Claire Mortifee’s unique vocal quality and songwriting style have been turning heads in the Vancouver music scene for years. Recently, she has been drawing attention from musicians and producers across the country, and even internationally, with followers as far reaching as Sweden. This nineteen-year-old oozes with the raw integrity so coveted in today’s rapidly morphing music business.

Born and raised in the heart of Vancouver, her music reflects the laid-back west-coast culture she has grown up in. Her sound has been said to be reminiscent of Feist, Regina Spektor, Adele, and Lauryn Hill, but with its own style and illuminant resonance.

Claire, niece of both Paul Horn and Ann Mortifee, has performed across the city, at venues ranging from The Commodore, to The Red Robinson, to The Orpheum, to The Waterfront Theatre. She has worked with acclaimed recording artists such as Hannah Georgas, Josh Ramsay, and Noah Becker.

Performing in choirs and musicals since the age of six, Claire made a dramatic entrance into the Vancouver R&B/Hip-Hop scene in the spring of 2010. Previously, a predominantly acoustic solo artist, she has since worked with artists such as Moka Only, Jeff Spec, LoKeyNote, Elekwent Folk, and Panther, to name a few.

In her youth, Claire sold her original CDs to raise over one thousand dollars for a human rights organization called “Free The Children,” which she later volunteered in Kenya with. Recognized as a leader in her high school, she received the Barbra Emerson Scholarship in 2008 for creativity, initiative, and integrity. Upon graduation, she was again acknowledged with a School Service Award for being an active citizen and leaving a remarkable legacy by establishing the first Gay Straight Alliance Vancouver private schools have ever seen.

Since her childhood, Claire participated in theatrical programs with companies such as Bard on the Beach, Carousel Theatre, Arts Umbrella and Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! Her involvement with Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! further resulted in an invitation to be a part of the exclusive Musical Theatre Troupe Showstoppers!, which she performed with at Vancouver Olympic events. She began private vocal training at age twelve, and has also had training in guitar and piano. She has come home from various youth singing competitions sporting gold, silver and bronze medals. She has performed in over 15 musicals and plays, including three professional productions, in one of which she played the lead at age twelve. In 2010 she was one of the few participants chosen for The Cultch’s IGNITE! Songwriting Mentorship Program. In the fall of 2011, she signed a recording contract with Reliant Music/Warner, and looks forward to releasing the two singles they are working on in upcoming months.

In addition to being a singer/songwriter and actor, Claire is also a photographer, political/social/environmental activist, instrumental beat maker and university student. Having already traveled to thirteen countries on four different continents, her travel bug and thirst for knowledge are far from satisfied. Committed to a life of learning and growth, Claire is excited and ever grateful to have music as an avenue for self-expression and interpersonal connection.

After completing courses in Recording Arts, Digital Music Technology, and Business of the Music Industry at The Art Institute of Vancouver, she is continuing her liberal arts education at Concordia University in Montreal.