We first wrote about the amazingly talented indie singer/songwriter LEONI JANE KENNEDY [LKJ] — the ACM Freddie Mercury Scholarship Recipient of 2018 — when we saw her play at the launch show of the record label METROPOLIS BLUE in March 2019.
We remarked that her interpretations of folk, pop-power balladry, and slickly illustrated blues —united with a deep and bold song style and sharp confidence— reminded us of Jefferson Starship era Grace Slick.
Since then, Leoni has evolved into something of a musical chameleon. She incorporates new wave rock with progressive influences, to deliver patterned and expressive song structures. She combines complex guitar riffs that come packed with resilient, passionate vocals.
For example, Leoni independently released her 2023 album, “New World Woman,” which is a collection of reimagined Rush songs. Most folks agree that the Canadian prog-rockers could be honestly described as as the consummate ‘brainy guy band...’
A Kickstarter campaign enabled Leoni to raise an impressive £5.8K, funding a wide range of merchandise. “New World Woman” achieved phenomenal success, earning worldwide acclaim and resonating deeply with a broad audience. The first of seven single tracks from her “Different Kind of Woman” was released on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Discussing the track, Leoni Jane Kennedy explains: “Different Kind of Woman” is a song that talks about the different versions of myself I’ve explored and experimented with before finding the woman I am today, ultimately choosing who I wanted in the end and not what everyone else wanted me to be. Imposter syndrome is a thing, but I’m glad to finally feel at home in my own shoes…“
Photo credit: Rob Blackham/Blackham Images