Canadian singer-songwriter Leith Ross caught up with SWOMP backstage at Sommo Festival in Cavendish on Sept. 11 to discuss their songwriting, the new music and what has shaped their work.

Ross also talked about being in the midst of one year away froms screens.

Ross has built a growing audience around deeply personal songs that explore love, relationships, queerness and mental health.

Ross grew up in a small town near Ottawa, Ont., and began releasing music independently in 2020 with the Motherwell EP. Recorded live, the project helped introduce Ross’ intimate, stripped-back approach to songwriting.

Their profile grew with the viral singles “I’d Have To Think About It” and “We’ll Never Have Sex,” leading to a record deal with Republic Records in 2022 and the release of their debut album, To Learn, the following year.

The album continued Ross’ exploration of vulnerability, moving between folk-influenced arrangements, pop and rock textures, and more minimal performances built around voice and guitar.

Ross followed To Learn with the deluxe To Learn, More in late 2023, featuring live versions of songs including “(You) On My Arm,” “Orlando” and “To Learn.”

The music has earned recognition from outlets including NME, CLASH, Them., Ones To Watch and The FADER, while Ross has toured with Lord Huron, Bahamas and Helena Deland and performed at festivals across North America.

In 2022, Ross received the inaugural John Prine Songwriter Fellowship at the Newport Folk Festival. They were also nominated for Alternative Album of the Year at the 2024 Juno Awards.

Ross has amassed more than 450 million streams across their catalogue and returned in 2026 with the emotionally charged single “Grieving,” the first release from an upcoming album produced by Rostam, known for his work with Vampire Weekend and other artists.

Follow them at https://leithross.com/.