Leigh Sutherland
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Leigh Sutherland

Perth, Western Australia, Australia | SELF

Perth, Western Australia, Australia | SELF
Band Pop Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"iTunes Recent Customer Reviews"

Delightful change of pace

I first ran into this album on Jango and was instantly in love with it. The sound and style is something familiar yet unique and fresh that grabs your attention right off the bat. I've been eagerly looking forward to the release of this EP since I first heard it and would highly recommend it.

- Sir_psycho_sexy


"Abel Tasman Inspires Returning Muso"


Abel Tasman Inspires Returning Muso.


Mapua born and raised musician Leigh Sutherland has returned to our region for the summer, and gained renewed inspiration from his old stomping ground. Many readers will remember the popular local rock band Anaham, of which Leigh was the drummer for 16 years. Now that Anaham are taking some time out, Leigh is exploring a solo music venture from his over seas base of Perth, Western Australia (WA).

This latest visit home, in particular to the Abel Tasman National Park, dealt Leigh some serious inspiration. While returning to his work as a guide for The Sea Kayak Company, he was struck by the significance of an exposed stretch of the park's coastline, The Mad Mile.

"It can be a real struggle to paddle the whole Mad Mile," says Leigh. "It would be easy to just turn back and hide round the corner where it's still calm. Or you can push on through the tough part, and get round the corner where it's new and exciting. You can either pull out, or charge on."

The metaphorical significance saw Leigh putting pen to paper. His next single will be a tribute The Mad Mile, and will feature on the debut EP he is currently recording.

Leigh attended Motueka High School from 1996 - 2000. Anaham, also then known as DC5, represented Motueka High School each of these years at Rock Quest. At various stages the band won best original song, came third over all, and were the youngest musicians ever to compete, at 12 years old.

Although a drummer at heart, Leigh has also proven quite nifty on guitar, bass, piano, is learning the didgeridoo, and can really sing. Leigh records each of the above instruments one at a time, before they are layered together to form a song.

"Ever since I was young I played a whole range of instruments. I had a basic recording set up; a little 8-track mini-disc thing that I borrowed from a friend. I really enjoyed laying down little two-minute jams and beats. So what I'm doing now is a few steps up from that!"

Those 'few steps up' are more like leaps: Leigh records at the highly regarded Cornucopia Studios in Fremantle, near Perth. Cornucopia Sound Engineer Damian Summers has worked with successful WA artists such as John Butler. Leigh has already gained radio play in Perth, and in Canada, and has done a few live interviews.

As for what its like to step out from behind the drums: "Its so nice because I always thought I had it in me to be doing it. Its great to be able to create something the way I have envisioned it."

Leigh will soon return to Perth to continue recording his EP. "My work is over seas at the moment, but this will always be home. I can't always be in my favourite place, but I can at least be writing music about it!"

Leigh Sutherland's debut EP is due for release mid 2009. Visit www.myspace.com/leighsutherland

Words and photo by Monique Richards


- The Guardian


Discography

- Something Missing Released 20/7/12
- Natures Stage EP Released 16/11/09
- Braided Released 15/8/09
- Changes Released 15/03/09
- At the edge Released 02/12/08
- Tides Released 14/10/08

Photos

Bio

Leigh Sutherland
Song Writer / Musician

“I immediately recognized Leigh as a highly skilled musician. Since getting to know him on a professional basis I have been astonished to witness Leigh’s consummate musicality. There seem to be very few instruments Leigh can’t play and with a degree of competence that allows the full extent of his creativity to flow.”
- Peter Jones, Partner, Kisamar Promotions, NZ

Leigh Sutherland is a Perth-based singer/songwriter, originally hailing from the South Island of New Zealand. Leigh produces a true rock sound, layering electric and acoustic guitars, bass and piano, all driven along by thumping, expressive drumming. His songs are influenced by his own life experiences, observations, nature, and his passion for adventure tourism.

Leigh has been a musician in some form or another since the age of nine, when he first took hold of a pair of drumsticks. Before relocating to Australia, Leigh spent sixteen years as the drummer for New Zealand rock band Anaham, who formed at primary school from a group of friends discovering their love for music. Anaham toured New Zealand and went on to gain strong reviews in Rip It Up and Real Groove magazines, as well as playing a Big Day Out in 2006 and supporting the likes of Shihad, Blind Spot, and King Kapisi.

In 2009 Leigh released his debut solo EP Nature’s Stage, which was recorded at Perth studio Cornucopia Productions with sound engineer Damian Summers. Leigh performed every instrument on the EP including guitar, bass, piano, drums, and vocals.