Station Photo // Jodi Phillips

This week’s local artist reigns from Salisbury, NC.  Making a name for himself at Catawba College, Blakley Leonard has the type of spirit that can’t help but make you smile.  And even more, his voice will surprise you!

Get to know Blakley Leonard and hear his acoustic song “Go Easy On Me“.

Twenty-year-old Blakley is quite new to the music scene.  Having only started learning music when he was 15, it was an immediate love connection. In fact, his current college career path is Music Business.  It’s quite a change from his original basketball love in high school.  Wanting a change for himself, Blakley enlisted the help of his grandfather and immediately grabbed music by the horns.

He learned guitar playing “House of the Rising Sun” and loads of [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Nirvana[/lastfm]; a complete 180 from his acoustic folk sound now.  Though it’s easy to fall in love with his sound no matter what genre of music he might be singing.  Well, maybe not rap.  He admits he can’t beatbox all that well.

Backed by Zandi Watts who offers harmonies and keyboard, and roommate Andrew Bowers on bass and percussion, Blakley has a great backing on his musical journey endeavor.  Keep an eye out for an exclusive EP coming out soon with a handful of original tracks.

Cuurently, you can catch Blakley on his way to New York as part of a school program.   A band from his music class called “The Prime” will be going on a mini tour hitting Greensboro, Richmond, Philly and New York City playing the entire Abbey Road album from [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Beatles[/lastfm].  Locally, he’ll be playing a show in Salisbury on March 26.

Follow Blakely on Facebook, Twitter (@blakleyleonard) and MySpace!

Listen to Blakley Leonard’s original song “Go Easy On Me” and tell us what you think!