Eschewing the timid hallmarks of many first releases, the Nashville-based indie singer-songwriter Chloe Leonard established herself as a vocal powerhouse with songwriting chops to match in her debut single, White Noise. The track is a carefully stylised, panoramic production that invites you to lose yourself in its tides of emotional resonance, while Leonard’s magnetic presence pulls you back to shore.
Raised in Northern California with a soundtrack of John Mayer, Norah Jones, and Fleetwood Mac, Leonard’s formative years were spent journaling lyrics, performing in musicals, and teaching herself piano—her first tune being Coldplay’s Clocks. Now rooted in Nashville, her sound mirrors her dual identity: expansive and evocative, with echoes of Keane’s melancholic sting, but retaining a quintessential country twang that adds depth to her weightless catharsis.
Collaborating with AMA-winning vocal coach Moe Loughran, Leonard has refined her raw vulnerability into relatable, lyrical storytelling. Her voice soars effortlessly over the warm instrumental layers, carrying both the authenticity of Kacey Musgraves and the ethereal magnetism of Maggie Rogers. The track’s poetic reflections touch on navigating mental health, finding balance, and embracing love amidst life’s noise—a theme that feels refreshingly grounded.
As she embarks on a year of new releases, Leonard’s honesty and elegance are sure to implant her in the Nashville hall of singer-songwriter fame before long.
White Noise was officially released on November 1st; stream the single on Spotify now.
Review by Amelia Vandergast