Sonia Leigh isn’t afraid to be honest, in life or in music. The singer-songwriter has a new song out, “Thin Ice,” an uptempo tune that is surprisingly, achingly honest and raw about one of the darker seasons she experienced in the past.
“I was in Los Angeles for a songwriters retreat for my side project TYGR TYGR with my duo partner Daphne Willis,” Leigh tells Everything Nash of the inspiration behind the song. “We were talking about life, and I was going through a rough time emotionally, I felt like I couldn’t open up and write. I was frustrated with myself and my life and I wasn’t feeling very inspired. As we kept talking — we are also best friends — I picked up the guitar and started strumming, and kind of mumbled the lyrics, ‘And it feels like / I’m walking on a thin line / And I’m skating on thin ice.’ I felt tears well up inside, and I knew the levy was busted. We finished the song that night.”
Leigh knows the song is very vulnerable and true to her life, but also firmly believes that “Thin Ice” has a message that was important for others as well.
“It’s about feeling like you just can’t seem to reach the version of yourself you want to be, and how it seems so out of reach,” Leigh explains. “I battle depression, self-doubt, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and I was at a point where I just wanted to rip the ‘thorn out in my side,’ and free myself from the darkness that haunts me. Kill the voices that tell me that I can’t succeed, don’t deserve love, and that I am not worthy. It’s the tension of something about to break — the moment where you break through all of the darkness, burn down all the cages of your self-made prison, step into your power, and claim your destiny.”
Leigh’s debut album, 1978 December, was released in 2011 on Zac Brown‘s own Southern Ground record label. Since then, the Georgia native has performed with a wide variety of artists, including Melissa Etheridge, Joan Jett, Loretta Lynn, Amos Lee, Willie Nelson and more. Her eclectic music is a reflection of all of the genres that influence her, without feeling the need to limit herself to one style.
“I truly just make the music that moves me, says what I need to say, and that I want to hear,” Leigh explains. “Rick Rubin said it best, ‘I make music that moves me.’. I love making music in all genres, it keeps me challenged, inspired, learning, and excited. I get to meet new faces and learn new ways of creating with incredibly talented people. I think the common thread in my music is my truth. I hope that in every lyric I write, that it resonates as conviction, and that the audience can feel my sincerity.
“Thin Ice” is just one of several songs that Leigh plans on releasing throughout the year, leaning more into her rock side than ever before.
“I am so excited about the music I am recording this year,” Leigh reveals. “I think for the first time in my career I am getting to capture my rock and roll spirit. It is there in my live performances with my band, but I have yet to get into the studio and have it on record like this. I am excited about the producers I am working with.”
“Thin Ice” was recorded live with Leigh’s band at Sputnik Sound Studio, working alongside Mitch Dane, who she plans on teaming up with more later this year
“He’s one of my favorite producers to work with, and I worked with him on my last record. Mad Hatter,” Leigh shares. “I just cut two songs at Black Bird Studios with Niko Bolas and Sylvia Massy. I am so honored to get to record with all these talented people. I am excited for the rest of the recording process ahead this year.”
“Thin Ice” is available here. Find all of Leigh’s music at SoniaLeigh.com.