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Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Website: www.facebook.com
Sounds Like: Joss Stone, Eva Cassidy, Sara Barielles, Amy Winehouse
Genre: Pop
Leah Ashton is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, performer, and songwriter with Midwestern roots. Influenced by the likes of Carole King, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Ella Fitzgerald, Norah Jones, Lake Street Dive, Fiona Apple, Sharon Jones, and Sara Bareilles, her music infuses vintage singer-songwriter vibes with lots of soul and the occasional sprinkle of funk, blues, and jazz.
Leah grew up in Akron, Ohio and later attended college at Anderson University in central Indiana. While there, she released a self-titled EP as an Orangehaus Records artist in 2007, followed by a second, independently released EP titled Things Better Left Unsaid in 2010.
Leah moved to Los Angeles in late 2010 and has spent the last decade performing on stages such as the Hollywood Bowl, the Dolby Theater, the Ford Amphitheater, and the Troubadour, at events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the American Icon Awards, and providing vocals for artists like Andy Grammer, Matoma, Tommy Walker, Scout Willis, Jackie Cruz and more.
Recently, Leah made a return to the studio to record original material. The first new single, “Not Backing Down,” was written as a reflection of her time living the musician’s hustle and grind in LA. But in the midst of the madness of the year 2020, the song took on a whole new meaning: empowering listeners to hold on to hope in these challenging times. This single, released October 2020, is the first of new music that will continue to be released throughout the next year, available on all streaming platforms.
“Leah Ashton, an Anderson University alum, wants the public to hear her latest musical venture.
On Tuesday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Reardon Auditorium lobby on the AU campus, she will play tunes from her new, six-song CD, “Things Better Left Unsaid.”
The release, she said, is more bluesy and more edgy than her 2007 self-titled five-song disc.
“My first CD focused on my own thoughts, self, life,” said Ashton, 23.
“But my second CD focuses more on relationships, another person and my perspective.”
Her first CD was released by Orangehaus records at Anderson University.
Her songs have played on WQME radio frequently. Matt Rust, program director of WQME, enjoys both playing and listening to her music.
“I can’t wait to hear Leah’s new album. She’s amazing! So much talent … and it’s different. She’s fresh and new, not a copy of someone else. Our listeners love her music,” said Rust…”
Kim Ousley - The Hearld Bulletin
“Orangehaus Records hosted a musically diverse concert July 16 as part of their music business camp at Anderson University. The night featured Orangehaus artists Ja’Mar and Leah Ashton as well as AU alumnus Dave Elwert...”
Brittney Anderson - NUVO.net
“Anderson University opens its newest theatrical season this weekend with a children’s show that should appeal to older generations as well.
After all, with source material as fun and timeless as the Dr. Seuss books, it would take a true Grinch to watch “Seussical” and not crack a smile...”
Barrett Newkirk - The Herald Bulletin
“Anderson University’s in-house record label will release the debut album of its latest artist on Tuesday.
Leah Ashton’s self-titled album is the latest offering from Orangehaus Records, the same label that in 2004 launched Jon McLaughlin’s recording career...
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Barrett Newkirk - The Herald Bulletin
