Folk/Review Moira Chicilo - Poets & the Misfits

Moira Chicilo is a Canadian singer-songwriter living in Vancouver, BC. Moira writes songs that speak to the everlasting pull of place and the relentless journey of life, mixing elements of indie folk like Wilco with ethereal sounds such as Mazzy Star and Portishead. For Moira, the music always starts with the story, reflecting on themes such as loss, the fragility of nature, human connection, and choices.

“Poets & the Misfits” by Moira Chicilo is a powerful, poetic tribute to artists who dare to question the existing quo. Chicilo crafts a ballad that honors the outsiders, the creatives, and the visionaries—the people who use pen, paint, and protest to bring light to the darkest corners of the world—in a voice that is both gentle and authoritative.

The song begins in a “ragged old café,” with a lone poet scrawling words that speak truth to power against a backdrop of soft acoustic accompaniment. This picture ends up serving as a metaphor for the tenacity and unsung courage of artists who keep producing even when their work is ignored or undervalued. Listeners are drawn into a world where artistic expression serves as both a haven and a weapon by Chicilo's honest and vivid storytelling.

In order to highlight her singing and lyrics, the production is purposefully minimalist. The arrangement has an almost confessional intimacy, but the message is universal. As the song progresses, it becomes evident that this is a rallying call rather than merely an homage. Chicilo reminds us that poets and outcasts are frequently the ones who pave the road forward during periods of social, political, and environmental upheaval.

For a noisy world, “Poets & the Misfits” is a subdued hymn. By honoring the creative spirit with grace rather than grandeur, it recognizes the vital role that art plays in fostering a society that is more compassionate, just, and alert.