Iona Leigh
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Iona Leigh

Band Folk Singer/Songwriter

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

The best kept secret in music

Press


"Beautiful"

Excellent female vocal. Lyrics are from the heart. this is definitely honest. Beautiful. - howdy13 from Kingston, Ontario, Canada


"Epic in proportion"

The vocals are amazing. Clean, powerful, beautiful, and soaring.. I can't imagine anything or anyone else sounding any better. The melody is great. It's beautiful and soothing at points yet powerful, catchy, and emotive. The mood is brooding and beautiful. This song is epic in proportion. It swells like an inspired heart and the whole song is just amazing. - Retrowarp from New Monmouth


"Angelic"

Oh, my...who is that singing? It's angelic, yet you can tell she's harnessing a power behind those pipes. I always felt Sarah McLachlan couldn't be topped in the pop genre...but, I may reconsider. Smooooth and chilling at the same time--evokes emotions. - MsPaige from Portland, Oregon


"Ethereal"

Ethereal female singer. Holy Cow, Iona sounds like a blessed cross between Tori Amos and Loreena McKennit. Quite beautiful. A few nice melodic hooks thrown in too... has a little Kate Bush too. Those artist just for comparison, of course, I'd say Iona has a strong enough aesthetic to call it your own. Lead vox are superb for this genre - dwyer222 from San Francisco, California


"Creates a place within the heart"

Well I will start on the lead vocals. I love them. Beautiful and very right in every way for this song. Spot on. The melody is soothing and at the same time engaging with its words that seem deep and meaningful. The mood is set deep and powerful with wonderful played and placed piano rhythm. The production is very good and is mixed close to perfection. Vocals interact just right with everything in the song. Soo beautiful. I definately think the piano was made for the singer and the singer for the piano. They interact seamlessly with beauty and precision that makes this song wonderful and addictive to listen to. [A review of the song 'Ocean' by Iona] - theforevertakeback from New Iberia, Louisiana


Discography

Spirit - 2006 (12 Songs)

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

At age 23, Iona displays all the elements necessary to embrace a rewarding performing and song-writing career. With diversity, raw talent and a rich voice, she delivers an emotional mix, depth and feeling, which we could equate to Kate Bush and Sarah Maclachlan. After listening to the voice of this new, inspirational artist, her music leaves you with a chill up your spine and one can only describe the experience as otherworldly. The roots of this young lass, have been soundly embedded from her upbringing in the Findhorn Community in the north east of Scotland, where Iona's inspiration has been evoked by the wild winds and tumbling waves of the Moray bay and Holy Isle she is named after.

Iona's passion for singing was born out of regular Friday nights at her local Universal Hall, where she had the opportunity to front the 'Blue Angel' Jazz band, and perform backing vocals for Mike Scott and the Waterboys. When considering influences, Iona's musical style has definitely been subject to the Annie Lennox, Joni Mitchell, and a variety of Celtic/Folk musicians. Although open to the diversity of pop, folk and jazz, Iona excels in her delivery of her original Contemporary/Celtic material, and it seems that her alternative upbringing has nurtured the more metaphysical side of her deeply poignant writing. Iona's lyrics often refer to the 'other side', and a connection with spirit and karma, leaving one with an insight into the bigger picture and universal understanding.

Iona began her professional training with a higher national diploma course at the Perth College Music Millenium Centre, part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise. On completion of the diploma, Iona was accepted at Europe’s leading Pop/Rock School ‘Vocaltech’, part of the London College of Music and Media at Thames Valley University where she recently graduated with a first class honors degree.

Iona has performed as a lead and backing vocalist at some of London's top music venues including 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. Iona has also worked as a session singer, recording lead vocals for a folk album and backing vocals on the recently released album by the UK Punk/Hip Hop band 'Weapons'. When asked, what's going to happen next? Iona replies, "I would love to get a publishing deal and ultimately find a balance between performing and writing, nothing short of a marriage made in heaven!"