Folk Pop Artist Melanie Peterson Releases New EP, Read It on the Radio – Vol 2
Acclaimed Toronto-based folk-pop artist Melanie Peterson has released her eighth EP, Read It On The Radio – Vol 2, alongside a month-long residency at the legendary Cameron House in Toronto this month.
Peterson, known for her luminous vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting, reunites with longtime producer Mitch Girio for this second installment of her ‘Read It On The Radio’ series. The project captures the warmth and intimacy of her live performances while showcasing her interpretive depth across a handpicked collection of covers.
The EP opens with a heartfelt rendition of John Fogerty’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”, where Peterson’s acoustic phrasing and understated delivery reflect a sense of quiet joy.
“I started feeling more and more happy inside while performing the song live,” Peterson said. “It didn’t matter if I was upset or frustrated or whatever. I kept getting happier every time I sang it.”
Another highlight, Melanie Safka’s “Brand New Key”, connects Peterson back to her musical roots.
“My parents were folkies and named me after Melanie,” she recalls. “It’s remained a favourite to perform live,” featuring her trio partners Paul Therrien, Jennifer Wakefield, and Peter Collins on backing vocals.
Peterson also takes on The English Beat’s “Save It for Later”, a power-pop anthem that transforms under her melodic folk sensibility. With Peter Collins on harmonies and Mitch Girio’s textured guitars, the arrangement adds emotional clarity to the original’s restless energy.
Her interpretation of “Elliot’s Song” from HBO’s Euphoria offers a quiet, introspective moment. “We had a great time giving it a gentle lift in this version,” Peterson shares. Written by Labrinth, Muzhda Zemar-McKenzie, and Zendaya, the song fits seamlessly into the EP’s reflective tone.
Closing with Nick Lowe’s timeless “(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding”, Peterson channels optimism through jangly guitars and bright harmonies.
“There’s never a time when this message feels out of place,” she notes. “Singing it now feels more relevant than ever.”
The EP marks another creative chapter in Peterson’s evolving artistry. From her early breakout at Canadian Music Week to multiple FACTOR grants and national airplay, she continues to define her own path through song. BBC Radio once described her as “Mary Poppins with a broken heart,” and that blend of tenderness and precision remains evident in every note.
Peterson’s upcoming residency at The Cameron House will celebrate both her original catalogue and the new EP. Each Monday evening, she and her band performed two sets—one of her signature originals and one featuring the new covers—creating a unique listening experience that blends storytelling and musical craft.
Joining her on stage are Peter Collins (bass, backing vocals), Jonathan Billings (guitar, backing vocals), and “Lucky” Pete Lambert (drums, backing vocals). The performances promise the same warmth and connection that have made Peterson a beloved presence on Toronto’s live music circuit.
With Read It On The Radio – Vol 2, Melanie Peterson invites listeners into an intimate dialogue between artist and song—a collection that bridges eras, influences, and emotions with unfiltered grace and charm.
Good to meet you! Care to introduce yourself to the readers for those not familiar with your music?
My name is Melanie Peterson. I am a Toronto based, Saskatoon born, folk-pop singer-songwriter who has released two studio albums, eight EPs, a handful of singles and many original holiday songs.
What made you decide it was the right moment to return to the ‘Read It On The Radio’ series with Vol 2?
I was starting to feel creatively scattered and remember that the last time I felt this way, back in 2014, producer Mitch Girio and I released ‘Read It On The Radio’ our first EP of cover songs (available on Bandcamp) and I found singing and recording other people’s songs brought me back to myself and my own writing. It’s a grounding tool – a way to keep making music without forcing my own writing.
You’ve said singing “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” kept making you happier each time. What do you think it is about that song that changes your mood so deeply?
I consider myself a ‘half full’ kind of person. And this, to me, is a ‘half full’ kind of song. A song about seeing the joy in life despite the difficulties. And it certainly helps that people always sing along when I play it live. I just love when that happens.
The English Beat’s “Save It for Later” has so much kinetic energy. How did you find the emotional centre for your folk-pop version?
I found it in the lyrics. I got the sense that writer Dave Wakiling was imploring us not to grow up, not get old and grumpy, but to enjoy life. Na na na na na na now.
This EP blends decades of music. What do you hope listeners understand about you as an artist through the choices you made for Vol 2?
I don’t pick covers for their popularity. I pick them because I hear a hidden vulnerability or untold feeling inside them. I try to sense the emotional spine of a song and pull it forward – hoping to make the cover feel more raw and human than the original.
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