SONIA LEIGH

by Sonia Leigh Rolling
(Atlanta, GA USA)

SONIA LEIGH

Biography

"Sonia Leigh... a 100lb sack of dynamite whose songs explode with a voice that is equal parts pain and pleasure." Brad Evans, Publisher of Georgia Music Magazine

Sonia Leigh is a singer/songwriter hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. With gritty vocals and poetically compelling lyrics, Sonia's music grabs listeners by their heartstrings and leads them on an intoxicating ride into a glorious Georgia sunrise.

Sonia Leigh brings an electrifying excitement to the stage with her unbridled passion and rebellious charm. Unlike so many other performers, Sonia easily and immediately establishes a bond with her audience by the sincerity of her haunting voice, soulful lyrics, excellent musicianship and sultry appearance. Although Sonia stands only 5'4'', her powerful stage presence belies her petite stature.

Sonia Leigh's roots are in country music (her grandfather was a musician and songwriter) but she soon discovered Blues and Rock and Roll from her father listening to her father sing and play the guitar. As a toddler, Sonia banged away on his guitar. By the age of 10, her father taught her chords and strumming techniques. Sonia was drawn to artists from various musical backgrounds, including Lightning Hopkins, Brownie McGhee, Janis Joplin, Nirvana, Hole, Melissa Etheridge, and Bruce Springsteen.
This musical upbringing serves as the foundation what has become the unique sound of Sonia Leigh.

Sonia Leigh has written a diverse selection of music over the years. Her first song was recorded at he age of 14. A family friend asked Sonia to write a song and when he heard it immediately set up a recording session at Benchmark Studio in Atlanta. An Electra records representative heard the demo and offered to help Sonia develop her career. After completing high school, Sonia Leigh worked with a UK producer through her Elektra connection. By the age of 21, Sonia recorded two albums (Remember Me recorded in 1998 and Laundry recorded in 2000). Sonia has performed all over the Southeast as a solo artist, as headliner and supporting acts including Randall Bramlett, Soul Miner's Daughter, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Nettle's, lead singer of country band Sugarland, and the Zac Brown Band.

Sonia Leigh expanded her musical landscape as a founding member of the band, Butterfly Stitch in 2004. This "side project" represents a collaboration of Sonia and two other talented artists, Jen Lowe (percussionist who has toured with Jason Mraz, Tea Leaf Green, Tristan Prettyman, and Ben Taylor) and vocalist Vanessa Olivarez (American Idol Finalist Season 2 and member of the band South 70). Butterfly Stitch has gained a following in and outside of Atlanta.

In 2007, Sonia Leigh released her newest studio effort, Run or Surrender, and continues to tour.

Some of Sonia Leigh's other recognitions include:

Winner of Two Awards in Georgia Music Industry Association Songwriting Showcase Competition in 1997
One of Top finalists in the Eddie's Attic Annual Singer/ Songwriter Shoot-out Competition in Decautur, Georgia, June 2006; Winner of the Emergenza Acoustic Hero Competition Audience Award by Unanimous Vote, June 2006 songwriter competition); Two original Sonia Leigh songs have been featured in two different independent films.

Highlights of Sonia Leigh's performances during the last 12 months include:
Winter NAMM Show '07 January 2007
Gimme 3 Days Cruise January 2007
The Devil Stole the Beat BMI/ASCAP Showcase February 2007
Dogwood Festival April 2007
Georgia Music Hall of Fame Live at Five Concert Series April 2007
BMI Showcase 8 off 8th Showcase May 2007
99x headliner at the unplugged in the park sunday june 3rd 2007
live in studio performance on 99x june 3rd 2007
the hotel cafe Los Angeles California
the atlanta motor speedway ride n rock saturday may 26th 2007
City Stages Music Festival June 2006
NAMM Show '06, July 2006
99X (WNNX) Unplugged in the Park June 2006
99X (WNNX) Unplugged in the Park Grand Finale, October 2006
BRAGGJAM Festival, October 2006
Radio Play
Run or Surrender tracks with radio play:
99X fm WNNX Everything Alternative, Atlanta, Georgia
89.3 fm WRFG Radio Free Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia
88.5 fm WRAS Album 88, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
93.9 fm WNYC Public Radio Soundcheck, New York, New York


PRESS
Brad Evans, Publisher of Georgia Music Magazine
"Sonia Leigh is a 100lb sack of dynamite whose so...
"Sonia Leigh is a 100lb sack of dynamite whose songs explode with a voice that is equal parts pain and pleasure."

Mike Kraft, Mammoth Press
"Sonia Leigh's stage presence is amazing, her voice is amazing, and her music is inspirational. This girl is the best folk/rock artist in Hotlanta. Sonia Leigh is at the top of the list of Best Emerging Artist of 2006."

Q & A

What do you think is the most over used word? " LIKE" in every other word of a sentence

Pet? CAT, SYLVIA

Favorite Vacation? I went to Spain for 3 weeks and toured around when I was 21...

Favorite Book? Ruby Fruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown
Black Spring by: Henry Miller

Favorite Movie? JACKIE BROWN and NATIONAL LAMPOONS CHRISTMAS VACATION

Favorite Quote?

"But on you will go
though the weather be foul
On you will go
though your enemies prowl
On you will go
though the Hakken-Kraks howl
Onward up many
a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore
and your sneakers may leak."

Oh, the Places You'll Go! Dr. Seuss

Top Musical influence? My father and my Grand father, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, Bright Eyes, Melanie, early, early Melissa Etheridge and all the musicians I have met and played with along the way...


* CONTACT *

Leslie Fram, VP A&R/Talent Development
JustWest Entertainment, Inc.
Atlanta, GA
p. (404) 261-5537
c. (404) 825-4685

Lanny West, President/CEO
JustWest Entertainment, Inc.
Atlanta, GA
p. (404) 261-5537
c. (404) 229-9382