New Jersey native Leah Voysey chatted with us about her new song “Poison”, traveling and playing gigs in London, her NYC favorites, and more!
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your new single “Poison”?
Leah Voysey: “Poison” is about reclaiming your voice and your independence after watching yourself make a series of bad mistakes.
upfrontNY: How would you describe your sound?
Leah Voysey: Acoustic singer/songwriter meets modern pop. On the surface, my sound fits in with the trend of pop music. If you listen closer, you find that the lyrics tell a story like a traditional singer/songwriter.
upfrontNY: You also play guitar- what was it like learning to play guitar and what is your favorite song to play?
Leah Voysey: I taught myself how to play guitar on a whim. It was a lot of long nights and repetition. I’m still not great, but I’m good enough! I love playing the first song I ever learned, which is “6 Months” by Hey Monday.
upfrontNY: You spent time playing acoustic shows around London, what was that experience like?
Leah Voysey: It was intimidating to begin my music career in a country where I didn’t know anyone. For the most part, I would show up to these open mics completely alone and try to make friends. In the end, It was a very rewarding experience of putting myself out there and getting a lot in return.
upfrontNY: What was the best part of traveling and sharing your music in London?
Leah Voysey: London is rich with culture and art and music. Being a part of that for just a fraction of time is something I will never forget. I challenged myself daily and I wasn’t afraid of failure. I don’t think I could have done that in the United States around people I knew.
upfrontNY: If you were to travel around other countries to share your music where would you like to go?
Leah Voysey: I would love to play in South Africa, because I have a lot of family there. It is also a beautiful country that I haven’t seen enough of. And I know they are very receptive of American acts coming over and playing.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about what it has been like being back in the Asbury Park and NYC area and pursuing your music here?
Leah Voysey: I have met some of the most talented, inspiring, and supportive people being back in Asbury Park and NYC. I can truly say that I don’t know if my music would be where it is without them.
upfrontNY: Who have been your musical influencers?
Leah Voysey: Halsey, Billie Eilish, Bishup Briggs. They all have that singer/songwriter quality, and they are meshing it with modern pop sounds. I want to follow in their footsteps.
upfrontNY: What is next?
Leah Voysey: We have a music video for “Poison” that is coming out soon!! It is in the final editing stages, but once that is done we will announce the release date! Stay tuned.
NYC FAVORITES
Favorite Thing about NYC: The diverse style. No one looks twice at someone wearing something unique. We all just get to be ourselves.
Favorite NYC music venue: Brooklyn Bowl!! Bowling and music. You can’t beat it.
Favorite NYC spot for inspiration: The Highline Park. I work right below this park, and sometimes in the summer I like to sit up there and take in the sunshine.
Favorite NYC memory: Two years ago on 4th of July, my friends from all over the east coast put together a last minute get together. It was impromptu and really special watching the fireworks on a Lower East Side rooftop with some great friends.
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