Embracing Unique Voices: Spotlight on Leah McFall (The Unique Voices Club #24)

Celebrating Quirky Talents in Music

Every Friday, I write a post about singers with unique voices not commonly heard in mainstream music. My goal? To educate emerging artists and music lovers while inspiring them to embrace their own quirks. This week, I’m excited to shine a light on Leah McFall.

Photo from the Belfast Telegraph

Leah McFall hails from Northern Ireland, just like my sibling-in-law. While my sib leans towards guitar and poetry, Leah’s voice is quirky enough to earn a spot in this blog. I still remember the first time I heard her cover of "Lovin' You." She channeled Minnie Riperton in a way that gave me legit goosebumps. It was a moment that stuck with me, and I can’t help but share it with you.

A Journey Through Music

Leah may have just one EP and a plethora of singles, but her journey is anything but ordinary. She has collaborated with industry giants like Will.i.am, toured with Jessie J, and worked alongside songwriters like Toby Gad and Sia. Oh, and did I mention she performed on the Grammys stage? Talk about a dream come true!

However, Leah's path hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. After being dropped by a major label, she decided to embrace the indie route. It’s a familiar story for many artists, and Leah even penned a memoir about her experiences. Interestingly, she doesn’t seem to crave fame. Raised in a Christian household, she leans heavily on her faith, which has guided her throughout her career.

"I wanted to tell others that as an artist you have a gift from God, because sometimes you can feel like simply a product to be marketed. But I wanted to make the point that I knew my musical talents and those of others are God-given; nobody can take that away from you, and it is not curtailed or defined by any signed contract."

- Quoted from Joanne Savage's article for News Letter, "LEAH MCFALL: 'Nothing I achieved as an artist has sustained me as much as faith in God'"

This quote resonates deeply, especially considering how many artists face similar struggles. It reminds me of when Chapell Roan called out the industry at the Grammys, highlighting how little artists are compensated. Leah’s perspective is refreshing, and I can’t help but wonder what she’ll create next. She already has several songs with a Christian lens, and I’m excited to see where her journey takes her.

The Power of Her Voice

Now, let’s dive into Leah’s voice. She grew up surrounded by a mix of musical influences, thanks to her dad. RnB has a special place in her heart, and it shows. Her cover of Minnie Riperton is just the tip of the iceberg. Leah possesses a remarkable whistle register and a five-octave vocal range that leaves listeners in awe.

But it’s not just about the high notes. Leah has a powerful belt, complete with a touch of rasp and a few playful squeaks. She effortlessly weaves in and out of her chest and head voices, creating a fluidity that’s captivating. It’s like her mouth is a shapeshifter, adjusting its openness based on the emotion of the song. When she belts out a note, it’s like a lion roaring. When she softens, she becomes a timid mouse.

Some have described her voice as a "Marmite voice," which means it polarizes listeners. You either love it or hate it. Personally, I don’t like Marmite, but I appreciate the uniqueness of Leah’s sound. If I had to compare it to something more familiar, I’d say it’s like a pineapple pizza voice—definitely not for everyone, but oh-so-interesting to listen to!

The Future of Leah McFall

As always, I encourage you to follow Leah and keep an ear out for any new music she releases. Her journey is one to watch, and I can’t wait to see how she continues to evolve as an artist.

And hey, don’t forget to share this blog and my website with any aspiring creatives who might need a little confidence boost. We’re all in this together, right?

Also, mark your calendars for next week’s edition of The Unique Voices Club! If you sign up for my Patreon at the highest level, you’ll get the chance to suggest artists for me to write about in the future. Plus, I’m working on something special for lower-tier members, so stay tuned! 😁

Stay educated,

Alexia