Canadian folk singer/songwriter Basia Bulat is currently amidst a plethora of North American and UK/Europe tour dates that, as of right now, take her through February of 2026 (with a notable break between July and December). The tour includes the first date the Secret City Records artist will play in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection in the better part of a decade, which will take place next Saturday, March 22nd, at the Music Hall at World Café Live. The live dates are in support of Basia Bulat’s Basia’s Palace, her first studio album of new material since 2020’s Are You in Love?, which dropped February 21st. I recently got a chance to chat with Basia about Basia’s Palace (which sees her taking on a brand-new writing and recording process), her thoughts on Philly (She’s a big phan and relatively regular visitor.), and playing live (in many contexts and settings).
Izzy Cihak: Last month you released Basia’s Palace. How do you think the album compares to previous releases? I know you were working primarily in the middle of the night (which I definitely find to be the most charming and accessible time of day) and composing with MIDI, as opposed to guitar or piano.
Basia Bulat: It’s such a fun album for me to listen back to right now, because I got to feel like a beginner again in so many ways. I wrote a lot of this album in the middle of the night or very early morning hours, while my young daughters were sleeping, and on MIDI because I didn’t want to wake anyone up! So that was my first time working so much on a computer, which I hadn’t really done before. And the result of that is that I had to learn to write and record in an entirely new way, on headphones, instead of singing aloud while working things out on a guitar or a piano – and in addition to that, as a new mother, I was kind of in a beginner’s spirit emotionally as well, so I think these two elements came together to make everything feel very new to me.
Izzy: I’m realizing that you’ve been doing this for two decades now, which seems crazy… What are some of the biggest differences between how you approach writing, recording, and even performing music now, compared to back when you started?
Basia: It is crazy!!! I can’t believe I’ve been able to have this career, and I’m so grateful that I can keep sharing my music. I think the biggest difference is the writing and recording process, at least at the moment, has to be approached like a quilt, because the little pockets of time I have are limited right now while my kids are so young. And I make a lot of my career decisions based on what I think is best for the whole family now, instead of just for myself. But in terms of the approach, that’s the magic of being a musician, that doesn’t change because that place you can go to when you’re connected with an instrument, an audience, your ideas, your spirit, that is a deep almost electric feeling that seems eternal, thankfully!
Izzy: Basia’s Palace was co-produced by Mark Lawson, who you’ve worked with pretty extensively in the past. How would you characterize your relationship dynamic and process?
Basia: I love working with Mark so much because he can always meet you right where you are in any moment. He’s not afraid of big emotions and he’s not afraid to experiment, and he’s one of the most creative and curious people I know. We’ve known each other a long time; we’re like family now. While making this album he was sometimes even holding the baby while I worked out lyrics – he’s a wonderful friend and collaborator.
Izzy: Have you had any favorite reactions to the new songs?
Basia: I love how much people have connected with “Disco Polo” in general and am so touched by how many Polish people have written to me about the song or talked to me about it after shows, in part because I was worried about my accent so much while recording it. So, the response I’ve gotten to that song is so meaningful to me.
Izzy: You’ve been with Secret City Records for a decade and a half now, which is also totally crazy. How is it working with them and being part of that family?
Basia: I know it is also totally crazy! But it’s also not that crazy when you see how many artists have a similar situation with Secret City – there is a strong family feeling there. I love how much the label works with both anglophone and francophone artists, and the diversity of genre. I feel it represents the spirit of Montreal very well and in such a special way internationally. I’m very proud to be a part of it.
Izzy: You’re gearing up to kick off a North American tour, but you’ve already played a number of dates this year, both supporting Efterklang overseas and a handful of headlining dates in Canada. How have 2025’s shows gone so far? Any particular highlights?
Basia: Getting to tour with Efterklang was a definite highlight so far! I find their show, their music and their ethic so inspiring, and they are all such wonderful people as well. I also just feel like every show this whole year so far has been exciting because these are my first shows with a new record in five years, so there’s just this wonderful feeling of being able to see everyone again that’s magical.
Izzy: You’ve played Philadelphia a handful of times over the years, between Theatre of Living Arts, Boot & Saddle, and World Café Live. Any thoughts or favorite memories of the city?
Basia: I have loved so many of the shows I’ve played In Philadelphia because the energy is always so good!!! The first word that comes to mind is “bold” – I’m sure that will make sense. I love feeling that way when I come to town and I feel like the audience has this bold energy. I don’t want to jinx it now that I’ve said that, but I can always count on the Philly show being a highlight! I have very fond memories of a show I did at the Philadelphia Museum of Art where I got to hear Rosali sing for the first time. I also have had very beautiful experiences walking around Fishtown and have dear friends who live in this area, so I’ve stayed there many times and feel very at home there. Maybe the deepest memory I have is a very inspirational trip to the Barnes Foundation museum and falling in love with Rousseau’s paintings.
Izzy: I just saw that you have dates currently scheduled through February of 2026. Are there any shows you’re especially excited about? I know most artists say they just love playing live in general, but are there any venues that you’re especially excited to play (or return to) or cities that you’re just super excited to see again?
Basia: After being away from the road for so long I’m truly excited for every single show, and of course Philadelphia!
Izzy: I feel like singer/songwriters, more than other types of artists, regularly find themselves playing drastically different types of venue spaces, from listening rooms to barrooms, and then nightclubs, theatres, and open-air festivals, which seems to have been true for you. So, I’m curious if you have a particular favorite type of setting to play, or one that feels the most effortless (That may be the wrong word?) I’ve only seen you before at Boot & Saddle, which is obviously quite different from someplace like World Café Live.
Basia: I actually think over the years of playing so many different kinds of spaces, I’ve actually become attached to the drastic difference, in a way that I look forward to playing with the room, if that makes sense! I like the rowdiness that a rock club brings out in people, and I like playing seated theatres to see how or where I might be able to break down the fourth wall, so to speak – I love big festivals because it feels like we’re all reenacting something very ancient in a modern way, and I love singing in a church because I believe all music is spiritual. I feel like these different spaces connect me to different parts of myself and I love it all.
Izzy: Finally, what can be expected of the live show when you return to World Café Live in the very near future?
Basia: This is going to be my first time with a band in many years! We’re going to play songs from all my records, including Basia’s Palace, we’re going for maximum positive vibes and I’m going to bring as many instruments as I can pack into the vehicle with me.
*Get your tickets here.
**Listen for Basia Bulat on the next edition of Philthy Radio, 3/21 (9-11pm ET) on Y-Not Radio.
