Ever call 3-1-1 and wonder who picks the music you listen to while on hold? Ever wish you could listen to it some more? Look no further than the 2023 Music on Hold playlist! When you call the City, your ears will be graced with songs from 35 local musicians of various backgrounds and genres while on hold.
Each year, the City invites local artists to submit their tracks to be showcased on the Music on Hold playlist. This year, over 140 submissions were received and reviewed by a committee of musicians and industry professionals who selected 35 songs for this year’s program.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to call in to listen to the Music on Hold playlist. Visit ottawa.ca/ottmusic, turn up your speakers (or headphones) and enjoy the music – anytime, anywhere!
This year’s chosen artists are:
- Akeem Oh
- Amanda Lowe
- Céleste Lévis
- Cheng² Duo
- Country Club Pool Boy
- Dan Petti
- Danielle Allard
- East Coast Experience
- Empress Nyiringango
- Graham Lindsey
- Hemlock Hotel
- ISØBEL
- J Morris
- Jessica Pearson and the East Wind
- Jessie Simmons
- Joey Maze
- Kristine St-Pierre
- Le Diable à Cinq
- Charles Cleyn
- Kathryn Patricia Cobbler
- Marc-Antoine Joly
- Mélissa Vales
- Mimi O'Bonsawin
- Moonfruits
- OK Naledi
- Orchidae
- Pony Girl
- Shaemara x Rise Ashen
- Sophie D'Orléans
- summersets
- Tara Shannon
- The Chantal Hackett Band
- Theland and Rise
- memyself&vi
- "Tiger" Will Mason
Since Music on Hold began in 2015, the City of Ottawa has received more than 800 submissions and has showcased 229 local musicians. Applications for the program open early in the year. Be sure to keep an eye on ottawa.ca/ottmusic to be in-the-know for the application launch in 2024. It is a wonderful opportunity for local artists to share their music with a new audience.