Leni Ward

Leni Ward

Leni Ward is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who writes and records from her purpose-built studio in Derby. Her music sits in pop, electronica, electropop and electronic pop.

Releases and early response

She releases her debut record, Body, independently. The record receives a positive response from tastemakers and DJs. A single from it gets repeated play from Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 2, leading to a feature and interview in January 2009. Tom Robinson also gives it strong support and invites her to perform at his first Fresh On The Net live recording at Riverside Studios in April 2009. The track is also played on Dermot O'Leary's Saturday primetime show and on various BBC specialist programmes and independent stations.

BBC Introducing and later material

Ward is featured on Dean Jackson's The Beat, described as the largest regional new music show outside Scotland, which leads to a performance on the first BBC Introducing stage at T in the Park in July 2009. After that, she returns to the studio to prepare further material. Opening Doors is a six-track sampler from her planned album Hope. Its lead track, also called Opening Doors, is intended as the first single, followed by I Want My Heart Back and Getaway Car.

Sound and live performance

The material is described as combining vibrant harps and swirling synths. It is inspired by the breakdown of Ward's seven-year relationship and is presented as music about moving forward rather than dwelling on the breakup. In performance, she recreates her layered recordings using a complex setup of gadgets, controlling three or four instruments at the same time.