Leah Daniels Interview – Canadian country music singer songwriter Leah Daniels talks about her debut album What It Feels Like. Interview October 30, 2015.
Leah Daniels Interview
– What’s new in the world of Leah Daniels?
I just released my new album “What It Feels Like” and have a brand new single at radio “Old Piano”. It’s exciting and a little scary finally releasing these songs that I’ve been working on for a long time but I’m so ready!
– How was it recording your debut album What It Feels Like?
It was amazing. I worked with a lot of different writers and producers and also co-produced a couple tracks, which was a great experience. I like to be involved in the recording process as much as I can. I love watching the songs grow and develop from a demo to a fully produced song. It’s amazing how the Internet has changed the way records are made. There were times when I would record vocals and send them to my producer who was on the road touring.
– Must be an awesome feeling when your singles do so well. Certainly making great music videos must help. What’s your take on making music videos?
Having “Go Back” reach top 20 at radio was an amazing feeling. We made sure we had a lyric video and an official video for that song. I love creating videos. I built up a lot of my initial fan base through YouTube and learning how to edit & shoot video was really important. I work closely with director Tim Deegan on a lot of my video projects. We collaborate ideas and I’m very much a part of finding locations and the editing process. I love being creative visually as well as musically and it’s really rewarding to see the song come to life.
– When writing a song, is there such a thing as investing too much time?
I don’t think so. For me I think the hardest part is knowing when you are done a song especially in the final mixing process. I find myself going back and forth changing tiny things and there comes a point when I have to say to myself, “Leah that’s enough, this is the song at this moment in time!”
– Do you have any tour dates in the near future?
I am heading to Vancouver in November to start a promo tour for the new album in Western Canada. We will be visiting BC, Alberta & Saskatchewan!
– How would you describe a day in your life on a weekend?
On a show day: Wake up, shower, do make up & hair, take way too long packing my things & merch into the car. Answer emails & social media on the drive (while my tour manager drives of course!) Sound check. Radio interview. Find food. Play a show. Meet with fans! Drive home.
– What would we be surprised to find in your music collection at home?
A bunch of Broadway musical sound tracks! Growing up I did a lot of musical theater. Some of my favs are West Side Story, The Last Five Years, & My Fair Lady.
– Could you describe some of your earliest influences in life and in music?
I’ve had some great teachers over the years who have really shaped who I am. I remember my 1st music teacher playing the piano and singing songs for the class. I thought that was pretty amazing and I wanted to be exactly like her! I begged my parents to enroll me in piano lessons and they did. :) My Grandpa was another influence. He was always singing and playing guitar at family get togethers and encouraging me to sing. He liked old country western music — Hank Williams & Wilf Carter. It was through him that I was introduced to country music.
– Which notable musicians have you played with throughout the years?
Well I had the opportunity to write with Dan Hill (singer/songwriter – Sometimes When We Touch) & Gavin Brown (Producer – Barenaked Ladies, Three Days Grace) on the song “Take Me Outta the City” for this album. I was pretty nervous for that session because I respect and admire their work so much. The three coming from such different backgrounds was a great combination and I’m really proud of the song we came out with.
– Any words of wisdom for your fans?
If you want something go for it 110%. Live it, believe it and don’t quit. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish! And never mind the naysayers… you can’t please everyone; just do what’s right for you!