By: Sindy
Sindy::Hi, Leah, can you tell me how you got into music?
Leah: I always knew that I wanted to be a singer but I wasn’t sure how so I started by getting a vocal coach when I was twelve years old. Actually I was lucky enough to get one of the best vocal coaches in Canada—her name’s Elaine Overholt. (Elaine taught vocals to Lindsay Lohan, Renee Zellweger, etc.).
Sindy:: You have your first album coming out, right?
Leah: I do, it’s coming out this summer. It’s called Storybook because it’s a compilation of stories from my life. I co-wrote each song on the album so each song is something I’ve gone through.
Sindy:: I like the single, Imaginary Boyfriend a lot. What’s the idea behind that song?
Leah:: Oh cool, I’m glad you liked it! You can look at it however you want to, but for me the song’s kind of about having a crush on somebody who’s unattainable or someone you can’t be with but you wish you could. You know—someone you can’t be with but you still dream about.
Sindy:: Cool! Who would you say are your influences?
Leah: Well, I come from a really musical background. My parents listened to a lot of rock music—my first concert was a Black Sabbath reunion tour when I was thirteen years old. My parents weren’t crazy about R&B or pop music so I had to find it on my own but the first R&B group I listened to was TLC and after that I was addicted. Then I found Mariah Carey, Brandy, Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain, there were a ton—I really like female artists.
Sindy:: Yeah, I saw that you worked on that movie with Jojo.
Leah: I did! It’s called True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet and it was awesome to work with her because I’m such a big fan—her voice is incredible.
Sindy:: So you act too?
Leah:I do, yeah. Acting was actually the first thing I got into—I got into show business when I was five years old and I’ve done it ever since.
Sindy:: And you just moved to New York—what’s your favourite part of the city?
Leah: I feel like the people are so friendly—I’ve been lost a million times and people always help me. The museums are awesome, Central Park is amazing—I like to go skating there and I love window shopping in Soho.
Sindy:: Are there plans for a tour?
Leah:: We’ll have a better idea after the single gets released at the end of February but yeah, I’d love to do a tour. We’ll let you guys know!
Sindy:: Awesome. Do you have any tips for aspiring singers?
Leah:: I know people say it all the time but my mom always told me not to give up. It really is a very difficult industry and to achieve your dream you have to keep going for it and do whatever you can—meet as many people in the music industry as you can, do demos, get vocal lessons. Coaches always know producers and people in the industry that they can introduce you to. Just keep going for it!
Sindy:: Great advice. Thanks so much, Leah!
Leah:: Thanks, Sindy!
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