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“I’m not working off of gimmicks, I’m working off of real life,” Lee Anna James says about her debut EP, The Hard Truth – a sentiment that helps define what makes it one of the most refreshing releases of the year.

This Nashville singer/songwriter has built a loyal fan base with her intimate lyrics and soulful live performances, and with songs like “Every Little Lie,” “Different Color,” and the title track, The Hard Truth is driven by an authenticity not found in many new artists.

“With this batch of songs I was trying to build a foundation on being honest and organic, so that it’s timeless music,” she says. “With my favorite artists – Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt – it’s not about their branding, it’s about their music, their character, and standing the test of time. So what I try to do is relate to my audience the way I want artists to speak to me, just being real.”

Backed by talent old and new, The Hard Truth also features a number of top Nashville musicians, including Kyle Cook (guitarist for Matchbox Twenty), Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman, and Dave Santos (touring bassist for John Fogerty, Billy Joel), as well as keyboardist Jon Coleman, and multi-instrumentalist and co-writer Mike Fiorentino.

“I have this mind-blowing band supporting me, and they’ve added so much color to the lyrics,” she says. “I was in awe of being around these amazing players, and seeing people at the top of their game helping bring my music to life. It was a real collective effort, and I’ve never been so inspired by the process of making music.”

As Lee Anna’s fans will assure you, the album is only half the story¬, and she’s excited about spending the rest of 2009 touring in support of The Hard Truth. Her passion for her work thrives on stage, with Lee Anna’s warm presence and connection with her audience complimenting the honesty of the songwriting.

“I try to be in touch with the crowd, and my live experience is like you’re hanging out with me and my friends at home,” she says. “We’ve had such a great response to these songs already, and the support I get from fans is what’s really reinforced everything I do.”

“I think with The Hard Truth and this tour we’re creating music that connects with audiences on a more personal level. I feel we could go anywhere from here – I’ve never been better, the band has never been better, and we’re on our way to connecting with even more people, and growing as artists.”

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