Award-Nominated Canadian Folk Artist Pays Tribute to the Teacher Who Helped Shape Her Musical Journey
Canadian folk artist Irish Millie has released “Allison,” a heartfelt new single that pays tribute to the late fiddle teacher who introduced her to music and helped lay the foundation for a rapidly rising career that has earned national recognition and international opportunities.
The song, which opens her acclaimed EP Between Then and Now, reflects on the influence of Sally Pirie, the Peterborough, Ont.-based fiddle instructor who first placed an instrument in Irish Millie’s hands when she was six years old. Built around a delicate arrangement of fiddle and guitar, the track serves as both a personal thank-you and a celebration of the lasting impact teachers can have on young artists.
At just 19 years old, Irish Millie has already established herself as one of Canada’s emerging voices in folk and roots music. The singer, songwriter and fiddler studied under Pirie until the age of 12 before later joining her teacher’s community ensemble, The Fyd-l-Styx, a group dedicated to preserving and sharing traditional Canadian fiddle music.
When Pirie passed away in December 2024, Irish Millie channelled her appreciation into a new composition. She first wrote a jig in her mentor’s honour and later expanded it into a full song that could carry the memory forward through music.
The track captures both personal reflection and community spirit, recalling the gatherings and musical experiences that shaped her early years. In the song, she sings, “And oh, the dancing in the rain, through the barn to western swing,” followed by, “and oh, the people they would sing, but you wanted your own jig.” The recurring refrain underscores a central message about finding one’s own musical voice while remaining connected to the people who inspired it.
A Song Rooted in Legacy and Gratitude
Beyond its musical arrangement, “Allison” highlights the role of mentorship in artistic development. The song reflects on the individuals who quietly nurture talent and confidence long before public recognition arrives.
That theme extends to the single’s artwork, which features a view from a window overlooking Pirie’s garden. According to Irish Millie, the image symbolizes the way her teacher encouraged growth and independence, treating students much like the flowers she cared for.
The recording itself was intentionally understated. Produced by Tyler Martin at Electric Alchemy in Peterborough and mastered by Gregory Pastic, the track focuses on preserving the emotional intimacy of the story.
Adding another layer of significance, Irish Millie’s father, Murray Shadgett, performs guitar on the recording. Having driven his daughter to countless fiddle lessons throughout her childhood, he now joins her on a tribute dedicated to the person who helped launch her musical journey.
International Recognition Continues to Build
The release comes during a milestone year for the young performer.
In 2026, Irish Millie was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year through North2North, earning the opportunity to represent Canada at Sweden’s Lilla By Festivalen in Rinkaby. She is scheduled to perform on the festival’s main stage as well as in the event’s popular Kanada Barn venue.
The international appearance marks another step forward for an artist whose work blends traditional Celtic influences with contemporary folk and pop-rock elements. Festival co-founders Malin Osth and Jonas Tancred have praised the energetic Celtic pop-rock style she brings to the Canadian delegation.
Her growing profile has also been reflected in award recognition. A seven-time Canadian Folk Music Award nominee, Irish Millie received two nominations in 2026 for Between Then and Now. The project earned recognition in the Young Performer of the Year category—her fifth nomination in that field—as well as a Single of the Year nomination for “You Were There.”
Earlier this year, she was also named Emerging Artist of the Year at the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival.
Balancing Education and a Growing Career
While building a national and international reputation, Irish Millie continues to pursue her studies as a full-time student in the University of Toronto’s Music Industry and Technology Specialist program.
She has performed extensively across Canada, the United States and Europe, including appearances before audiences exceeding 10,000 people at Peterborough Musicfest. Alongside her performing career, she remains active in community initiatives such as Fiddling for Fox, work that earned her the Peterborough Civic Award for Community Betterment.
Following her performances in Sweden, the musician is set to embark on a July 2026 tour of Canada’s East Coast, with performances scheduled across Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime provinces.
With “Allison,” Irish Millie offers listeners more than a tribute song. The release serves as a reflection on mentorship, community and the enduring influence of those who help shape artistic lives long before success arrives. As her career continues to expand onto international stages, the single stands as a reminder of the roots from which that journey began.