MYKI.
A melodic storyteller with a soulful voice and raw, charismatic stage presence Myki Jay is an award nominated Australian songwriter. Singing contemporary folk songs inspired by their Irish/Scottish ancestry and their love of Jazz and Soul, Myki Jay’s poetic lyricism speaks to shared experiences of humanity. Transcendent and original, their unique songwriting is evocative and laden with emotion.
Jay's live shows are empowering and thought provoking as they deepen audiences’ connection with grief, joy, celebration and community.
Hailing from the folk-filled valleys of Eltham, NSW, Myki Jay draws inspiration from their Irish heritage, infusing their music with folk lyricism and activist fervor. Starting their performance journey at a young age, Myki has graced stages across Australia, captivating audiences with a charismatic presence honed through years of performing.
Myki Jay's live performances are uniquely intimate, celebrating stillness, collective voice, and unbridled joy. Based in Lismore, NSW, they have shared stages with notable artists William Crighton, Maddi O’Brien, Isobel Caldwell and more.
Passionate about supporting regional artists, Myki founded 'By Candlelight' in 2020, a grassroots production company that has grown to nurture numerous Queer musicians, poets, and visual artists through live gigs and art shows. These intimate shows have become emblematic of Myki's music.
In 2021 Myki took 'By Candlelight' to Melbourne prior to a central desert tour with long term collaborator Kodivine. In 2022, they performed in ‘Great Southern Nights’ and ‘Sofar’ Sydney as well as several shows in Melbourne. In 2023, Myki Jay’s single ‘Warrior' was nominated for the Environmental Music Prize, alongside Xavier Rudd, Midnight Oil, Mo’Ju, Jen Cohler and more. Myki also participated in the 80th Artlands conference in Canberra and was awarded a grant from Pride Foundation Australia for their work with 'By Candlelight’. Throughout 2023 featured in shows at the Sydney Film Festival, The Vanguard Sydney, and Brisbane Winter Sounds, playing further solo shows across regional NSW and sold out shows in Victoria.
A versatile performer, Myki Jay toured with Jex Lopez in 2023 as a guitarist and vocalist, playing across Australia, including Woodford Folk Festival. They also perform as a vocalist for the seven piece soul outfit Benja and the Deadly Good Times.
Currently crafting their second album, Myki Jay is gearing up for a 2024/25 Australian tour alongside their younger brother, a fiddle player, Liam Baillie. Now based on Widjabul Wiabul country, Lismore NSW, their work reflects the resilience and voices of the community, especially after the flooding of their hometown in February 2022. In 2024, Myki returns to their folk roots, weaving tales that echo the spirit of their upbringing and the love for their people.
