Michaela Slinger has never performed in the same city where she grew up and fell in love with music.
That is, until now.
The Port Moody recording artist is set to take the local stage for the very first time in her career this week in a long-awaited concert that'll bring a sense of homecoming — and relief.
In April this year, the 25-year-old released her debut album via Vancouver-based 604 Records but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she's yet to have the chance to sing it soulfully for all to hear.
"I’m gonna cry because I’m finally playing 'Panorama' live with a band front to back, and it’s my first-ever hometown show in Port Moody," Slinger gleefully writes on social media, adding she wanted her first show to feel special.
"I spent so much time in this area working at Rocky Point Pool, playing soccer at Inlet Centre, singing at Inlet Theatre…it’s a nice full-circle moment to perform this body of work in a place that’s been so formative and supportive."
'Panorama' is Slinger's first full album consists of 18 songs, but she's also released 11 singles — including five acoustics — in the last three years.
An alumna of Heritage Woods Secondary, she explains the recording is aimed to guide listeners through her first quarter-century of life.
Slinger hopes others of her Millennial/Gen Z era can relate providing an "unflinching look at how relationships of all kinds expand" amid society's greatest pressures.
Prior to her inaugural release, her career highlights have included:
- Top 5 finalist in 2021 CBC Searchlight competition
- The song she sang, Masquerade, is the focus track of 'Panorama'
- Participation in Canada's Music Incubator
- Debut single 'Flux' released July 10, 2019
- Early acceptance to Quest University Canada for music
- Performed the national anthem in front of a sold-out NBA game at age three
Slinger's debut album will be first heard outdoors at Rocky Point Spirits on Wednesday (Sept. 15).
Tickets for the show are sold out, but residents passing by will likely be able to listen to her music.
You can also find Slinger's music on streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and YouTube.
