Since turning 16 a few short weeks ago, singer/songwriter Leah Belle Faser has had several weeks’ worth of industry recognition that eludes even the most seasoned artists in country music. Following the premieres of Faser’s debut single “Better than Mine” in American Songwriter Magazine and second single “Back Home” on Americana Highways, the video for “Better than Mine” debuted on The Country Note last month. This was followed by features on AXS TV, being added at CMC-TV and currently as one of six featured videos on powerhouse TV station CMT.com.
In addition, Faser was announced as a teen finalist in the 2020 Georgia Country Music Awards, and will be performing along with the other four finalists to kick off the awards ceremony in Macon GA on November 13. And finally, “Better than Mine” rose to the #2 spot this week on 94.9 The Bull’s Backyard Country show that features Georgia-based artists.
Faser has all of this momentum heading into the official release of her debut EP, Crossing Hermi’s Bridge, on Friday, October 16. She will be performing at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA along with fellow Atlantan Mark Miller on October 17, in what is being billed as her EP release party.
Few individuals are certain of their path in life at Leah’s age, much less already achieved a masterful grasp on it. However, Faser is one of those rare types–not only committed to her artistry (she wrote all seven songs on the EP), but also sharing an assurance and agility translated through her music that belies her years. The EP shows off her rootsy pop-country sensibilities and bell-clear vocals.
Faser adds plenty of her personal charisma to the recordings, which were captured earlier this spring at The Insanery in Nashville by Grammy Award-winning producer Casey Wood—who’s worked with a staggering roster of talent including iconic artists Little Richard, Randy Travis, Kenny Rogers and the recently passed Charlie Daniels; as well as modern country sensations Randy Houser and Dustin Lynch.
While it is tempting to compare the high schooler to another famous young songwriter who forged her path in pop country–Taylor Swift– Faser’s vocals have a different dimension, having drawn from a rich and diverse range of influences such as Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, Kenny Loggins, Linda Ronstadt, Eva Cassidy, Lorde, and Tenille Townes.
