Terra Lightfoot (Ontario)

Whether you’re talking about her as a songwriter, guitarists or vocalist, one thing is indisputable: roots rocker Terra Lightfoot is a ferocious talent. Her songs tape into the raw emotion of hearts supercharged by love, lust, loneliness and temptation. Her playing melds expert finger-picking and distorted, hook-heavy melodies. And her elemental voice commands attention and awe, whether on slow-burning soul ballads or hard-charging rock numbers.

On stages in France, the UK and across Canada, Lightfood has performed alongside the likes of Emmylou Harris, Gordon Lightfood, Ron Sexsmith, and many others. She also stays busy as part of country band, Dinner Belles.

Lightfoot’s touchstone influences include roots groundbreakers Maybelle Carter and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, blues legends Leadbelly and Lightnin’ Hopkins, soul greats Same Cooke and Otis Redding, jazz titans Nina Simone and Billie Holiday – and her songs are infused with those influences and more. But for all of that, one listen to Tara will convince you that this remarkable artist is an inspiration all her own.