Leisa Hart is a native of the Portland area, and she spent the majority of her youth serving the local church with her talents as a singer. She later went on to study music at Mt. Hood Community College, an institution known for its outstanding vocal jazz program, in which Leisa broadened her knowledge of vocal jazz by carefully studying the vocal styling's of legendary diva's like Sara Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Her discipline and hard work soon paid off, as she garnered glowing reviews in local news papers, and her interpretations of well known R & B songs, and gospel renditions, put her at the top of the list of local vocalists. Additionally, Leisa toured Europe in the late 80's and 90's performing Gospel with various groups, and ensembles.
Currently, Leisa works as a recording artist, contributing her powerful voice to the studio sessions of other talented local musicians from the Northwest. Her positive "can do" attitude is what inspires everyone who works closely with her, and she is an active associate of Falcon Studios, North Star Recording, Gino Vanelli Studios, Kung Fu Bakery, Dead Aunt Thelma's, and Bill Scream studios, in which she performs various commercial jingles, and recording projects. Leisa is also the lead singer of her own band called "A New Groove", and she sings background vocals for the Neo Soul band "Good People", featuring Jarrod Lawson. Leisa's advice for any aspiring female artist embarking on a music career is to first, have confidence in your instrument; secondly, be true to who you are; and lastly, know why it is that you do what it is that you do.
Leisa is a beautiful plus size woman, who has experienced her share of discrimination over the years. The music business is still very much a male-driven industry, which puts added pressure on female artists to conform to idealized beauty. Leisa feels that the music business today is more so about image, then true talent. As sex is what sells in today's culture, Leisa has observed how women, who are less talented, often get hired for more gigs, because they represent the complete package. Leisa has continued to hang in there, and in doing so, she has allowed her gift to make room for her. As doors began to open, new opportunities emerged; now Leisa is busier than I ever. She is truly grateful for the work that continues to come her way, and more importantly, she is doing it on her own terms.
Comments