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Melanie Peterson
Melanie Peterson Saturday Night Live at The Bunker
Bunker Performance Lounge and Cafe
104 Wellington St
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Join us at The Bunker Performance Lounge & Cafe for a special Saturday Night Live show featuring the Melanie Peterson Band with special guest Neil Little. Expect an evening of rich storytelling, heartfelt melodies, and a showcase of seasoned songwriting talent!
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Melanie Peterson Biography
Blessed with an ability to imbue her vocals with palpable emotion without going over the top, Melanie Peterson, a Saskatoon born, Toronto based, singer-songwriter and actress has boldly become one of the brightest lights on the Toronto music scene.
Melanie has been referred to as “Mary Poppins with a broken heart” by BBC Radio and has been recognized as having “a beautiful voice” and being a “terrific songwriter” by Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun. She earned a spot within the independent music scene in Toronto March 2012, when she showcased her original music during Canadian Music Week, at the Royal York Library Bar. She was invited back to perform two showcases at CMW 2013. She launched her first full-length album ‘Unbreakable’ in April 2013 at The Piston in Toronto. Melanie followed that up with a triumphant NXNE showcase and a successful southern Ontario tour.
Melanie initially moved to Toronto to pursue a career in acting. Between acting jobs, she often picked up the Gibson guitar her father had given her as a parting gift. She then began the second leg of her artistic journey: songwriting and performing her songs live. The feedback she got each time she ventured out to play her songs for Toronto audiences was encouraging. She was invited to host and perform her original songs in a monthly female singer-songwriter night at the renowned Cameron House. The show was called ‘Girls Girls Girls’, held on the second Saturday of every month between September 2010 and December 2012. Melanie, along side many of Toronto's top female singer-songwriters, packed that room. Melanie's songwriting skills improved rapidly during this period due to her regular exposure to her songwriting peers and her audience's hunger for new songs.
Melanie released a five song EP in 2011 called ‘After The Fall’ and the reviews were encouraging.
“A melodically enchanting songwriter and musically adept guitarist” ~ New Moon Magazine.
“If you are looking for super live music, check out Melanie Peterson, a terrific singer and songwriter...she sounds just as good live as she does on her album…. She has a beautiful voice and her songwriting is tops, too." ~ Toronto Sun.
“Melanie Peterson is destined for great things. With aching vibrato that reminds one of early Joni Mitchell she weaves the stories of her life into her music with effortless ease." ~ Beach Metro.
Her follow up full-length album ‘Unbreakable’ was well received by critics and fans alike. Many of the songs from ‘Unbreakable’ received spins on BBC, CBC, various indie and college radio stations and Mediazoic Internet radio which lead to considerable iTunes and Bandcamp digital sales.
“We have very much enjoyed playing a variety of tracks from ‘Unbreakable’, Melanie's first full length CD release and my Saturday morning listeners have been quick to let us know they enjoy what Melanie does!” ~ Monica Winfield BBC Radio Leicester host.
Melanie's song “Lucky Me” was recently chosen, out of hundreds of submissions, to be included in Toronto's Music 311 winter 2015-2016 playlist.
Melanie followed the release of ‘Unbreakable’, with a six-song cover EP titled ‘Read It On The Radio’, which was part of a six-week digital download campaign in which Melanie released one new cover song every week from April 28, 2014 to June 1, 2014.
Then, with a grant from FACTOR, Melanie Peterson, once again teamed up with producer and band member Mitch Girio to produce her sophomore album ‘Anywhere from Here’, which she released on March 16, 2016 at The Piston in Toronto.
“After recently releasing her second full length album, ‘Anywhere from Here’, Melanie and her band came to The Piston wanting to give their dedicated audience a live experience of all of the songs from their new album. The evening was spectacular and the house was packed!” ~ SNAP Bloor West.
The album feedback was positive and Melanie toured through Ontario and Quebec in the summer of 2016. She also played shows in Edmonton, Vancouver, St. John and Halifax in March 2017 thanks to the Via Rail ‘Artists On Board Program’, which allowed her to “play her way across the country”.
“The songwriting is genuine and self-aware, and there is a positive tone even in the heartbreak. In fact, the progression of the songs on ‘Anywhere From Here’, reads like the life of a romantic relationship.” ~ Cate McKim, Blogger, Life With More Cowbell.
In November 2016, Melanie received a FACTOR artist development grant, which she used to record and promote an original holiday single titled “Santa's Sleigh”. The single was produced by award winning producer Chris Birkett (Sinead O'Connor and Buffy St. Marie), and was released to radio stations across Canada in December 2016.
In early 2017, renowned SKA artist Susan Cadogan recorded a cover of Melanie's folk song “Truth Talking” and released it as a single. “The legendary Susan Cadogan sings a rootsy rocksteady love song in her unmistakable voice, with a sweet lyric by Melanie Peterson that could have been written a thousand years ago or last week.” ~ SKA’D For LIFE, ska4u.com.
Melanie’s released a two-song EP titled ‘Two’. Produced by Mitch Girio, on July 14, 2017 and a holiday single called "When You Were Here" on December 15th, 2017.
In November 2018 Melanie released a three-song digital EP titled ‘What You’re Selling,’ exploring a stripped-down, simpler sound.
In 2019 Melanie released a holiday single – produced by legendary, multiple Juno Award and Polaris Prize-winning Canadian producer and musician Michael Wojewoda – “Christmas Breaks My Heart,” available on all digital platforms November 29, 2019 and was celebrated with a single release party at The Free Times Cafe in Toronto. This song was a finalist in the Great American Songwriting Competition. She also joined the cast of the acclaimed series The Boys for The Female of the Species (Jul 26, 2019) Season 1, Episode 4.
On November 27, 2020 Melanie released Part One of her latest project (teaming up again with producer Mitch Girio). The six-song EP ‘We Got This,’ to wonderful reviews. Two singles from the EP, “We Got This” and “Tightrope,” were also released in 2020, in advance of the album/EP release date.
“This is a great song [We Got This]. Spine-tinglingly good! I’ll be giving it a spin.” ~ Jan Hall, Folk Roots Radio, May 2020.
“Toronto-based singer/songwriter and actress Melanie Peterson is remaining active in pandemic days. She is promoting a new single, the aptly entitled We Got This, the title cut from an upcoming EP.” ~ Kerry Doole, feature FYI Music News, May 25, 2020.
“Toronto’s triple threat Melanie Peterson has released the first single “We Got This”, off her upcoming album of the same name. …It’s warm aura and uplifting message is a much-needed energy during these times.” ~ Rebecca Mattina, Canadian Beats, May 22, 2020.
“…we’re super excited to premiere the lyric video here on Roots Music Canada.” ~ Heather Kitching, Roots Music Canada, May 19, 2020.
“The Toronto singer-songwriter adds some new dimensions to her sound, as her acoustic music gives way to more and more pop production and adornments.” ~ Bob Mersereau, The Top 100 Canadian Music Blog, Nov. 26, 2020.
“Along with the title track, “Tailspin” is another stunning highlight tucked away in this collection of songs, and definitely my personal favorite here.” ~ Martin Noakes, Great Dark Wonder, Nov. 27, 2020.
Melanie released a cover of “Jingle Bells” on December 2020 (Mitch Girio, producer) which ended up in a series of holiday movies including the Hallmark film: My Mother’s Christmas Boyfriend. She also released an original holiday single “May I Have Your Midnight?” December 2021 (Derek Downham, producer) which was added to many holiday playlists.
Melanie spent 2021 writing and released “We Got This – Side Two” on September 2nd, 2022. This EP juxtaposed intense romantic reality with harder edged music and press has been positive claiming this to be some of Melanie’s best songwriting to date. She opened for Pursuit of Happiness at The Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, received the “Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting Award” from the Great American Songwriting Competition, and released her single “Somebody’s Somebody” from her EP “We Got This – Side Two.” to much critical acclaim
In 2023 she shared the screen with Jennifer Tilly in the TV series Chucky for Jennifer's Body (Oct 18, 2023) Season 3, Episode 3.
For the 2024 holiday season, Melanie Peterson delighted her fans with a new original Christmas song titled "All Roads Lead Home This Christmas." Finding inspiration this time around in her childhood memories. She crafted an uplifting song that captures her affection for the holiday season, her longing for family, and her eagerness to return home for the holidays. The song's lyric video, featuring images of Peterson and her cockapoo Audrey, carrying her first guitar— captures the excitement of going home for Christmas after not being able to go home for many years.
Peterson debuted “All Roads Lead Home This Christmas” live at the legendary Dakota Tavern during the 2023 holiday season. Following the positive audience reception to the song, she decided to record and release the song in 2024. She collaborated with Toronto musician and producer Tim Bovaconti (of the Burton Cummings Band), who gave the track a classic feel with added guitar solos and drums. Bassist Peter Collins contributed on bass and piano, and together with Bovaconti, they provided backing vocals. Bovaconti also included sleigh bells in the arrangement to enhance the song's festive atmosphere.
Melanie Peterson most recently shared the stage with Suzie Vinnick and Lynn Miles at Winterfolk 2025.
Melanie has big plans for 2025 including releasing a second EP of covers songs, an original single and a vinyl version We Got This with We Got This Side Two on, you guessed it, side two. Not to mention a new album.
Contact: www.melaniepeterson.ca
Read MoreMelanie has been referred to as “Mary Poppins with a broken heart” by BBC Radio and has been recognized as having “a beautiful voice” and being a “terrific songwriter” by Joe Warmington of the Toronto Sun. She earned a spot within the independent music scene in Toronto March 2012, when she showcased her original music during Canadian Music Week, at the Royal York Library Bar. She was invited back to perform two showcases at CMW 2013. She launched her first full-length album ‘Unbreakable’ in April 2013 at The Piston in Toronto. Melanie followed that up with a triumphant NXNE showcase and a successful southern Ontario tour.
Melanie initially moved to Toronto to pursue a career in acting. Between acting jobs, she often picked up the Gibson guitar her father had given her as a parting gift. She then began the second leg of her artistic journey: songwriting and performing her songs live. The feedback she got each time she ventured out to play her songs for Toronto audiences was encouraging. She was invited to host and perform her original songs in a monthly female singer-songwriter night at the renowned Cameron House. The show was called ‘Girls Girls Girls’, held on the second Saturday of every month between September 2010 and December 2012. Melanie, along side many of Toronto's top female singer-songwriters, packed that room. Melanie's songwriting skills improved rapidly during this period due to her regular exposure to her songwriting peers and her audience's hunger for new songs.
Melanie released a five song EP in 2011 called ‘After The Fall’ and the reviews were encouraging.
“A melodically enchanting songwriter and musically adept guitarist” ~ New Moon Magazine.
“If you are looking for super live music, check out Melanie Peterson, a terrific singer and songwriter...she sounds just as good live as she does on her album…. She has a beautiful voice and her songwriting is tops, too." ~ Toronto Sun.
“Melanie Peterson is destined for great things. With aching vibrato that reminds one of early Joni Mitchell she weaves the stories of her life into her music with effortless ease." ~ Beach Metro.
Her follow up full-length album ‘Unbreakable’ was well received by critics and fans alike. Many of the songs from ‘Unbreakable’ received spins on BBC, CBC, various indie and college radio stations and Mediazoic Internet radio which lead to considerable iTunes and Bandcamp digital sales.
“We have very much enjoyed playing a variety of tracks from ‘Unbreakable’, Melanie's first full length CD release and my Saturday morning listeners have been quick to let us know they enjoy what Melanie does!” ~ Monica Winfield BBC Radio Leicester host.
Melanie's song “Lucky Me” was recently chosen, out of hundreds of submissions, to be included in Toronto's Music 311 winter 2015-2016 playlist.
Melanie followed the release of ‘Unbreakable’, with a six-song cover EP titled ‘Read It On The Radio’, which was part of a six-week digital download campaign in which Melanie released one new cover song every week from April 28, 2014 to June 1, 2014.
Then, with a grant from FACTOR, Melanie Peterson, once again teamed up with producer and band member Mitch Girio to produce her sophomore album ‘Anywhere from Here’, which she released on March 16, 2016 at The Piston in Toronto.
“After recently releasing her second full length album, ‘Anywhere from Here’, Melanie and her band came to The Piston wanting to give their dedicated audience a live experience of all of the songs from their new album. The evening was spectacular and the house was packed!” ~ SNAP Bloor West.
The album feedback was positive and Melanie toured through Ontario and Quebec in the summer of 2016. She also played shows in Edmonton, Vancouver, St. John and Halifax in March 2017 thanks to the Via Rail ‘Artists On Board Program’, which allowed her to “play her way across the country”.
“The songwriting is genuine and self-aware, and there is a positive tone even in the heartbreak. In fact, the progression of the songs on ‘Anywhere From Here’, reads like the life of a romantic relationship.” ~ Cate McKim, Blogger, Life With More Cowbell.
In November 2016, Melanie received a FACTOR artist development grant, which she used to record and promote an original holiday single titled “Santa's Sleigh”. The single was produced by award winning producer Chris Birkett (Sinead O'Connor and Buffy St. Marie), and was released to radio stations across Canada in December 2016.
In early 2017, renowned SKA artist Susan Cadogan recorded a cover of Melanie's folk song “Truth Talking” and released it as a single. “The legendary Susan Cadogan sings a rootsy rocksteady love song in her unmistakable voice, with a sweet lyric by Melanie Peterson that could have been written a thousand years ago or last week.” ~ SKA’D For LIFE, ska4u.com.
Melanie’s released a two-song EP titled ‘Two’. Produced by Mitch Girio, on July 14, 2017 and a holiday single called "When You Were Here" on December 15th, 2017.
In November 2018 Melanie released a three-song digital EP titled ‘What You’re Selling,’ exploring a stripped-down, simpler sound.
In 2019 Melanie released a holiday single – produced by legendary, multiple Juno Award and Polaris Prize-winning Canadian producer and musician Michael Wojewoda – “Christmas Breaks My Heart,” available on all digital platforms November 29, 2019 and was celebrated with a single release party at The Free Times Cafe in Toronto. This song was a finalist in the Great American Songwriting Competition. She also joined the cast of the acclaimed series The Boys for The Female of the Species (Jul 26, 2019) Season 1, Episode 4.
On November 27, 2020 Melanie released Part One of her latest project (teaming up again with producer Mitch Girio). The six-song EP ‘We Got This,’ to wonderful reviews. Two singles from the EP, “We Got This” and “Tightrope,” were also released in 2020, in advance of the album/EP release date.
“This is a great song [We Got This]. Spine-tinglingly good! I’ll be giving it a spin.” ~ Jan Hall, Folk Roots Radio, May 2020.
“Toronto-based singer/songwriter and actress Melanie Peterson is remaining active in pandemic days. She is promoting a new single, the aptly entitled We Got This, the title cut from an upcoming EP.” ~ Kerry Doole, feature FYI Music News, May 25, 2020.
“Toronto’s triple threat Melanie Peterson has released the first single “We Got This”, off her upcoming album of the same name. …It’s warm aura and uplifting message is a much-needed energy during these times.” ~ Rebecca Mattina, Canadian Beats, May 22, 2020.
“…we’re super excited to premiere the lyric video here on Roots Music Canada.” ~ Heather Kitching, Roots Music Canada, May 19, 2020.
“The Toronto singer-songwriter adds some new dimensions to her sound, as her acoustic music gives way to more and more pop production and adornments.” ~ Bob Mersereau, The Top 100 Canadian Music Blog, Nov. 26, 2020.
“Along with the title track, “Tailspin” is another stunning highlight tucked away in this collection of songs, and definitely my personal favorite here.” ~ Martin Noakes, Great Dark Wonder, Nov. 27, 2020.
Melanie released a cover of “Jingle Bells” on December 2020 (Mitch Girio, producer) which ended up in a series of holiday movies including the Hallmark film: My Mother’s Christmas Boyfriend. She also released an original holiday single “May I Have Your Midnight?” December 2021 (Derek Downham, producer) which was added to many holiday playlists.
Melanie spent 2021 writing and released “We Got This – Side Two” on September 2nd, 2022. This EP juxtaposed intense romantic reality with harder edged music and press has been positive claiming this to be some of Melanie’s best songwriting to date. She opened for Pursuit of Happiness at The Sound of Music Festival in Burlington, received the “Outstanding Achievement in Songwriting Award” from the Great American Songwriting Competition, and released her single “Somebody’s Somebody” from her EP “We Got This – Side Two.” to much critical acclaim
In 2023 she shared the screen with Jennifer Tilly in the TV series Chucky for Jennifer's Body (Oct 18, 2023) Season 3, Episode 3.
For the 2024 holiday season, Melanie Peterson delighted her fans with a new original Christmas song titled "All Roads Lead Home This Christmas." Finding inspiration this time around in her childhood memories. She crafted an uplifting song that captures her affection for the holiday season, her longing for family, and her eagerness to return home for the holidays. The song's lyric video, featuring images of Peterson and her cockapoo Audrey, carrying her first guitar— captures the excitement of going home for Christmas after not being able to go home for many years.
Peterson debuted “All Roads Lead Home This Christmas” live at the legendary Dakota Tavern during the 2023 holiday season. Following the positive audience reception to the song, she decided to record and release the song in 2024. She collaborated with Toronto musician and producer Tim Bovaconti (of the Burton Cummings Band), who gave the track a classic feel with added guitar solos and drums. Bassist Peter Collins contributed on bass and piano, and together with Bovaconti, they provided backing vocals. Bovaconti also included sleigh bells in the arrangement to enhance the song's festive atmosphere.
Melanie Peterson most recently shared the stage with Suzie Vinnick and Lynn Miles at Winterfolk 2025.
Melanie has big plans for 2025 including releasing a second EP of covers songs, an original single and a vinyl version We Got This with We Got This Side Two on, you guessed it, side two. Not to mention a new album.
Contact: www.melaniepeterson.ca
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