Damase Elis
About the artist
“Calgary-based queer folk artist. Songs of longing, love, and memory—raw, poetic, and just a little haunted.”
Damase Elis is a Calgary-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose music blends elements of folk, indie, blues, and jazz. Performing solo with guitar and voice, her sets are known for their emotional depth, poetic storytelling, and stripped-back intimacy. Drawing on her Métis and Colombian roots and her experience as a queer artist, Elis writes songs that speak to themes of love, identity, and longing—always with a focus on connection.
Active since 2014, she has played venues across Canada and the U.S., including festivals, listening rooms, and community events. Her vocal style has earned comparisons to Tracy Chapman and Florence Welch for its dynamic range and expressive tone. Elis released her debut EP Into the Waves under the name Riel in 2017, and her latest release, The Gas Station Affair, became available on streaming platforms in June 2024.
Whether performing for a packed room or an intimate crowd, Damase Elis brings authenticity, warmth, and presence to every show.

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