Feel The Heartbeat of Leslie Christian Country Music’s Rising Star
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010
By Camillia Harris.
Please join me in welcoming, Atlanta’s own country music artist, Leslie Christian.
Leslie is country music’s latest Black female vocalist.
Leslie comes from a family of vocalists, which are her biggest supporters. Her mother and father initially met singing for various bands. So it doesn’t surprise you where Leslie’s musical talents derived from. She has been singing all her life. Leslie states that she always participated in talent shows and was always singing background for her sister in shows. A greater focus developed for country music in the last ten years. Leslie conveys that she listens to all types of music. In country music, some of her biggest influences are Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, and Sara Evans.
She talks about how at first her family couldn’t understand her love for singing country music but her desire, perseverance and phenomenal soulful voice, gave them great clarity on why it fits her and why rising to the top in country music could be her ultimate destination. Originally from Shelby, North Carolina, Leslie has made great things happen since she migrated to Georgia in 1994.
Leslie has been up and down the road to Nashville, Tennessee, which of course, is known as a major hub for country music. Leslie is recording her album with well known country music producer, Gordon Mote. Gordon produces Christian music and is a country music’s icon. Leslie wants to follow any direction he gives. Not only does Gordon believe in her, but his wisdom, guidance, experience, talent and display of will power over life’s adversities as a blind man who consistently strives for success, completes the formula for her success in singing.
Most of her recordings are within major studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Her authentic sound and tracks were recorded in the Tracking Room, a famous recording studio in Nashville, and her vocal recordings were done at another famous studio called, Beech Creek Studios out of Nashville as well. Beech Creek is highly known for their producing of children’s Christian music.
As I sat across from Leslie and one of her managers, Jason Freeman, I was trying to visualize the hard work and dedication that was described by their words. The working relationship is admirable and one to be remembered and none the less, respected.
The most intriguing part of this interview was when Mr. Freeman spoke of her talent. His belief in her appeared very heartfelt and genuine. I said to them, “There is nothing better than having someone believe in you more than you believe in yourself, especially when you have already set the standard high for your own beliefs and success.”
While interviewing I noticed that Leslie’s remarkable talent in music is magnified by her a great skill in writing. Leslie acknowledges that writing is her passion, and she wants to write for all genres of music. She currently writes songs with Adrian Porter, b.k.a. “AP”. Leslie wrote all the songs of her album, My Life is a Country Song, which is a bird’s eye view about her family. Leslie states that she loves to write music that people can relate to in all walks of life. However, she has mentioned that all the songs written are similar experiences of her personal life.
While speaking with Leslie and her manager Jason we are finding out that one of their many goals is that they want Atlantans to get behind them on this musical ride. She wants to have the support from the city she calls home. Jason states, “I want Leslie to be recognized as a successful black female country artist. There is no studio magic in her voice. All her tracking sessions are authentic.” He along with Leslie says that she wants to be remembered, with hopes of her music granting access to becoming an icon in the genre.
Leslie mentions that she just finished a phenomenal photo shoot in Colorado on a 200 year old farm in the Colorado Mountains. Former Playboy Playmate, “Hope Marie Carlton” directed the entire shoot. Hope did everything, from fabulous hair and make-up, to being her personal stylist while on set.
While interviewing and capturing the beauty, talent, and drive of this young lady, definitely of my own opinion, “Leslie has it together”. Leslie did this entire album with all her hard earned money. She paid for everything. She writes her music with no melodies. She has a gift of her own. She mandates the continuance of writing good songs because, she says, “good songs are never outdated”. Years from now she wants her songs to be like those of Michael Jackson, and various other artist, that no matter what century it is, the song will be played and it will still blast the airwaves and move you like no other. Jason expresses the opinion that what he finds so unbelievable about Leslie, is that not only is her voice pure and confident but also so at ease. He says, he took his already elevated belief in Leslie to another level, when she recorded her vocals while having major voice complications. “Her music flows regardless”, goes Jason.
With several interviews under her belt, recently recording with Sara Evans, being a guest on Obnoxious TV here in Atlanta, video snippets on Facebook, and more prominent projects to look forward to, there is no stopping now. Leslie’s goal is to sell the album and become one of Atlanta’s newest unforgettable faces and voices to music. Her video snippets on Facebook include songs such as, “Hit the Road Jack”, “You Don’t Love Me” and “She Ain’t Half The Woman I Am.” Stay tuned for Leslie’s phenomenal debut and information on her upcoming listening party. Download her on iTunes, and feel the vibe of her unique style for writing songs. You can follow her and become fans on Facebook as well. Leslie states, “It’s not about selling the most records, I do it because of my love for music”. Leslie believes that her heart will always be in country music. With a completed product, the backings of Gordon, along with Ben Fowler a well known mixing engineer out of Nashville, and her managers Jason Freeman and her father, Leslie is sure to break some hearts.
While reaching for attainable goals and consistently displaying vocals that are sure to send a chill through your bones, Leslie’s intentions are to make a lot of noise.
Good ole country noise that is!
Stay Tuned for more on Leslie Christian.
Contact info: free43@bellsouth.net
www.facebook.com/LeslieChristianMusic
Tags: Atlanta, Camillia Harris, county music, music
More articles by Camillia Harris
What’s up world! It’s ya man AP. Let me just say that Leslie is one of God’s true blessings and gifts to this world!!! I have worked with many artist and writer and she is one of the best ever!!!!! Leslie is gonna make this whole world smile. I love her and her art!!!
Leslie’s voice is pure and clear! I sing with her sporadically and often times I just stop to listen to her! Her phrasing and approach to standards and originals is classic. Her voice is her instrument and she is a talented and hard working musician!! In Jazz, people say Ella…and you know who that is! In Pop, people say Celine…and you know who that is! Soon, in Country, people will say Leslie….and you’ll KNOW! Trust me…YOU’LL KNOW!!
Wow, this young lady is really making a name for herself…I have followed her for a while now and love to listen to her voice. She is amazing.
May God Bless you
I thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity. It was a pleasure and I look forward to the album release, and many more interviews to come.
Wow! This a great story, Camillia Harris. You really did an awesome job bringing Leslie’s’ story to the forefront of Atlanta’s entertainment industry. The interview with you and Leslie was extremely pleasurable.
We will definitely be in touch with you soon when Leslie’s album is released. Thank you so very much!