It’s Iona Leigh’s voice – gorgeous and ethereal, dazzling in its command and elegance, which envelopes the listener in its luminous glow. The London based twenty-four year old singer/songwriter could best be described as an unusual and exciting combination of Seth Lakeman's addictive rhythms, Sheila Chandra’s stunning vocals and The Waifs’ textured harmonies. However, when she sings, it is with a striking individuality and beauty that heralds her arrival as a significant new artist.

Born in Sydney, Australia, Iona moved to the small fishing village of Findhorn in Scotland when she was 8. Music was woven into the fabric of her life in Findhorn with various traveling musicians playing in her local hall. Iona went on to study popular music at Perth College, where she received a diploma, before attending London’s leading Pop Music School Vocaltech, where she gained a first class popular music performance honors degree.

Iona’s songwriting process is a fascinating one: “I do a lot research,” she explains. “I’m finding books with the lyrics to old folk songs in them, often re-writing the stories, and then arranging them to my own, new musical ideas. It’s incredible to see how timeless the lyrics and themes are – old songs talk about love, work, stress … it’s really just like pop music! But I love how these things are presented more poetically, and it’s not so in-your-face. I find beauty in the subtlety of it.”

Iona upcoming album draws upon her myriad experience as a songwriter and vocal interpreter, to expand upon her vision of what is possible for a folk and pop combination. She is eager to tour the UK and to create a fan-base by reaching people one at a time, playing in front of anyone who’s open to listen. Given her talent and vision, it is incredible to imagine what is possible for this young and beautiful artist, possessing a voice that leaves a chill up your spine and one that can only be described as utterly magical.

 

For a more extensive biography,  read more here