Today we’d like to introduce you to Leighton Ewers.
Hi Leighton, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started playing guitar at age 17. I’m sure glad I did. At age 20-21 I started a band called ‘Background Noise’ me and my two friends. It was an acoustic trio. We had comedy songs and serious songs. Recorded an album and released it in 2003. We lasted maybe 2 years. Did a little traveling and ultimately broke up.
Life moves on, everyone starts “real jobs” and starts families. Me, I got married in 2009 and had 2 daughters. Kids tend to take priority over music so I had to get one of them “real jobs” I became an EMT in 2007 then acquired my medic in 2013.
Music was definitely an out and Theropy for me as I started writing my own music.
That band I had in 03 really came full circle. Let me try to explain…
I posted a song I wrote on fb. A guy that was in a band we used to open for in the Mattoon area had moved to Nashville and went to blackbird studio academy. He never gave up on music. Well I was searching for a place to record anyway. He saw my song then DMd me. “Hey, I like what you’re doing. Do you want to record sometime?” Of course I wanted to! I had no idea I would be recording in Nashville!
Ok, let me back up here for a minute. In 2017 I was in a band called “3 gun whiskey” we were a country band. Well it was comprised of 5 people. 2 of whom were very egotistical. You know the kind? The NEED the spotlight! Well I was the lead singer but at one point they decided I wasn’t a good enough musician. The drummer even said and I quote “you’ll never be anything more than a campfire guitar player” that was my encouragement to not give up. Tell me I can’t and I prove to you I can. My best friend that was in the band in 2003 with me has told me several times “tenacity has taken you further than most people with talent”
So anyway, I recorded a 3 song EP and released it in November 2021. I have loved this music journey! I have 5 songs streaming and 3 professional videos out. The last release was a song about the family farm. The song was obviously a hit with the family. Over a week while the kids were gone on vacation with their mom I drove back and forth from central Illinois to Pittsfield area to film the video. I’m very proud of that video. That song is sang back to me at almost every show now.. I’ve been very blessed. My ex wife wasn’t supportive of the music at all. Probably why she’s my ex wife lol. That’s my scattered story. Maybe I should write a short story someday. The moral is “never give up on what’s in your heart” I love the stage, I love to tell stories and connect with people. I’m dating a girl now that sings with me when she can. We sound great together!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My ex wife condemned my music. I don’t have natural music abilities and I have a phantom 5th beat that has pissed drummers off for years.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m known for my voice. I have always leaned on my voice. If I forget the chord I sing louder and strum lighter.
I like to connect with my audience through stories. Sometimes I tell a story throughout a song. Music is understanding and rebatable. .
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
STL is easy to get around in and great for music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.leightonewers.com
- Instagram: Leighton Ewers
- Facebook: Leighton Ewers
- Youtube: Leighton Ewers music
