Iona Leigh

Infobox musical artist
Name = Iona Leigh


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Background = solo_singer
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Born = Birth date and age|1983|10|17|mf=y
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Instrument = vocals
clarsach

Genre = folk music
Occupation = Singer-songwriter

Years_active = 2006 - present
Label = Crescent Moon Records

URL = [http://www.ionaleigh.com/ www.ionaleigh.com]
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Iona Leigh (born October 17, 1983 in Sydney, Australia), is a well known folk musician known for fusing traditional folk styled songs with contemporary pop influenced melodies.

Biography

At the age of 8 her family moved the to Findhorn, the holistic spiritual community in the north-east of Scotland, now called the Findhorn Foundation. This is where Iona was first exposed to traditional folk music as many travelling musicians would come to the famous community to perform. At aged 13 she learnt the Scottish harp, also known as the (Clarsach) and began to write her first folk songs. [http://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/884/Iona_goes_on_the_record.html] , Forres Gazette article - Iona goes on Record]

Iona Leigh, attended the Moray Steiner School and Forres Academy, and left at the end of her Fifth Year with four Highers, and began a Higher National Diploma course at the Perth College Music Millenium Centre, part of the UHI Millennium Institute. On completion of the diploma, Iona was accepted at Europe's leading Pop/Rock School, 'Vocaltech' – part of the London College of Music and Media at Thames Valley University.

Iona graduated with a first-class Honours BMus degree in June, 2006, and immediately began recording her debut album at the Resident Studios.

In 2006, Iona recorded backing vocals for the Welsh punk band Weapons debut release album Weapons which featured the notable artist Jem

In 2007, Iona recorded her self produced, debut album "Spirit", which displayed the vast range of Iona’s influences through the courageous medium of solo piano and voice. Her album, "Spirit", was released on Crescent Moon Records, after recording it at the famous Resident Studios in London with pianist Kevin Webster. [http://www.findhorn.org/forums/global/story.php?id=306] ,Findhorn Foundation article]

During her time in London, Iona has performed at some of London's top music venues, including the Rock Garden in Covent Garden and the famous Shepherd's Bush Empire.

Iona is currently recording her 2nd album and still lives in London, UK.

Discography

Albums

* Spirit, January 3rd, 2007.

References

External links

* [http://www.ionaleigh.com/ Official site]