Conversations with Leah Marie Fuls

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Marie Fuls.

Hi Leah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My story is that I always had a love for music. Ever since I was little, I knew almost every song on the radio and would sing along. I would also make up my own little songs with lyrics and melody (this could be from age 4+).

I grew up in a strong musical household. My mom has a really nice singing voice and my dad plays guitar so I think I learned a lot through listening to them. Then when my dad taught me how to play guitar, I was able to play and create more music. I started playing out at open mics. Then I won first place in a local singing competition and went on to record my first EP.

After this, I started playing shows and my name was getting out there more. I was asked to open up for Female Country Artists – Jessica Lynn and Jackie Verna.

My first experience with Nashville was when I was seventeen. My dad took me for a movie audition (which I did not get). I returned to Nashville to attend songwriting classes & songwriting sessions. Many of which were with Kirsti Manna (songwriter of Blake Shelton’s “Austin”).

I also recorded with Kirsti’s husband at his studio & OmniSound Studios (located right on Music Row).

I have been nominated for The Josie Music Awards (Largest Independent Music Awards Show). I won awards, one was in 2018 for “Pop Single of the Year” for my song “Collision.” The other award was in 2020 – “Modern Country Artist of the Year.”

I just released my brand new song “Heartbreak Hangover” in April 2022. It was recorded in Nashville at OmniSound Studios. Currently, my focus has been writing new music and playing shows with my band – The Leah Marie Fuls Band.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a perfectly paved road. Some of the struggles are that it definitely is a man’s world in the music business. Whether it be they are chosen to be an opening act for a big show or they are the ones in charge of choosing who that opening act is.

I also have learned that it’s a lot of picking their favorites and that means picking the same acts over and over again. So, I’ve just had to work really hard to get my name heard and known. And through this journey, I’ve heard some yes’s and I have also heard some no’s.

In the past, I’ve also dealt with trusting the way that I want to sound and I want my music to sound. Producers/sound engineers in the past have told me to sound and be the exact opposite of what I am.

When I worked with Bill Warner who recorded my singles “Heartbreak Hangover” and “Louisiana” I told him exactly what I wanted and he stayed true to myself and my sound. I was so proud of these songs because they were very – me.

Another challenge I can think of which happened last Summer (2021), was I had Bronchitis for one of my most important shows which were at Musikfest. I could have canceled this show, but it was important to me so I didn’t cancel. Even if I was struggling through it, I still wanted to be there. The show must always go on, no matter whether minor inconveniences may come up. That’s just the attitude that I have.

I sang The National Anthem at the PPL Center for an event this year in 2022. I was there hours earlier to get a soundcheck. I was told I would get one, but they didn’t give me one. Again, a minor inconvenience. It’s always nice to have a soundcheck to see what you sound like in a new venue or to see if you can even hear yourself. I’ve even played shows, where I couldn’t hear with the way sound, technicians had my band’s sound set up. Again, the show must always go on.

I think when I am up there on a stage singing, is when I truly feel heard and understood in the world. So when anything interferes with that, it pushes me back a little bit, but never enough to push me down and never get back up again.

I will always keep trying through any challenge. Another challenge – losing my grandfather. He was another music lover in my family and I always heard music when I was at his house. He was also one of my biggest fans and would be at every show.

Losing him was devastating and I’m still sad to look out in the crowd and not see his face at shows. It was a great comfort to know that he was there. I am a very lucky woman thought that my family is very supportive of my music and I am very grateful for that every day.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer-songwriter. My two main instruments are my voice and my guitar.

I am proud that I am able to co-write and come up with some great songs with others and I can also come up with some great songs when I independently write.

My sound is unique and my voice is described as sultry and pleasant. When I play with my band, they bring my songs even more to life. Our cover songs are even unique and I love that they have perfected the sound of my originals.

I’m most proud of the songs I have written and the positive response they have received. I’m also proud of how far I’ve come along on my musical journey.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I’m very real, in what I say and what I do. I also really care about my fans and supporters and make sure that they know that. I make the connections and make time for them.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have many who deserve credit.

My parents – Don Jessamine & Shelly Jessamine. I grew up loving and learning all about music because of it. They are so supportive of my music and always believe in me. They go to so many of my shows and they bought my first guitar and other guitars. They’ve given me a chance to be a musician. I learned guitar from my dad and my love for singing from my mom.

My Aunt – Carly Weaver. She uses her talents to promote mine. She is in charge of my website – www.leahfuls.com
She also does my photography and videos. She sends me upcoming shows and more!

Rachel Peri – Another one of my photographers, who creates the vision I am going for.

Mark Marina & Thomas Hart – They are my bandmates. (My drummer and bass player). These guys always bring a positive attitude and always rock when we are on the stage. They have been with me and stuck with me through it all. I’m very grateful for them. They always make playing music even more fun than it already is!

Kirsti Manna & Bill Warner – They recorded my recent singles and have cared about the way my songs are written and sound. They are both super talented and I’m happy to have been able to work with them.

Andrew Chervak – For helping me along my journey and showing me how the music business works.

Eddie Pulido – For taking the time to help me improve myself as an artist and for being a great mentor.

Holly Hutchison – She has helped to guide me along the way and has also introduced me to the way the music business works.

Skip Azzalina – The reason I can pick on guitar. And because of this, I can always play a lovely rendition of “Landslide.” He taught me more about how to play guitar.

And so many friends, family, fans, and followers who support me by coming to the shows and doing all they can to promote my music.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.leahfuls.com
• Instagram: @Leahmariefuls
• Facebook: Leahmariefuls
• Twitter: @Leahfuls
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEA&search_query=Leah+marie+fuls

Image Credits
Carly Weaver (Heartbreak Hangover) and Rachel Peri