Edgy and honest, Michelle Leigh brings a no-holds barred approach to her writing and her music.

Her songwriting style can only be described as raw and honest. That honesty and purity of emotion comes straight from her life, her heart, and a genuine ability to put herself in other people’s shoes. Whether it’s the soulful longing that can be heard in “Friends with Benefits,” the venomous tones of “Black Ink” or the playful lyrics of “Triple J” – one way or another, you know she’s been there. In a landscape of mediocrity Michelle’s music has the unique ability to plainly speak to, and from, the soul.

The strength of her songwriting aside, Michelle really shines when she’s on stage. When you see her perform you know that is her home, that is where she belongs. With a voice all her own she’ll break your heart with a ballad and then heal it with a hard shot of whiskey and a strong backbeat. This dichotomy of smoky vocals and driving rhythms lends itself well to her chosen genre of Rock & Alternative Country (Rock can’t handle her and Country don’t know what to do with her!) Her music hits you hard but never forgets to have a good time – just like Michelle.

When Michelle isn’t performing live she spends her time in Nashville working with legendary producer Dave Fowler and renowned engineer Rodney Good. Together they have assembled an all-star team of players for her next CD – from Charlie Kelly and Kent Wells on guitar, Dan Dugmore on lap steel, Paul Hollowell on keys to Jimmy Mattingly on fiddle, Andy Hull on drums and Roger Eaton on acoustic guitar.

Even though Michelle is a rising star on the Nashville scene she never forgets her roots. Coming from Bakersville, North Carolina (a small Appalachian town steeped in the tradition of mountain music and gospel hymns) she can appreciate either the simple pleasure of a front porch swing or a limo ride down Broadway. She doesn’t mind telling you she’s a “city-fied” country girl.