Leah Weller returns with FREEDOM
Unburdened and let loose, Leah Weller uses the springboard of mindfulness, levity and the glowing response to her newest music by releasing the nourishing, swaying soul of her debut album’s title track: Freedom. Embroidered with threads of singing strings, warm blankets of brass and Weller’s own vocals cutting through the wall of sound with crystalline clarity, the single pushes the singer-songwriter one square closer to the release of her first long-player on Fri 21 October 2022 with Modern Sky UK.
Coming of age and finding mindfulness in authored teachings, dissolving the doubts of youth in the warmer waters of adulthood, secure relationships and the newest and most profound love of all – a child – Weller’s happy version of Freedom is unambiguously relatable. The song arrived on the outswing of the singer-songwriter’s twenties, a hectic decade’s strands pulling together in the alternate, head spinning universe of societal shutdown and the forming of new, grown-up paths, each built stronger with the benefit experience.
Reflecting on the irresistible, richly-orchestrated song, she says: “Freedom is one song that developed through lockdown, a time that was so tough for so many people and I feel no nostalgia for. I read a book called ‘Letting Go’ which dealt with being aware of our consciousness, just one of many similar I’ve been inspired by, where authors deal with the idea of us freeing ourselves from our egoic minds. Like then, I still like the idea of this sense of freedom, especially during a lockdown.”
Announcing the release of her first album with the cultured, main stage soul of Wonder at the beginning of August, Freedom’s twelve tracks link arms and form a protective circle around Weller and anyone else unshackled, or looking to break free of the chains of uncertainty. Philosophical, inspired and unafraid, united with the support of producer and key writing collaborator, Steve Craddock, Weller’s self-belief grew during recording sessions that spanned 2020 and 2021 between studios in Surrey and Devon.
From the polished modern soul of the first two singles to jazz-inspired, sun-dappled pop and intimate, country-tinged balladry, the artist’s act of finding personal space and finding supportive co-creators has dug a deep well of artistry ready to be tapped by a growing number of curious listeners. With a life of catwalks, DJ booths, international travel and singing in bars and restaurants, finding confidence in front of the toughest crowds, now fading into the light at the start of the tunnel behind her, Freedom stands as a giant, convincing and courageous leap into the new and the known.
The track listing for Leah Weller’s Freedom, released on limited edition, coloured and standard black vinyl, CD and digital formats, is confirmed as follows:
1.Freedom
2. Wonder
3. Pale Blue Sky
4. Dive In
5. Change
6. Call Me By Your Name
7. Strangers
8. Summer At Last
9. Reason
10. Unity
11. Something Sacred
12. Butterflies
