BIO
Karen Pyra began recording her music at age 55, driven by a desire to amplify the voices and experiences of people in the second half of life. Her debut album Scrapbook, released in 2023, showcased her lyrical range—from joyful tributes to love and family to poignant reflections on grief and aging. Songs like “Farm Girl With Attitude” and “Coming Home to the Island” resonated widely, earning spots on Canadian indie and East Coast music charts. Karen's work is deeply rooted in her home province of Prince Edward Island and her commitment to empowering mature women through music.
In addition to her solo career, Karen is one half of the blues duo Aging Disgracefully, alongside longtime collaborator Mike Elliott. The pair met at a songwriting workshop and quickly bonded over their shared love of blues and roots music. Their debut album, Shater the Mirror, released in March 2025, has earned praise from reviewers around the world for its soulful storytelling and raw emotional power. They were finalists in the blues category of the 2025 Intercontinental Music Awards, and their song “Let’s Start a Blizzard”—written by Karen—was named Best Original Song at the Spring 2025 Round the Globe Music and Film Festival. Another standout track, “Shatter the Mirror,” has entered the East Coast Top 30 Hall of Fame, cementing the duo’s place in the Canadian blues scene.
Beyond Aging Disgracefully, Karen continues to collaborate with other artists, crafting songs that reflect lived experience and emotional truth. Whether performing solo or with her creative partners, Karen Pyra remains a bold voice in Canadian music—challenging ageism, celebrating authenticity, and proving that it’s never too late to live life large.