| Origin | United States |
| Activity | 1998- |
| Status | Active |
| Genres | Synthpop |
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What began as a little boy tinkering away at a piano has since evolved into Leiahdorus – a rock/electronic band with evocative lyrics of adoration intertwined with piano, lush synthesizers, tremendous guitars, and drums.
Officially formed in 1998, Leiahdorus consisted of Jason Smith on piano and vocals, Fox Fletcher on guitar, and D.J. Casares on drums. Although the boys were still in high school they were steadily composing original songs and performing. In 2000, by a chance mutual friendship, Jason’s demo fell into the hands of Joey Belville (The Echoing Green), who in turn produced a three-track demo for submission to the independent label, A Different Drum. Jason was instantly signed to a full album deal, and thus, “Ashes, Ashes” was released in 2001, accompanied by two singles, “Wake,” and “Indigent.”
Jason Smith started Leiahdorus as a solo project in New Mexico in 1998. After giving Joey B of The Echoing Green a demo tape, the career for this band kicked off as this demo made it into the hands of Todd Durrant from A Different Drum. He joined his own talents with that of Joey’s production skills to release the debut album titled Ashes, Ashes in September 2001. Along with this debut album, Jason went on to release two singles and tour around much of the western states. He continues to work hard and started to work with Darla Van Winkle and Fox Fletcher for the release of the sophomore album Parallel Universe in 2005. This latter album shows how the band has continued to mature while still maintaining that same unique sound begun five years before.
I’ve enjoyed the sound from this unique band for some time now through their releases on A Different Drum. Since they’ve managed to play a number of live shows, I’ve caught them both times at the annual Synthpop Festival in Salt Lake City over the Labor Day weekend. While they fall incely into the synthpop related genres, their styles also drift off into other similar genres. As I listen to Jason’s vocals, I’m often reminded of that same slip into falsetto that Bono from U2 uses. Much of that same rhythm and style is also present in U2’s music. So, there’s a little bit of that influence in their music as well as the solid synth sounds that fans enjoy.
Taking these styles into account, I think fans can really get into this band’s fun and unique style along with their catchy lyrics and music. Be sure to check them out while listening to the Gothic Paradise club radio show.
Jason Smith was born in Ramstein, Germany, Jason has been playing the piano and drums since he was a child. By day Jason is a stylist and trainer for an upscale salon. He and Fox grew up together in Albuquerque and have been life-long friends.
With 15 years of experience on guitar, Fox Fletcher teaches lessons and builds guitars as well. He is also an avid photographer and is in the film industry. Fox introduced Jason and Darla.
In 2003, keyboardist Darla VanWinkle joined the band, and went on to co-write the sophomore album, “Parallel Universe,” released in 2005, with the single, “Kiss on the Telephone.” With distribution throughout the US and Europe, courtesy of A Different Drum, along with performances across the country, Leiahdorus has progressed ever forward, transcending the electronica genre to achieve a more well-rounded identity. Although classically trained as an artist, Darla grew up playing the piano, violin and viola. When she is not writing music, she has been an art gallery director, and loves to make fancy cakes. Darla and Fox attended the same college.
In November 2007, drummer Ryan Goodman joined and has added a very welcome dimension to the overall sound. A native of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Ryan can be found drumming, teaching, or trying to finish his doctoral dissertation. The newest member of the band, Ryan was a client of Jason’s at his salon.
An EP, “Sirens,” was released on December 1, 2009, to coincide with a college radio campaign. The lead track, “They Have Eyes,” was awarded the New Mexico Music Award for “Best Song – Rock Alternative.”
“Ode to the Builders,” the third LP from Leiahdorus, was released on May 25, 2010 by Section44 Records. This album continues the band’s constant growth and maturity, musically and lyrically. A treat for long-time fans and those new to Leiahdorus as well, “Ode to the Builders” is the culmination of three years of writing and recording. Once again, with Joey Belville manning the board and turning the knobs, “Ode to the Builders” seamlessly blends live instruments, synthesized sounds, and impassioned vocals. The band continues to play wherever and whenever it can, bringing their unique sound to the masses.
Members
Jason Smith (vocals, synths, piano)
Darla VanWinkle (synths)
Fox Fletcher (guitars)
Ryan Goodman (drums, percussion, backing vocales)
Related bands / Parallel projects
The Echoing Green, On Corinthians.
Discography
Wake (Single) (2001)
Ashes Ashes… (2002)
Indigent (Single) (2002)
Parallel Universe (2005)
Kiss On The Telephone (Single) (2005)
Sirens (EP) (2009)
Ode To The Builders (2010)