the piano or accompanied by lush strings and accordion, she beckons the listener into her musical hideaways, where well-crafted lyrics offer more questions than answers.
Born in Serbia and raised in Canada, Jelena’s songs are nourished by Balkan folk and the songwriting tradition of North America. Her sophomore EP Shelters Two was nominated for the Icelandic Kraumur Award for independent music as well as for Best Song (Inside Weather) at the Icelandic Music Awards, where she has received five nominations in total and won 2021 Folk Album of the Year.