Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2025
Nico Paulo
Newfoundland/Portugal

Portuguese-Canadian musician and visual artist Nico Paulo’s work bridges emotional intimacy and sonic sophistication. Her critically acclaimed self-titled debut album (2023) introduced listeners to her heartfelt, melodically rich songwriting, exploring the fluidity of relationships and time through lush pop arrangements. Her recent release, Interval_o (2025), embraces presence and transformation, weaving minimalist and ambient textures into intuitive, reflective songs. Both records were shaped in close collaboration with producer Joshua Van Tassel (Rose Cousins, Bahamas), whose detailed production complements Paulo’s haunting lyricism.
Since moving to Canada in 2014, Paulo has carved out a distinct voice in the country’s music scene. Beginning in Toronto’s artistic core and later relocating to St. John’s, Newfoundland, she has become a vital force in the island’s thriving creative community. On stage, she captivates with a magnetic presence—warbling, fluttering, and dancing through performances that feel both otherworldly and deeply grounded.
Hailed as “your new favorite vocalist” by MTV, Paulo has earned praise from The FADER, Clash, Exclaim!, and more for her ability to turn the everyday into the extraordinary. With Interval_o, she continues to expand her sonic palette while staying rooted in the emotional core that defines her artistry.
– DS