Originally from Scotland, David Leask has spent the last 30 years of his artistic career as a multi-award-winning songwriter, a veteran live performer with over 3000 shows since moving to Canada and a sought after songwriting mentor and facilitator. His music draws from Celtic Soul, Folk/Pop and Jazz/Blues to create a sound all his own. Songwriters Magazine has referred to him as “the most consistent Canadian songwriting competition winner”, most recently taking home the “Songwriter of the Year” award from Mississauga Music, while also being named Performing Artist of the Year. Leask has been profiled in a SOCAN Words & Music Magazine article which called him a “lifer who has worked outside the commercial boundaries, earning a decent living and immense respect from his peers.”His last album, “Voyageur in Song”, was nominated for Canadian Folk Music Association Contemporary Album of the Year and reached #8 on the Canadian Roots Music Chart. The album is a unique concept record inspired by the pieces and their stories from the Six String Nation Guitar - a guitar made up of 64 pieces of Canadian culture and history, nick-named Voyageur. The Toronto Star described "Voyageur In Song" as, "Possibly the most Canadian album on Canada's most historic instrument." The UK's Rock 'N Reel Magazine called it, “That rare thing, a genuinely inspiring album.”

Leask has learned firsthand about music’s healing power through playing in various health care settings for patients and their families, across different age ranges and different levels of care, and was recently asked to perform at the opening of the National Music Care conference for professional caregivers. His latest single and video, When I Become Confused, is a song that was inspired by these experiences of musical healing, but also ones that were close to home. 

SONGWRITING EDUCATOR 
A gifted songwriting teacher, David was a songwriting mentor for 11 years with the School Alliance of Student Songwriters and a mentor for Humber College's Graduate Certificate Program in Music Composition for 3 years. He has conducted numerous songwriting workshops at folk festivals and on behalf of the Songwriters Association of Canada with students ranging in age from 7 to 70+ and has the experience, passion and people skills to motivate any individual to write a song.  Find out more about David's songwriting workshops.

REVIEWS
"A true transatlantic traveler who brings the traditional favourites as well as his stirring songs of longing for his homeland.  He uses looping and effects pedals which give him a versatile and remarkably big sound for a solo performer."
Gus Noble, President, Chicago Scottish Festival

"David Leask and his sideman enthralled us all with two forty minutes sets filled with songs of life, love and everyday events. David's voice is so smooth. It is so amazing when such a full sound comes out of just two players."
Suzy Miller, Presenter, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Port Dover

Few performers can capture and hold an audience as well as David Leask - a quadruple threat on stage with an outstanding voice, original songs, and stellar guitar and piano playing. His songwriting skills are second to none. I’ve presented him several times secure in the knowledge that he will deliver an outstanding show. David drew rave reviews and a double standing ovation at his last sold out show in Sudbury."
Bob Bale, Sudbury Concert Promoter

"He has ballads that are so beautiful it could almost make you cry, and then he has the ability to get you up and on the floor dancing until your feet hurt."
Katie Sinclair, AD Fergus Scottish Festival

"David is phenomenally talented and entertaining. He has performed at the National BIA Conference and has been booked by many BIA (BIDs, BIZs) across Canada. A consummate professional, a phenomenal musician and entertainer. I would highly recommend him. His music has mass appeal, performing covers or his own multi-award winning songs. David is the whole package!
Kay Matthews, Executive Director, Ontario BIA Association

"David is awesome. We recently had him for a return visit as one of our favourites. His songwriting is beautiful and in concert he is able to tell stories which draw the audience into the web he is spinning. He is articulate about many topics which means his songs attract a wide ranging audience."
Allyson Macdonald, Stonecroft Folk, House Concert Series

"Dave was such a rare treat to discover - one of those genuine talents with a truly natural connection between his guitar, his voice and his lyrics - a rare original."
Shari Ulrich, Songwriters Association of Canada

"A "Lifer" in Canadian Music...David Leask has worked outside the commercial boundaries, earning a decent living and immense respect from his peers."
SOCAN Words & Music

"Leask brings to his music a compellingly honest baring of the soul."
Toronto Star

"Leask writes great songs... I've added him to an amazing group of talent that includes John Prine, Joe Henry and John Hiatt."
Brandon Sun

“Voyageur In Song is something truly special… the album is a unique and uplifting, almost spiritual listening experience and really worth hearing.”  
Rock 'N Reel Magazine

"Possibly the most Canadian Album on Canada's most historic instrument". 
The Toronto Star

"This concept album is a delight on so many levels."  FATEA

"Six of the best from this award winning wordsmith....all the songs are superbly crafted and David Leask possesses fine vocal talents..." maverick magazine

PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES

National Arts Centre, Ottawa, ON, The Rose Theatre, Brampton, ON, Nathan Phillips Square Summer Concerts, Toronto, ON, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Oakville, ON, Hammerson Hall, Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, ON, Canada Day, Mel Lastman Square, Toronto, ON, Sean O' Sullivan Theatre, St. Catharines, ON, Summerfolk Festival, Owen Sound, ON, Home Country Folk Festival, London, ON, Live From The Rock Folk Festival, Red Rock, ON, Summer Music In The Park, Village of Yorkville, Toronto, ON, Unionville Concert Series, Unionville, ON, Summer Streetfest, Woodstock, ON, Engineered Air Theatre, Calgary, AB, West End Cultural Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Empress Theatre, Fort Macleod, AB, Citadel Theatre, Edmonton, AB

SONGWRITING AWARDS
2022 - Winner Sauga Song of the Summer - "Feet In Your Shoes"
2021 – Semi-finalist, International Songwriting Competition – “When I Become Confused”
2020 - Finalist in the Love Songs Category in the International Songwriting Competition - “Perfect Imperfections”
2019 - Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition - Video - “When You Think No One Loves You”
2018 - Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition - “When You Think No One Loves You”
2011 - 1st Place USA Songwriting Competition Comedy Category - "Infomaniac"
2011 - Runner-up in the John Lennon 70th Birthday Song Contest - "Everybody Sing"
2009 - Overall winner OCFF Songs From The Heart - “While I Still Breathe”
2009 1st Place Unisong Song Contest - "Freedom By The Barrel"
2007 1st Place in the International Songwriting Competition - "Strong in Broken Places",
2005: 1st Place in the International Songwriting Competition - “The Honey I Want”, Blues Category
2004: 1st Place in the NSAI Single Song Showdown - “You Can Cry”
2003: 1st & 2nd Place in the Unisong Song Contest - “Five Minutes” & “You Can Cry”

PRESS PHOTOS - Click to download