Leah Martin's Page

Leah Martin

Book of Harmony

East of the sun and west of the moon in the fear and confusion of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai something truly extraordinary happened. 

Born in the darkness of hatred and violence a vision of light emerges. As the sounds of gunfire rang out over the city two very different artists came together, American singer-songwriter Leah Martin and Grammy nominated classical Indian Sarode maestro Anupam Shobhakar. Book of Harmony is the fruit of their meeting. 

Blending power heavy instrumentals and glowing vocals in a rock charged pop sound reminiscent of Evanescence, the album is a meeting of worlds, a touching of souls. It is snowfall on a night clad city, dark satin’s sheen rippling in sunlight, a fairy tale beginning again.

Under the guidance of producer Anupam Shobhakar, Leah Martin has created a progressive pop album which mixes fresh grooves and atmospheric heart.

Book of Harmony is a melding of sometimes complex melodic and harmonic ideas that draw upon rich pastures of soundscapes, creating a coherent and beautiful vision of hope and love. It is at once sensitive and bold, in the same breath inspiring solace and joy.

Martin’s angelically vibrant voice rises high above the sweeping orchestra like a dove through the storm, a beacon of light guiding the way to a safe haven within. Through the strong rhythms of Shobhakar’s instrumentals Martin performs a lyrical dance, a journey of darkness and illumination.

A rising star on the world music stage, musician and producer Anupam Shobhakar weaves together the exotic sensuality and spirit of his native India in a richly textured tapestry of sound that is purely modern. 

Classically trained in the traditional 25 stringed instrument, Shobhakar studied extensively with Ustad Aashish Khan, grandson of Ustad Allaudin Khan who was the musical guru to Sitarist Ravi Shankar and other influential Indian performers. Inspired as much by this rich musical heritage as by western groups like Pink Floyd, John Coltrane and Dream Theater, Shobhakar’s compositions have a universal appeal that defy both boundaries and genres.

Despite their shared musical passions, as the quintessential American girl Martin’s life couldn’t be further from Shobhakar’s. Since beginning her career on stage at age two this multifaceted talent and all around southern belle has grown into a woman to watch as she takes on the entertainment world. 

Called a “WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE” by Times News Network, Martin found her voice while performing gospel and soul in churches throughout the South. In recent years she has worked to develop her unique sound with multiple producers and vocal coaches known for their work with Sting, Eric Clapton, the Beach Boys, Joss Stone, and Steve Miller. Martin has also modeled extensively in campaigns for Microsoft, BCBG, Toys R’ Us, PepsiCo, Lucky Brand and O Magazine.

While spending time with seriously ill children at Walt Disney World’s Give Kids the World Village as the real life Alice in Wonderland Martin galvanized her focus on giving back to those in need. In 2008 she spent five months traveling throughout India performing live concerts, serving as the brand ambassador for SEWA’s Hansiba, and helping children at the orphanage started by Mother Teresa. 

The orphans Martin met touched her heart in many ways and she became committed to making a difference in their often tragic lives. While sharing a Beatles song together she learned that friendship could transcend language barriers. Even the smallest child had so much to teach about love.

Surrounded by Eastern sounds and culture, India inspired and invigorated Martin’s creativity. It was as if she had awoken to her true purpose as a vision emerged of spreading peace and love through song. As she sang on stage before a smiling crowd Martin suddenly realized her dream had come true. 

She had no idea how much this trip would change her life forever...

From darkness to illumination, a magic-carpet ride

Info@LeahMartin.com  &  Anupam@Shobhakar.com

T/ 602.503.5676                T/ 205.616.6096