Dual Single Release “Lemon Gap” & “Virginia In The Springtime” from International Recording Artist - LEONA
Available to download or stream here:
Lemon Gap | Virginia In The Springtime
Radio can request a direct download link here
NASHVILLE, TN (7/11/2025)- Bluegrass and Americana fans are receiving a double dose of music from the bright and charming ‘Fiddling Leona’ today! This dual single release from Japanese born singer-songwriter and fiddler, LEONA includes “Lemon Gap,” co-written by Leona with Richard Bennett, and “Virginia In The Springtime,” another Bennett co-write, this time with Shawn Lane.
Stepping away from her role as a Netflix reality TV personality and into the recording studio this passed winter, Leona [aka @fiddlingleona], gathered some original material and even co-wrote some, creating a ruminative collection of songs for her new project.
The dual single release follows the success of Leona’s lead single “Dancing 'Round The Fire,” written by Joie Scott, Alaina Stacey, and Blue Miller, from her forthcoming EP. Co-writer Joie Scott said "WOW! Leona literally has me Dancing Round The Fire.” These two fresh deliveries continue to set a high bar for what’s to come from this rising bluegrass star.
Leona has been performing with legendary guitarist Richard Bennett as well as some other well known musicians in the industry, including Eli Johnston[Authentic Unlimited] who joined them recently for a show at the Station Inn, Nashville TN. The full project was recorded and produced by Steve Wilson [Wilson Banjo Co] in Upstate, South Carolina over the winter months.
“I’m so thrilled to be following my dreams and recording incredible music here in America, with such fine musicians. The writers on all of these songs are all so talented and I’m completely humbled that they allow me to record them. I’m grateful to each and every person involved in this project and to everyone who has believed in me and helped push me forward musically on this journey. I can’t wait to keep turning corners to see what is next!” -Leona
Lemon Gap
ISRC: QMEU32502606
Leona: Vocals, Fiddle
Richard Bennett: Guitar
Blake Young: Mandolin
Steve Wilson: Banjo
Jaime Carter: Bass
Glen Crain: Reso Guitar
Virginia In The Springtime
ISRC: QMEU32502604
Leona: Vocals, Fiddle
Richard Bennett: Guitar | Harmony
Jason Fraley: Mandolin
Steve Wilson: Banjo | Harmony
Jaime Carter: Bass
Leona will be making an appearance at IBMA(International Bluegrass Music Awards Conference) in Chattanooga this Fall - be sure to stay tuned for news of a chance to see her perform live while you’re there!
The new singles are available today for downloads and streams from all the popular online platforms and radio programmers can request direct mp3 and wav links from her radio team. Be sure to follow Leona on her socials @fiddlingleona to see whats coming next for this exciting new artist.
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Recording Artist, Leona, is a performer, vocalist, and fiddler from Tokyo, Japan, currently living in Tennessee. Leona’s musical journey began at the age of four when she began violin lessons in Tokyo. During her childhood music was always part of her household. Leona’s father, ‘Dr. K’ was a professional guitarist in Japan since the 1970’s.
In 2004 Leona traveled to Nashville to attend some fiddle camps and also performed with some professional musicians. It was then and there that she made the decision to return to the United States to pursue her dream of becoming a professional musician and singer.
In 2006, Leona enrolled at the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass and Country Music program, becoming the very first International student to receive those credentials. While in college Leona was part of their touring student ensemble, which performed throughout the Southern Appalachian region. In 2006 Leona performed as a guest at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, where she represented her home country of Japan along with famed Japanese shamisen player, actor, and storyteller Takeharu Kunimoto.
In 2009 and 2010 Leona was invited to perform as a part of the American Bluegrass Master’s Tour. The artists featured in this tour were Grand Ole Opry star Bobby Osborne, the Lonesome River Band, J.D. Crowe, and many others. During this time Leona was featured in rare bluegrass tours of both Alaska and Hawaii. In 2014 was the headlining entertainer at the United States Marine Corps Futenma Flightline Festival in Okinawa, Japan and performed for enthusiastic service members, their families, and local Okinawan residents. Following all of these incredible touring experiences, Leona went on to further her education, also graduating in May of 2016 from HCTC's Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music with a certificate in Digital Audio Recording.
Leona has independently released three solo projects. Her debut album was entitled A New Peace Within, followed by an all-original album entitled Love & Peace, Leona, and her last On My Own. Each of her projects were released in the United States and Japan where they received acclaimed radio airplay and she accompanied their launches with tours of her native Japan.
In late 2024, Leona was introduced to Producer/Engineer, Steve Wilson, and they set out to begin recording a very special collection of material to showcase her stunning and unique artistry. Her incredible musical journey has shaped Leona into a breathtaking musician, vocalist and songwriter that the world will be so excited to discover, or rediscover. With three singles now released, “Dancing ‘Round The Fire,” “Virginia In The Springtime,” and “Lemon Gap,” from the forthcoming project you will want to follow Leona on socials for updates so you don’t miss a thing!
