Award-winning folk singer/songwriter Leah Holtom grew up in Brampton, Ontario, and now thrives in Toronto's vibrant music scene. Her music sits at the intersection of folk and country, shaped by thoughtful storytelling, soulful acoustic arrangements, and a voice that carries both strength and vulnerability. Her songs reflect everyday moments and shared experience, balancing intimacy with lightness. Known for her tender yet soaring vocals, Leah captivates listeners into an experience that is deeply personal and rooted in community. In 2024, Leah received the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award from the Ontario Arts Council for her debut single, “Face The Day.” Her rich, emotive sound is further showcased on her debut EP, Patchwork.

Leah has toured across Ontario, performing at festivals, concert series, and intimate listening rooms. She has been selected as a local opener for major Canadian artists including Alessia Cara, Dean Brody, and Dallas Smith, and has shared stages with musicians across the province, including an honourable selection to perform a tribute to Joni Mitchell at Massey Hall.

As a pastor's daughter, Leah's singing career began in the church at a young age. This is where she discovered the heart and soul of music and the many ways music provides a sense of comfort and joy for its listeners. As she began writing her own music, Leah was determined to incorporate these same elements as honestly as she could. Over the years she has pulled inspiration from many of the great folk songwriters of our time. Artists such as John Prine, Alison Krauss, and Gregory Alan Isokov have influenced her to explore topics of family, human connection and the everyday experiences of people. Leah truly embodies and embraces the storytelling nature of country, folk, and bluegrass music, and seeks to connect with her audience through these stories of her own life.

Leah had the opportunity to further explore her artistry through her studies in the Bachelor of Music Program at Humber College in Toronto, Ontario. In 2022, shortly before she graduated, Leah began to shine her light in the Toronto music scene performing at legendary venues like: The Horseshoe Tavern, The El Mocambo, The Cameron House, The Burdock Music Hall and The Drake Underground. She was also selected for a variety of artist development programs in 2022 and 2023 including: The Honey Jam (2022), Folk Music Ontario’s DAP program (2022), and the Winnipeg Folk Festival’s Young Performers Program (2023). She was then selected to return to the Folk Music Ontario conference in 2023 as an official showcasing artist. Leah is continuing to perform regularly around the province not only with her own project but with other artists in the Toronto music scene. 

Leah’s debut EP, Patchwork, is a collection of five songs that highlight her compelling songwriting, rich vocals, and authentic storytelling - giving listeners a true sense of who she is as an artist. Since its independent release, Patchwork has garnered over 20,000 streams on Spotify in just six months, a milestone that has only fuelled Leah’s momentum. In recognition of her artistry, she was honoured as the 2024 recipient of the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award, presented by the Ontario Arts Council, for her debut single, "Face The Day."

As a follow-up to Patchwork, Leah embarked on an ambitious live video project funded by FACTOR Canada, resulting in two immersive EPs: Patchwork: The Cottage Sessions and Live From The Dock. In the summer of 2023, she and her band retreated to a remote island cottage in Parry Sound, Ontario, where they spent four days capturing the raw, intimate energy of her music in a breathtaking natural setting. The result? A stunning collection of nine live performances, recorded and filmed under open skies and surrounded by water, blending the warmth of folk and bluegrass with the spontaneity of a true live experience. Released across YouTube and streaming platforms in early 2025, these sessions invite listeners into the heart of Leah’s creative world—where music, nature, and connection intertwine.

Follow along Leah Holtom’s journey through her instagram @leahholtom or by following her on spotify to be sure not to miss any of her upcoming releases.