Leonelle

Leonelle was born in New York City, living at the intersection of 79th and Amsterdam, before moving to a small town outside Columbus, Ohio. Ever since she could remember, her life has centered around music. At the age of 8, Leonelle became the youngest performer of her traveling stage groups and musicals, all while filming her own shows influenced by one of her most significant inspirations—Britney Spears. By the age of 12, Leonelle was writing and recording her own music at a local recording studio in Columbus and training in many forms of dance—from modern and hip-hop, to ballet and jazz. As hip-hop music began entering the pop charts, Leonelle began studying music history across generations and becoming well versed in many different genres. As she was becoming inspired by the likes of Justin Timberlake to 50 Cent, living with her two older brothers meant also getting a taste of The Rolling Stones, Fish and Panic at the Disco.  

In 2010, Leonelle had to make a big decision—go to college in Ohio or take a leap of faith and test her skills in the music industry. LA she went! Today, she wants to touch on her musical memory and intertwine her inspirations and upbringing into her own urban pop music. “Writing music has always played a significant role in my life. Being able to create music as an artist, to share my work, and to welcome people into my life is a beautiful journey I’m grateful I can share with the people I love.” Leonelle sees live performance as a complementary part of her art, allowing her fans additional insight into how she tells her stories. “When I perform, you get me at my rawest form. I am letting you into my life and my emotions...there is a sense of vulnerability and openness, along with a sense of truth and realness I want my fans to see so they may get to know who I really am.” Excited about the journey ahead, “I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to pursue my dreams with passion and without any hesitation.”  

Leonelle’s daily schedule is simple, but by no means easy. When she is not practicing muay thai and weight training, she is perfecting her dance routines in the day and writing new songs at night. “Every day forward must be better than the one before it.” 

Today, Leonelle’s sound is a unique blend of pop and hip-hop, soft tones with some swagger, big drums sprinkled with melodic toplines. “It’s funky, fresh and fierce. It’s a mix of a young woman’s strength with some smooth soul. It’s just me.”While the beats will get you up, Leonelle works to bring a message through each song. “I express what I’ve been through in my music...the evolution of growing up and continuing to become who I am has caused me to overcome many experiences that I never knew was imaginable, much like the inspirational stories that surround me by the people who inspire me everyday. I believe people will feel it and relate to this journey when they listen to my music. I want them to be empowered and to know they are not alone. Most importantly, I want people to accept themselves as who they are.” Leonelle will most certainly steal the show with her soulful voice, unique sound and daring dance moves.  

Leonelle currently resides in Los Angeles with her cat Kuala. Watch out for her in 2014 when the city-born, small town girl hits the LA stage. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, SnapChat and Instagram all at @iamleonelle.