Raised in the wilds of Vancouver Island, 26-year-old Elysia Biro (pronounced Eh-lee-sha Bee-row) is a technically gifted singer, songwriter, and pianist. A student of classical piano at age 4, Biro began writing her own music at 13 while teaching herself how to play jazz by ear after being inspired by the genre’s improvisational free form. After receiving her diploma in classical piano from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and graduating high school at age 16, Biro earned her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies for piano and voice before moving to England to complete her Master’s of Music degree at the University of York.
Crafting her unique sound from an expansive fusion of genres, Elysia Biro’s songwriting blends modern pop form and classical technique with jazz sensibilities. An expressive and introspective songwriter, her warm, soulful vocals reflect her journey through self-discovery, love, and introspection, painting a compelling portrait of life as she knows it right now, blossoming between seasons. Biro has quickly amassed a dedicated audience on social media through her captivating vocals and virtuosic transcriptions of jazz solos. Now based in Los Angeles, where she writes, records and produces, Elysia Biro continues to combine worlds, creating sonic sanctuaries all her own.
Name:
Elysia Biro
Genre:
Jazz-Pop
Founded:
2025
# of Albums:
One EP
Latest Album:
Latest Single:
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
I loved Norah Jones as a child (and still do)! When I was a toddler, I’d ask my mum to play Come Away with Me every time we drove in the car.
Favourite musician now:
I’m always falling in love with new music, but lately I’ve been intrigued by Milton Nascimento and Lô Borges after listening to Clube da Esquina this month.
Guilty pleasure song:
“What a Fool Believes” by the Doobie Brothers (such a banger)
Live show ritual:
I always start with tea – usually ‘Throat Coat’ (classic). I generally do simple warmups and love doing star poses as a whimsical way to feel confident before a show.
Favourite local musician:
In (or from) British Columbia, I love Said the Whale, and of course Diana Krall. I also love what Marie Dresselhuis and Maya Rae (Tiny Habits) have been doing.
EP or LP?
I love a full album; there’s something special in hearing an artist’s creative intention in a longer project, especially in a world that’s currently so centred around short-form content.
Early bird or night owl?
I tend to be a night owl, especially with everything music-related often occurring in the evening. Recently, however, I’ve been really enjoying mornings, especially since hanging a bird feeder next to my bedroom window. Now I get to wake up to the sound of birds singing and having their breakfast (I’ve even named them).
Road or studio?
I really love being on the road! Performing, travelling, and connecting with new people always feel incredibly special.
Any shows or albums coming up?
All of my tour dates will be on my website once they’re announced!
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Back home in Nanaimo, Thai Cook is definitely a favourite (my mum and I love getting Thai food together). In Vancouver, I will say Spaghetti Factory. I went there so many times as a child and loved going for group dinners, especially when I was in Vancouver for swim meets (I used to be a competitive swimmer!) In LA, I love Homestate and Pine & Crane.
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
In Nanaimo, Commercial Street is so full of life with its markets, and I’ve performed there many times, including at the Modern Cafe! In Vancouver, off the top of my head, I would say Seymour Street, simply because every time I walk by, I feel the need to say “Feed me, Seymour!” (from Little Shop of Horrors) In LA, my favourite street is probably where I live – it’s green, cheerful, full of birds, and it’s home!
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
One thing about me is that I absolutely love a park! In Nanaimo, Hemer and Neck Point are my usual go-tos to walk the family dog, Benji. For my favourite park in Vancouver, I’ll say Stanley Park, since again, I have many memories of going there as a child. In LA, I love Huntington and Arroyo Park, where I often go to clean up litter and enjoy the occasional abundance of frogs.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
In Nanaimo, I love going to the Vault, where I played many times as a teenager in University. I’ve only played one show in Vancouver, and it was at the Railway Cafe! This was several years ago, but it was really special as it was my first show featuring my own music off of Vancouver Island. I can’t wait to play more shows in Vancouver soon! In LA, I love the Hollywood Bowl – it’s definitely a dream to perform there someday!
What is your favourite music store in your city?
In Nanaimo, Sound Heritage is a cool record and vintage repair shop! I spent a significant amount of time in Gastown when I worked in Vancouver and have fond memories of popping into the vinyl store Beat Street Records; I definitely purchased a few records there! In LA, Healing Force of the Universe is a small but magical record store and intimate performance space. I haven’t played there but have seen several great performances there!
