from a time when wolves roamed wild Caledonia . . .

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 (Australian born and Scottish raised) singer/songwriter, could best be described as an unusual and exciting combination of Seth Lakeman's foot-stomping rhythms, Sheila Chandra’s stunning vocals and The Corr's catchy melodies. However, when she sings, it is with a striking individuality and beauty that heralds her arrival as a significant new artist.

Although she has mastered many musical styles she has settled on one that she loves to her core - traditional folk stories with a touch of modern melodies and sprinkle of something that is uniquely Iona. She has an incredible talent for taking traditional material and fusing it with her more contemporary musical influences to create something that is different and fresh. “It’s old but new and I love folklore fairytales combined with ancient lyrics and modern melodies!”

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 as she explains, “Traveling musicians would come from everywhere; America, Africa, all over the UK, and many were traditional musicians. It was amazing.” By 13, she started playing the Scottish Harp, which inspired her to begin writing her own songs. Iona soon began performing at local ceilidhs, concerts, and even outside her corner shop!

At the tender age of 17, Iona left home in search of her musical dream and moved to Perth, Scotland, where she began studying for a diploma in popular music performance. Iona states, “I enjoyed my diploma but knew I needed more of a challenge so I went down to London and auditioned at (the renowned) Vocal Tech. I completed my degree there, with seven vocal teachers; including jazz, rock and pop specialist tutors who all encouraged me to find my own sound.”

Iona’s performance experience began at regular Friday night concerts and ceilidhs at her local Universal Hall, where she had the opportunity to present her latest songs. More recently, Iona has performed as a lead and backing vocalist at some of London’s top music venues including The Playroom, Baker Street, The Rock Garden in Covent Garden, Shepherds Bush Empire, and recently gave her debut solo concert ‘Songs From The Heart’ at the Universal Hall, Findhorn, Scotland.

Since completing her studies, Iona has been on what she terms as a “voyage of discovery.” In early 2007, Iona recorded her self produced, debut album "Spirit" (available via CD Baby and iTunes) with twelve stunning, original tracks that display the vast range of Iona’s influences through the courageous medium of solo piano and voice. More recently, Iona’s background in traditional music has reemerged in the way that she combines traditional stories with contemporary melodies.

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.”

Such subtlety is markedly evident in Iona’s upcoming album, for example, Iona’s adaptation of an eighteenth century Scots ballad “The Girl He Left Behind,” is immediately engaging for the poignant story and warmth in which she sings about a cheeky young man. Iona’s vocals are so engrossing that her songs come to life with vividness that is beyond striking. While her music is cleverly catchy, it washes over the listener with a serenity and peacefulness that is far too rare in the modern pop world.

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.