Sonia Leigh

Sonia Leigh

Sonia Leigh is an American country music singer-songwriter from Georgia, United States, born in 1978. She makes work that sits across country, alt-country and americana, with blues and rock and roll also shaping her sound.

Early life and musical background

Leigh comes from a family with country music roots: her grandfather is a musician and songwriter. She starts playing her father’s guitar as a toddler, and by the time she is 10 he teaches her chords and strumming techniques. She is influenced by a wide range of artists, including Bob Dylan, Jackson Browne, Lightning Hopkins, Brownie McGhee, Bruce Springsteen, Melissa Etheridge, The Cure, Everclear and Tupac.

Her first song is recorded when she is 14 after a family friend asks her to write one and arranges a studio session for a demo in Atlanta.

Recording career

Leigh follows her debut release, Remember Me, with Laundry, both recorded by the time she is 21. She later releases Run or Surrender in late 2007, with production by John Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band. She also releases Angel on My Shoulder, which is recorded live at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia, a venue associated with the early careers of artists such as Jennifer Nettles, Kristen Hall, Shawn Mullins and John Mayer.

Live performance and touring

Leigh performs extensively as a solo artist and headliner, and also supports acts including Jason Mraz, The Marshall Tucker Band, Zac Brown Band, Blackberry Smoke, Randall Bramblett, Jennifer Nettles, Kristen Hall and the Georgia Satellites. She tours widely across the Southeast and also appears in selected cities elsewhere in the United States.

Style and reputation

Her songs are described as direct and emotionally intense, with an emphasis on strong lyrics and gritty vocals. She is known for a powerful stage presence and for connecting with audiences through her voice and musicianship.