Leah Holtom receives 2024 Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award
Folk singer-songwriter Leah Holtom is this year’s recipient of the Ontario Arts Council (OAC)’s Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award for her song “Face The Day.” (Listen on Spotify or Apple Music.)
Leah will receive the award during the Ontario Folk Music Awards on Sunday, October 6, 2024. The event is taking place at Folk Music Ontario’s (FMO) annual conference, held this year at the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Leah will receive the prize from OAC board member Missy Knott, herself an award-winning singer-songwriter.
About Leah Holtom
- Leah Holtom grew up in Brampton, Ontario and has now planted her roots in Toronto’s music scene. Her tender yet soaring vocals and captivating melodies are showcased on her debut EP Patchwork, released in July 2024.
- Leah’s style blends the best of folk and country music. She pairs a fresh expression of storytelling with a unique take on traditional instrumentation, including the sweet sounds of acoustic guitars and pedal steel.
- In her songwriting, artists such as John Prine, Alison Krauss, and Gregory Alan Isokov have influenced Leah to explore topics of family, human connection and people’s everyday experiences.
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The jury that selected “Face The Day” for the Peterson Award stated, “We absolutely love this song. Leah’s storytelling is strong and unique, and her vocals are sweet and sultry. With its catchy chorus and exciting production style, it should appeal to a broad spectrum of listeners!”
About the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award
- The Colleen Peterson Songwriting Fund was established at the Ontario Arts Council in 2003 by Peterson’s sister, Shirley Richardson, and her friend, singer-songwriter Laura Bird.
- The annual $1,000 award honours Peterson’s contribution to Canadian music by supporting and promoting the work of Ontario’s emerging singer-songwriters in the roots, traditional, folk and country genres.
- Nominations are received from FMO’s Songs From the Heart competition. FMO also assembles the jury of musicians and industry professionals that chooses the award winner.
- Previous winners include Just Prince (2023), Camie (2022) and Julie Title (2021). Click here for a full list of past recipients.