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Leon Marshall is a Harrogate-based solo singer-songwriter. His debut EP, ‘Feel The Rain’, was released in June 2017 and Leon has gone on to release a series of singles: ‘Chainsmoking’ ‘Better Man’ ‘Hold On’ & ‘One Step at a Time’, his most recent single ‘Going Nowhere’ was released earlier this year. Here’s an introduction to the music of Leon Marshall…
How long have you been performing?
I’ve been performing regularly, writing, and recording for the last 4 years or so.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
My first gig was at a local Folk Club, I was about 16, I played one of my songs ‘Don’t Be A Stranger’ (which I then later put on my EP ‘Feel The Rain’) and the whole crowd started singing with me from the second chorus, it got me completely hooked.
What should people expect when they check you out? How would you describe yourself?
I’ve got a Country-pop sort of sound; I’ve recently been described as Dr. Hook meets Jamie Lawson…and yeah, I’ll take that!
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
I think the most important thing is to have your own style, not to be afraid to have your own style and to have confidence in your abilities.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
I’ve just released my latest single “Going Nowhere” it’s got an upbeat, feel-good kind of vibe to it, it’s about an old flame who came back into my life wanting to get back together…have a listen!
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
I’d love to open for the Barenaked Ladies, I’ve been besotted with them for a while, I love their sound.
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
There’s a local band FuturePeople who released their debut single back in August, they’ve got a really fresh sound and great attitude, I think they’ll do well.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
The “I want to do that” moment was when I was about 6, watching an Elvis Presley special on Stars In Their Eyes, back in the day! I wanted to go on as Elvis, and so I started learning the guitar. It was probably amplified after the first time I watched Elvis’ ’68 Comeback Special that we had on VHS.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
It’s not as easy as it sounds to go to a gig as a fan when you’re a musician yourself! I’ll sometimes head down to my local Blues Bar where there’s live music every night and catch some of the sessions there by different artists, it’s a great atmosphere, and they do a really cool jam night.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
I like to listen to an Opera Classics playlist, but only if there’s no one else in the house…apparently, nobody wants to hear me singing along to Lakmé!
What are your plans for 2021?
I’ve just finished some studio time, so I’m looking forward to sharing a few new tracks with everyone soon, and then just keep writing and playing (and trying to get better at writing and playing!) Then hopefully soon I’ll be getting back on stage in front of big crowds again!
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I’m probably not as active as some others, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing…I’m not gonna clog up your feed!
