With a sound that’s equal parts funky and melodic - but above all soulful - Mikhail Laxton is an artist whose time has come. After first sharing his musical gifts on the 2021 EP Real and his 2023 eponymous full-length follow-up, the Australian-born, Ottawa-based singer/songwriter has stepped fully into his own with Present Nostalgia.
Co-produced by Jim Bryson (Kathleen Edwards, The Weakerthans), the eight-song collection fuses Americana storytelling with R&B smoothness, resulting in an intoxicating, genre-blending style all his own. Songs like “I Like The Way,” “Stay,” and “Golden Sky” carry messages of hope and connection through grooves rooted in his upbringing in Mossman, Australia.
Mikhail’s journey has taken him from busking at Brisbane’s farmers’ markets to national TV on The Voice Australia, to starting over in Canada where his soulful performances have won over audiences one show at a time. Known for his warm stage presence and authentic storytelling, he transforms each performance into a communal experience aimed straight at the heart.
With Present Nostalgia, Mikhail proves he can move effortlessly between intimate solo sets and full-band festival performances - always leaving audiences uplifted and inspired. Highlights include Ottawa Blues Fest 2023, CityFolk Fest 2023, Festival of Small Halls, opening for The Teskey Brothers, Kathleen Edwards, and Colin Linden.
Tickets in Advance: GA $20 / Students $15 ~ Tickets at the door: GA $25 / Students $20