Tristan Konkle

Performance sits at the centre of Tristan Konkle’s musical identity, though it has never told the whole story. Raised in Peterborough, the self-produced multi-instrumentalist and songwriter was drawn early to the architects of late-20th-century pop, pairing energetic performances with a deep commitment to the craft behind the songs. Since picking up a guitar at twelve, Konkle has built a rich catalogue through years of patient writing and live refinement at hometown venues like Jethro’s Bar + Stage, Sadleir House, and the Pig’s Ear Tavern, developing a reputation for sharp songwriting and magnetic live shows.

Alongside his work as a performer, Konkle has become an active studio collaborator within the Peterborough music community. In the latter half of 2025, he produced a handful of songs for indie-folk band VANCAMP and also co-produced a full-length album by Edmonton songwriter Ellie Heath alongside acclaimed Canadian producer Hawksley Workman, scheduled for release in mid-2026. Now releasing music under his own name for the first time since fronting the band Tapes In Motion, Konkle blends modern indie pop with a vintage personality, guided by thoughtful production and a sharp pop sensibility.

You can enjoy Tristan Konkle’s new song “Killing Time” HERE and a recent meet-and-greet interview by The Pulse HERE.

ABOUT the PFF EMERGING ARTIST Award

Peterborough Folk Festival believes in investing in young and emerging local performers to encourage and support their careers. To that end, PFF created an annual award in 2001 to recognize emerging local talent that we think deserves the attention and support of the community. Judging by the careers of the past recipients, the PFF Emerging Artist Award is a step on the road to a life-long career in music.

Recipients of the PFF Emerging Artist Award are given showcase performance spots at the festival and receive a trip to the Folk Music Ontario Conference, where they have the opportunity to interact with many people from the music industry including artistic directors, agents, promoters and other musicians.

We are very honoured that beginning in 2025, two community partners have come on board to enhance the PFF Emerging Artist Award. The Peterborough Musicians Benevolent Association (PMBA) presented the 2025 and 2026 PFF Emerging Artists, Jeanne Truax and Tristan Konkle, with the $1,000 PMBA Lynn Morris Memorial Award. The PMBA created the award to honour the legacy of Lynn Morris, a passionate supporter of local musicians, and support local emerging artists. In addition, Electric Alchemy Recording contributes to the award by providing professional studio support to help emerging artists continue developing their music with the recording and production of a single.

The Emerging Artist Award recipient is selected by a committee who assess applicants on skill, dedication and artistic merit. Applicants may be solo artists, groups or bands and must live in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, including Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations, and either be under the age of 30 or could otherwise be considered emerging (e.g., starting a musical career after pursuing other matters like education, work or family). The award recognizes and supports artists who demonstrate artistic merit and are really making a go of a musical career - e.g., regularly writing, recording, performing and touring.

Award Recipients: