According to Real Detroit Weekly, Lesley-Anne Graham possesses an "intuitive talent," for singing and "soulful” songwriting. Her musical style is unique; an amalgam of pop and folk style, with catchy melodies supported by her mellow, sweet-sounding vocals. A relative newcomer, Lesley-Anne started her musical career in 2006, playing at open mic venues and local festivals. She has since recorded and produced her first full-length studio album, "Gracious Grey.”
Lesley-Anne grew up in suburban Detroit, the youngest of three children. She spent a lot of time at the family piano figuring out songs by ear and singing with her sister, eventually teaching herself how to play. At 10, she began writing instrumental pieces and performing them at school talent shows and family gatherings.
After graduating from Central Kitsap High School in Silverdale, Washington, Lesley-Anne moved back to Michigan to study music composition at Oakland University in Rochester, only to find herself hindered by her lack of classical technique on her instrument. As a self-taught pianist, she had a difficult time reading the music they wanted her to play to earn her degree. Based on her poor reading skills, she was told to drop out of the program. “I was so embarrassed,” she remembers. “It was horrible to feel like I wasn’t good enough.” Determined to get a music degree, she switched to the flute, a middle school throwback, and graduated in 2004 with a BA in Music.
It was during her freshman year at Oakland that she first heard vocalist Natalie Maines, lead singer of the country bluegrass group the Dixie Chicks. “I was captivated by the sound of her voice,” she remembers. “I bought their album and sang with it over and over.” One day, a friend heard her singing and complimented her on her voice. “I never even thought about singing; it was just something I liked to do. I didn’t think my voice was that good at all!”
Shortly afterward, on a whim, she bought a guitar. She taught herself a few chords, and began writing songs almost immediately. With the advent of the guitar came words. “I had never written songs with lyrics before, but whenever I played that guitar, words would start running through my head.” She sang her songs for friends who then encouraged her to play out at local venues.
Lesley-Anne's music has been featured in the Michigan Folk Live podcast and the local television show "Spit 'N", and she has performed at the Detroit Opera House, the Emerald Theatre, Red Comma Café Concert Series, the Arts, Beats, and Eats festival, and the Buxton Homecoming Celebration in North Buxton, Ontario, to name a few. Her songwriting ranges from simple love songs to the sulky indie folk-rock heard in “Eviction” ("It's too bad she won't understand/You love with tricks and sleight of hand/You'll leave the stage and take your bow/She'll wish she knew what I know now"). She started indie label Gracious Grey Records in 2006, and is in the process of writing her second studio album. When she isn’t playing or writing music, she works as an EMT in Detroit in addition to teaching guitar and vocal lessons in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
All lyrics and recordings property of Lesley-Anne Graham and Gracious Grey Records Inc., copyright 2009
You know I loved it! "Gone now" is still my favorite of your songs. I'm excited to hear the new stuff! I've been in the studio lately as well. Can't wait to send you something!
OMG NO!! DD: Roeper won't be the same without you!!
not yet. i'm still just a CIT.(x but there was a screwup at the office - a secretary scheduled an interview when i had already been accepted, so i didn't need to do it.(:
Whats good family.How are you??..Hopefully all is well...Currently im learning how to play the guitar...Of course i play a lot of instruments but im always up to a good challenge...Anyway see u soon...Josh Brown
have any big easter plans? i cant wait were having a ton of family over the house, plus i gave up coffee and pop for lent, next year im totally doing charity work instead of giving up coffee and pop!
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