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NASHVILLE, TN (4/22/2025) - New single “Dancing ‘Round the Fire” releases worldwide today for singer and fiddler, Leona.
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.
“Dancing 'Round The Fire,” written by Joie Scott, Alaina Stacey, and Blue Miller, is the debut track for Leona from her forthcoming album and co-writer Joie Scott says "WOW! Leona literally has me Dancing Round The Fire.”
Leona has been performing with legendary guitarist Richard Bennett and 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. “Leona has such a sweet spirit. Dancing 'Round The Fire is a very accurate representation of how talented an artist she is. She has been recording some very cool original music and is now joining forces with one of my favorite guitarists Richard Bennett. What could be any better?”
-Eli Johnston
The full project was recorded and produced by Steve Wilson [Wilson Banjo Co] in Upstate, South Carolina over the winter months. Wilson says, “Leona's creative drive and positive attitude is infectious making it an absolute joy to work with her in the studio. She is a true professional and an incredible talent that I am totally stoked for the world to discover, or even re-discover through these new songs!”
While Leona has released music in the past, she was overwhelmed with excitement at the process of choosing songs and arranging them in pre-production all the way through the recording process and on to the mixing and final mastering. "For me, this project has been an incredible journey. I was able to bring musical thoughts and emotions together in a way I have never experienced before with this cast of players. I hope you enjoy the music from this recording project.
I grew up in the urban metropolis of Tokyo and fell in love with the natural beauty of rural Appalachia. Picking guitars, building fire, and dancing around barefoot…this is truly what I love, and I connected to this song ‘Dancing ‘Round The Fire’ deeply. I hope you will have a connection with this song as well."
- Leona (📸@xlacimack)
Dancing 'Round The Fire
ISRC: QMEU32502607
Leona: Vocals, Fiddle
Richard Bennett: Guitar
Blake Young: Mandolin
Steve Wilson: Banjo
Jaime Carter: Bass
Glen Crain: Reso Guitar
Leona's new single is 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 rising star.
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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’ has been 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. The lead single, “Dancing ‘Round The Fire,” from the forthcoming project drops April 22nd - be sure to follow Leona on socials for updates.