“…(Usra) Leedham’s music sticks with you - it’s haunting and mesmerizing…a rare and accomplished gift…” (Red Deer Express)
“...a mix of hazy trip-hop, clear vocal nods to Joni Mitchell and sultry vocals à la Sade...moments of real beauty...” (Scene Magazine)
There are artists that seem to have an intrinsic understanding of the way words and melody should fit together. Where the rawness of the voice is so overwhelming that you feel like you are eavesdropping on a conversation between a woman and her id; Usra Leedham is one of these artists.
Raised in Toronto and trained classically in both voice and piano from a very young age, she graduated from the prestigious Claude Watson Vocal program and originally intended to become a Baroque opera singer. Usra toured all over the world with choral groups from the age of 12, performing everywhere from Roy Thompson Hall to Chartres Cathedral. But after years of singing everyone else’s music, she knew that she needed to write her own.
Her brand of songwriting eludes description, influenced by her South Asian background, Jazz greats like the almighty Ella, and lyrical masters like Joni Mitchell. But despite the range of her influences, her music achieves a sort of wonderfully awkward balance; somehow, between the richness of her voice and the frankness of her words, there is an undeniable symmetry.
Already widely known in the industry as a performer and songwriter on numerous compilations (released by EMI, OM Records, CBC & more), Usra was featured on the CBC’s National News and ZeD, and licensed her song Us on a Thursday to the syndicated TV show Mutant X, well before the album was completed. Now released in Europe on Bad Reputation Records (Boy, Peter Elkas), and in North America on Spicy Brown Records, The Architect’s Wound is a finely-crafted collection of songs at once deeply personal and immediately relatable. The Varsity calls Architect a fusion of “the distinct talent of a classical vocalist and pianist with the personality and past of a remarkable human being...Leedham’s Jazzy style is rough yet elegant, and overflowing in beautiful instrumental passages.”
Usra’s talent has attracted a number of collaborators, most notably West Magnetic of OM/Ultrasound records. She wrote and performed the vocals on his hit releases Can’t Stop, which was licensed to three compilations; Fire in the Kitchen, the club favourite that was licensed to two compilations; and Give it Up for Free, which was remixed by the likes of Johnny Fiasco, Kaskade, Jori Hulkkonen, and Fish Go Deep.
Usra’s South Asian and British roots result in a mingling of Eastern and Western sensibilities. The Architect’s Wound combines Indian ragas with Jazz keys; rhythms use tabla and dirty cut-up beats. Songs can be full, with Rhodes, horn, and bass; or sparse, with only vocals and piano.
Just don’t go to one of Usra’s performances looking for something easy. There will be wit, anger, regret, passivity, sarcasm, and (false) bravado. You will have to think. You will have to watch. You will want to listen.
Hi Usra ! :) Just passing by to thank your support ! Good work over here ! So, welcome in our little world... feel free to let us comments when passing by ! ;) Cheers, Aurian K.
Hello Usra, thanks for adding me to your friends list. From one Leedham to another I think you have a beautiful sound.Good vibes and peace your way.-Bruce
I'll apologize now for the mass Comment... but the good news is I don't know one darn person that got a $500 Macy's gift card.
In case you missed our Mod Club show last month, we thought we'd give you the heads up that we're playing this upcoming Saturday (November 17th) at Neutral Lounge on College St. as part of DJ Lawrence's Kensington Station night. Show time is 10:30 PM sharp.
In case you feel like a night out for malty beverages and of course some Rock and Roll, we're playing the Mod Club on Saturday the 20th (Depending if you're in the GTA that night or not)
If you think you might be able to make it send me a message and I'll put you on the guest list.
Usra, just wanted to tell you that you're featured this week as part of an around-the-world series. Your track "Farther" will be heard on radios in TX and across the globe.
Need your help! I am one of three contestants in Glamour Magazine's search for their next male relationship columnist... and the winner is up to you! You can vote as many times as you want from now 'til June... so please cast a few for me!
Usra Leedham.....Hi How are you today? Myself, I am fine....I have been vibin to a lot of old skool videos recentky....My Favorite must have been "Nothin But A G Thang" by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dawg....Damm this video waz so sick...Nothing but a G thang is such a ill song...Quincential DRE.....Classic West Coast G-Funk....I waz a teen when this dropped, I played it everynight......If you haven't peeped this video in a while, or if you (godforbid) have never seen it....Watch Dr Dre & Snoops "Nothing But A G Thang" video today....Peace:
Come check out the monthly relaunch of Canker on Friday, March 16 at the Unit 102 Theatre. It's a BYOB (that's right, a liquor store is conveinently located right across the street) comedy and music party! It's all going down at 46 Noble St. Unit 102 at 9pm. We have an amazing immersive comedy show planned for you, all for $5! ($2 if you use the codeword "Floigle" at the door) Come check out Toronto's newest/best comedy venue! We will now be back monthly!
Featuring Comedy by: Brian Barlow Terrance Balazo Holly Prazoff + Inessa Frantowski! Luis Fernandes Tiny Tuna Theatre and more!
Music by: Maylee Todd
Plus new videos and jokes by hosts Jared Sales and Daryn McIntyre
Friday, March 16 46 Noble St. Unit 102 (One block west of Dufferin, One block north of Queen) Doors at 9/Show at 10 $5 ($2 with the codeword "Floigle")
I have you in my Friends on my Great Canadian and Indie Artists page. You make great music. Why not submit to Indieboom? They can play you world wide!
DJ Christine is LIVE at NOON Eastern time Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Mental Monday Nites at 8PM
Try it now! And checkout www.myspace.com/christinedonovan
