KATIE TUPPER'S PERFORMANCE DATE TBD “I grew up in fields of butter,” Tupper sings in her breakthrough 2022 song “How Can I Get Your Love.” It’s one of the more poetic descriptions of Saskatoon committed to record and a reminder that while Saskatchewan may not be the most obvious breeding ground for a powerhouse neo-soul singer, the prairies have the power to surprise. Only in her 20s, Tupper doesn’t necessarily look like she packs a world-wary vocal punch, but when she opens her mouth to sing her staggeringly deep voice is pure warmth and honey, with notes of liquid smoke and a jazzy sensibility that seemingly pour out of some preternatural place inside of her.

Singers often like to say that their voices are instruments and that is certainly true for Tupper, but her voice also feels like her destiny and calling — it would feel wrong to use those rich tones to do anything other than create dreamy R&B-inspired slow jams. Like many young songwriters Tupper writes about love and exploring her personal identity and relationships, all made all the more profound by her emotive singing chops. Her most recent work, like the single “JEANS (fall on my knees),” sees Tupper’s voice reaching even deeper, exploring new phrasing and ways of expressing longing and heartbreak. As she continues to grow as an artist there’s no telling what height that voice will soar or, more accurately, dig down to.

- Elizabeth Chorney-Booth