Sadie Leigh
Philadelphia-based artist Sadie Leigh released her debut single “La La La” on May 15th.
Produced by Cameron Greenawalt, the soulful single is about escaping reality.
“I would live in my own little La La Land, a place in my mind I could escape to when the real world was too much to handle. I think the timing of the release is quite perfect, given the message of the song. Everyone has their own La La Land,” explains Leigh.
Currently studying at Temple University, the 19 year old singer/songwriter navigates between music and media studies. She recently featured on Eric Who?’s record “Blame Me” released earlier this year.
With a promising debut single, Sadie Leigh is a name you want to remember this year.
“La La La” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Photo credit: Annabelle Gustafson
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name is Sadie Leigh, I’m 19 years old, and I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. I write and record music from my apartment and others’ apartments, while studying media studies at Temple University in Philly.
Could you tell us about your childhood a little bit?
I grew up surrounded by music. My family was (and still is) super close, and singing was a daily activity. My dad started me with piano lessons when I was maybe four, however, at that age, I sassed him a bit too much and neglected to practice, so they were short lived. My two sisters, Sophie and Annabelle, and I would constantly put on shows for our parents, and film our own movies and music videos. My mom used to sing one of my favorite songs to me, Angel of the Morning, by the Pretenders, and though I could barely speak I’d echo “An-gel” in the chorus. Music was always encouraged and appreciated, and much motivation and inspiration came from my family.
If you could say something to your younger self, what would you say?
I’d tell her to relax a little bit, and not to be so hard on herself. If there’s one thing I’ve learned growing up, it’s that I’m not perfect, and I will never be. Chasing perfection is dangerous, not to mention it’s just endlessly frustrating and disappointing. I’m proud of how accepting I was and still am of others, but I’d tell my younger self to be a bit more accepting of herself.
How would you describe yourself today?
I’m happy--happier than I’ve been in a while. While all this time on my hands is due to such an unfortunate reason, I’m trying my best to make the most of it. I’m staying productive with music and I’ve been self reflecting--a lot.
When did you start feeling connected to music?
As soon as I could talk (or maybe even earlier). My parents told me I was constantly humming my own little tune as I walked around the house--I wasn’t even conscious of it. I wrote my first song when I was two (on the subject of Winnie the Pooh), and from there my love for music grew and grew. Growing up in a musical household, my dad was the biggest inspiration for me, as well as my older sister, Sophie. I remember an old home video in which my dad is playing guitar, Soph is singing her little heart out, and there I am crawling into frame and my sister yells “Sing it, Sade!” I guess you could say I’ve been encouraged to sing since before I could talk, or even walk.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up on what my parents loved, and I’m so thankful for that. The Stones, the Beach Boys, Queen, the Beatles, Peter Gabriel, Yes, Tom Petty, Norah Jones, I think they’ve all shaped me to find my own music taste, as well as my own music style.
Do you remember the first record you ever bought?
The Wall, by Pink Floyd--my favorite album of all time and most prized possession. I bought it at the Philly Record Exchange in Fishtown.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I wrote my first song when I was two (it was about Winnie the Pooh), but I’d say I really got into writing when I was nine or ten. I was inspired by my dad more than anything. The fact that he had original music out was all I knew--it was my norm--so I knew that someday I would have my own music as well. Writing has always been an outlet for me, whether I’m expressing my little ten year old feelings to my nineteen year old feelings.
When did you know you could sing?
I don’t know if there ever was a moment--I just knew I always loved it, and to love it was enough for me to do it. I never really knew if I was good, and if I’m honest I still don’t. I’m sure with every new release I’ll get my fair share of negativity, but I’m happy with my music. It’s something I’m truly proud of.
At what point did you decide to pursue music as a career?
Ever since I was little I’ve dreamt of being a musician. However, in high school, as I started to think about college plans, I decided I wanted to seriously pursue music. Being in Philadelphia, opportunities in music were all around me. I’m trying to make the most of them, working with new musicians and producers and making new contacts whenever I can.
How would you define Sadie Leigh, the artist?
I’m all over the place--a work in progress, certainly. I don’t think I fit into a genre, and I think that’s something I’m proud of. Some of my songs are indie pop, some rock, some have a little R&B, some are jazz-inspired. I pride myself on staying true to myself in everything I do. That’s who Sadie Leigh is.
"La La La" is your debut single - what's the story behind this song?
I wrote this song in February of 2019, during a time when I wanted to be anywhere except where I was. I’d daydream my way through class, picturing myself packing up my life and pursuing music in LA. I would live in my own little La La Land, a place in my mind I could escape to when the real world was too much to handle. I think the timing of the release is quite perfect, given the message of the song. Everyone has their own La La Land. More than ever, we’re dying to escape to it.
When did you start working on this song? Who helped you create it?
I wrote the song on my own back in February of 2019, but I collaborated with some new people to produce it. Cameron Greenawalt, my producer and now very good friend, happened to reach out to me about working together, and I met and worked with him for the first time the day I wrote La La La. I came to him with the song and recorded it right then and there. We instantly clicked. His friend Charles Bower threw on some synth, I recorded way too many harmonies, and it all came together. However, we took a break from it for a while. Now in quarantine, I decided to finish it. My dad helped with the percussion as well as some extra synth to fill it out. Overall, the song came together fairly quickly, if you ignore the breaks. :)
What do you like the most about this song?
I like the message a lot. I like that everyone can take something from this song and find their own meaning in it (at least I hope).
What can you tell us about the artwork?
The album art is a picture of myself atop a hill at a nearby park--my younger sister Annabelle took it. We took a bunch of normal ones, with me standing upright, and for the last few I messed around and struck some weird poses I thought would look terrible. However, I ended up loving this one. I think it fits the dreamy vibe of the song.
What does singing make you feel?
Singing just makes me feel so at ease. I feel the most confident and the most like me when I’m singing.
As an artist, what do you want to accomplish?
I have few wants other than to simply get my music out there. If I’m making music, I’m happy. If one person hears my music and can get something from it, I’m happy. As for concrete goals, I want to release an EP in the next few months.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Less judgement. I even find myself subconsciously judging. I’m trying to change my habits, and I think the world would benefit from others doing the same. I have no reason judging what someone else is wearing or saying or doing, just as no one else has any reason to judge me. That, and someone new in the White House.
What message do you want to give to the world?
Be bold. Purposely push yourself outside your comfort zone. I think good things come in moments like those, when you’re just outside your safety net. I’ve found that the things I’ve dreaded or feared are the things I’m the most proud of, like reaching out to new people and making the first move. It always pays off--but starting is the hard part. Once you make the initial jump, you’re golden.
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