Toronto singer-songwriter Wendy Leung embraced music at a remarkably young age, following in the virtuosic footsteps of so many of her nation’s iconic tunesmiths. A background in classical piano and an astute lyrical sensibility marked her formative musical upbringing. For all that quintessential back-story, Wendy’s singular worldview and a diverse roster of musical influences – from sweet, feminine piano balladry to driving, tuneful indie-rock – have converged to shape a sound and songwriting style entirely her own.
Wendy’s first full-length, A Place To Start (2000), featured the emotional, stripped down outpouring of a solo pianist bearing her soul and finding her voice. This Time (2003), her second self-produced release, saw the introduction of a fuller instrumental scope and the maturing of the artist’s distinct pop sensibility. Performing from This Time at live shows, Wendy and her band, The Iron L(e)ungs, reworked older arrangements and cultivated a fresh batch of songs within this unique musical relationship.
The spring of 2008 sees the realization of these songs and the fulfillment of Wendy’s songwriting promise with Stop/Start. Recorded at Chemical Sound in Toronto, where breakout albums have been cut by such artists as Born Ruffians, Tokyo Police Club and Amy Millan, Stop/Start pulses from beginning to end with raw emotion and a searing blend of piano, vocals and an expansive instrumental foundation.
At turns warm and poppy or intimate and profound, Stop/Start hums with the songwriter’s sweet harmonies and vibrant, catchy arrangements. David Stein (Key Witness, Boys Who Say No) supplies urgent rock-guitar and backing vocals, Scott Bouwmeester (Provincial Parks) lays down tuneful bass lines, and drummer Andrew Haust drives the whole engine with dynamic precision. Stop/Start is the sound of a songwriter and her band truly hitting their stride, moving forward with harmonious confidence.
Buy Stop/Start at:
Criminal Records (493 Queen St W, Toronto)
Sonic Boom (512 Bloor St. W, Toronto)
Ellington's Music & Café (804 St Clair Av. W, Toronto)
Or buy it online at CDBaby or IndiePool!
submit an application to be entered into The Ontario Music Awards [T.O.M.A.] http://amysontario.webs.com/ accepting from Canada, USA, Europe and South America
Hey! We're very excited to announce that we will be celebrating the launch of the 1st video and single from our upcoming album, The Character Assassination of Madilynn Easthope, with a party at The Blue Moon Pub (725 Queen St. E.) in Toronto on Friday, Oct. 2nd, 2009. We will be performing songs from the new record and screening the video for the audience that night.
Please join us in celebrating and be the first to see and hear the new Blue Sky Down material.
That was a great set at The Supermarket. An evocative piano-driven sound that reflect the quintessence of pop songwriting in the best traditions. Compelling vocals, jazzy touches and irresistible energy sets the mood with this songbirds patented charm.
I have finally hit the road on a busking tour to raise money for War Child, Coast-to-coast – 50 cities – ALL PROCEEDS TO WARCHILD. Why? 66% of all war victims are CHILDREN. Shocked like me? War Child helps these children that have been affected by war. Check out the new blog – the whole story is up there. Love to have you be a part of it.
You’ll find a Blog, Tour page and a Bio page. I’ll be blogging daily from the road.
NxEW.ca is a new Canadian music group blog. We have 60 + writers across Canada (and a few in the U.S.). We welcome anyone who wants to write about Canadian music - including musicians, promoters, managers, etc. (We're not the CBC and we exist to promote Canadian music, so conflict of interest is not an issue). If you'd like to chip in on the blog or want to submit stuff for consideration for the podcast get in touch at beach.justin at gmail.com
That was a great set at Rancho Relaxo. A fantastically singular talent now alongside musical support, a full-fledged band coined The Exposed Leungs, bringing a welcoming piece of femme folk-pop infused with jazz nuances, shimmering energy, and shuffling romantic rhythms. Pouring her heart into every note, Leung is accompanied by musicians that compliment her piano and smoky soul-inflected vocals. This is a rich colourful palette, dashes of that breezy coffee-house spirit weaving through exquisite pop-hooks.
