Katie Stelmanis

Katie Stelmanis
Stelmanis performing in 2009
Background information
Born
Kaitlin Austra Stelmanis

(1985-05-30) May 30, 1985
OriginToronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
Years active2004–present
Labels
Member ofAustra
Formerly of
Websiteaustramusic.com

Kaitlin "Katie" Austra Stelmanis (Latvian: Keitlīna "Keitija" Austra Štēlmane,[1] born 1985)[2] is a Canadian musician who has performed and recorded both as a solo artist and with the bands Galaxy and Austra.[3][4][5]

Career

Stelmanis is classically trained and began performing in the Canadian Children's Opera Chorus at age ten.[4] She was subsequently a member of the band Galaxy, along with Maya Postepski and Emma McKenna.[6]

In 2008, she released her debut solo album, Join Us, through Blocks Recording Club, a Toronto-based artistic collective.[7] Her first single was "Believe Me". The same year, she appeared on Fucked Up's album The Chemistry of Common Life.[4] She has also contributed tracks to the compilation albums Friends in Bellwoods and Friends in Bellwoods II.

In 2009, Stelmanis cofounded the project Austra, together with Postepski, who departed the project after the release of their third studio album, Future Politics, leaving Stelmanis as the sole remaining member.

In 2011, Stelmanis co-wrote and sang on the Death in Vegas songs "Come Ride with Me", "Your Loft My Acid", and "Witchdance", from their fifth studio album, Trans-Love Energies.[8] She has also performed as part of the Bruce Peninsula choir.[9]

Influences

Stelmanis has said that she was "obsessed with classical music" while growing up. She has cited artists such as Kate Bush, Nine Inch Nails, and Massive Attack as influences.[10][11] Additionally, she takes inspiration from opera, Chicago house, and Detroit techno.[12]

Discography

with Galaxy

  • I Want You to Notice (2006)

Solo

  • Join Us (2008)

Austra

Compilation appearances

Personal life

Stelmanis is of Italian, English, and Latvian descent.[13] She identifies as a lesbian.[10][14]

References

  1. ^ "Jauna zvaigzne, vārdā Austra". www.laiks.us. Retrieved June 5, 2018.
  2. ^ "Writer: Stelmanis Kaitlin Austra, Performers: Austra". ACE Repertory, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Archived from the original on January 6, 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2017.
  3. ^ Žildei, Jānis (February 8, 2011). "Latviešu izcelsmes mūziķe pievienojas "Domino rec"=Latvian-born musician joins "Domino Records"". TVNet (in Latvian). Archived from the original on February 10, 2011. Retrieved February 8, 2011.
  4. ^ a b c Jones, Charlie (June 26, 2009). "Katie Stelmanis: "My parents were like 'You play too much!'"". Dummy.
  5. ^ Hudson, Alex (February 8, 2011). "Katie Stelmanis's Austra Explore the 'Sleazier Side of New Wave' on Debut Album". Exclaim!.
  6. ^ Millar, Erin (September 7, 2006). "Rockers in a Straight Man's World – Canadian Dimension". Canadian Dimension.
  7. ^ Hodgson, Jaimie (May 29, 2009). "Katie Stelmanis – Fucked Up Geek – Free MP3". NME.
  8. ^ "Death in Vegas: About". Death in Vegas Music. Archived from the original on July 24, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  9. ^ "Katie Stelmanis' sinister opera". thecoast.ca. July 31, 2008. Retrieved November 14, 2025.
  10. ^ a b Potts, Danica (January 9, 2017). "Music Monday: Katie Stelmanis of Austra: On building a better tomorrow and avoiding the apocalypse — plus! The premiere of "Utopia (Jana Hunter Remix)"". Lenny Letter. Archived from the original on January 29, 2017. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
  11. ^ Lau, Melody (January 18, 2017). "Austra's Katie Stelmanis: 5 songs that changed my life". CBC Music.
  12. ^ Reese, Nathan (June 17, 2013). "Austra Mounts Olympia". Interview Magazine.
  13. ^ "Austra: Habitat". Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  14. ^ Byrneson, Lindsey (March 7, 2011). "An interview with Katie Stelmanis of Austra". AfterEllen.
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