Lia Pappas-Kemps: Building monuments out of vulnerability
Few artists can command a room with the quiet intensity of Lia Pappas-Kemps. At just 21, the Toronto-based musician has established herself as a vital new voice in the alt-indie scene, blending the raw, diary-entry honesty of Lizzy McAlpine with a cinematic, “wrap-yourself-on-a-cold-evening” melodic style.
With her new single “Towers,” Lia further refines a sound that has already earned comparisons to heavyweights like Joni Mitchell and Alanis Morissette. It is a track defined by emotional clarity and poetic lyricism—a stunning prelude to her debut album, Winged, which is set to arrive on March 13th.
Lia’s ability to channel vulnerability into something both fragile and powerful makes her one of the most compelling storytellers to watch in 2026. We’re exploring the creative process behind her new music, the evolution of her textured sound, and what it means to be “wise beyond your years” in a fast-moving industry.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Lia Pappas-Kemps, I’m a singer-songwriter from Toronto!
You’ve described “Towers” as a “stunning continuation” of your sound. What was the specific spark or moment that inspired this song, and how does it set the stage for the rest of the album?
This was the only song on the album that began collaboratively with my cousin Elia, so I think the excitement about building something together was the foundation of this song. I think this song showcases some of the heavier moments on this record. I hope it gets people excited about hearing the album live too.
There is a “close-to-the-bone” intimacy in your music. When recording “Towers,” how did you balance making the production feel “cinematic” while keeping that raw, vulnerable storytelling intact?
I think I just generally write lyrics that tend to be personal to me. I don’t think the soundscape majorly affects my ability to be vulnerable.
Along with the single, you’re announcing your debut album, Winged. Why was this the right title for this collection of songs, and what “flight” or journey does the album represent for you?
I think I was drawn to the idea of flight in terms of the fickleness/volatility of freedom. Both of those things feel like ever-present themes in my life as a 20 and 21 year old.
Being 21 and releasing a debut album is a massive milestone. How has your perspective on songwriting changed between your very first releases and the final tracklist of Winged?
Honestly, I feel like the place songwriting holds in my life has remained pretty identical. It’s always been a private practice for me, and I feel like I still come at it with a sense of wonder.
2026 is shaping up to be a breakout year for you. What are you most nervous—and most excited—about as you prepare to share your full-length debut with the world?
I’m so excited to have an album out in the world. It’s been my dream since I could remember. I think there are some nerves around the finality of a “first record” so I’m excited to put that in the past and work on a new one. Plus, I’m so excited to play shows and play these songs live.