Austra

Canadian synth-pop band

Austra is a Canadian electronic music project formed in Toronto in 2009, spearheaded by singer, songwriter, and producer Katie Stelmanis. The project's sound is characterized by a blend of dark, synth-driven melodies and operatic vocals, influenced by Stelmanis's background in classical music and her interest in electronic production. Austra's debut album, "Feel It Break," released in 2011, was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize and set the stage for their subsequent work. The band's follow-up albums include "Olympia" (2013), which showcased a more collaborative approach to songwriting and production within the band, and "Future Politics" (2017), which delved into themes of societal change and utopian ideals against a backdrop of danceable beats. Their fourth studio album, "Hirudin," released in 2020, continued to explore personal themes and marked a departure from their previous label, opting for a more independent release. Throughout their career, Austra has been known for their captivating live performances and the thematic depth of their music.