Biography

On Surrender, the unpredictable and eagerly anticipated new album by Canadian singer/songwriter, George Leach, there is a deeply felt musical statement, an original collection of songs that reflect change, growth and maturation. From Magdalene to Carry Me, Surrender bravely offers listeners the vulnerable and inspiring sound of an extremely gifted musical artist maturing and creating his most personal and exciting music yet.

Surrender evolved following Leach’s impressive debut success in 2000. A multi-disciplined artist, George Leach has managed to balance his musical and visual artistry with an accomplished acting career, appearing on screen in Redemption, a Moccasin Flats TV movie (2008); TV mini-series, Indian Summer: The Oka Crisis (2006); “Into The West”, TNT’s 12-hour original series from Executive Producer Steven Spielberg, produced in association with DreamWorks Television (2005); and “Distant Drumming: A North of 60 Mystery” movie (2005). Television credits also include DreamKeeper (2003), Another Country: A North of 60 Mystery (2003), and After the Harvest (2001). This talented artist is also dedicated to creating pottery, with a stunning collection of rare and beautiful designs.

As for his music, Surrender is a non-apologetic, innovative, and ambitious collection that demonstrates Leach’s dedication to creative expression and to his loyal and devoted fans.

As he explains, “I wanted an album from my roots, but to have a mainstream edge. I wanted to bring something real and unique to the table, where I offered my best effort. I did my best to bridge what sound and style I have with trying something completely new. I did not want to be an artist that sings about only happy things all the time. I did not want to shy away, but write about a spectrum of emotions – to musically explore a range of love and other feelings. I wanted to look at the good, bad, and ugly. I do not want to limit myself creatively.”

And this undeniably bright star of the Sta’atl’imx Nation from the interior British Columbia has earned his artistic integrity. His debut album, Just Where I’m At (2000), garnered international recognition, establishing him as a respected singer, songwriter, guitarist, and performer. Leach composed, performed and arranged all of the vocal, guitar and bass tracks on the self-produced album, winning “Best Male Artist” and “Best Rock Album” awards at the 2000 Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards. The video of its popular single, “Young Enough,” reached the Top 5 on the coveted Bravo Video Hit List and the Top 10 on the Much More Music chart. Equally impressive is its win for ”Best Music Video Award” at the 2002 American Indian Film Festival in San Francisco.

Leach has since traveled internationally, performing as far as China for clubs, festivals, galas, events and television specials like The National Aboriginal Achievement Awards in 2009. He has shared the stage with such talented and legendary artists as Bo Diddley, the late Jeff Healey, Great Big Sea, Tom Cochrane, Robin Ford, Robert Randolph, 54-40, Doc Walker, Robbie Robertson, Susan Aglukark, Trooper, Chilliwack, and The Constantines. His music has enjoyed radio play across Canada. Not bad for a kid who picked up the guitar at the ripe age of 16 and talk himself to play by ear.

Today, George Leach is one of Canada’s foremost guitarists. His sound is unique and distinctive, performed in a gritty, high-spirited blues style, and it is his fierce mastery of the guitar that irresistibly attracts respect from all walks of life. Lyrics are vibrant and provoking. Ballads are fresh, performed in an intimate and natural style, informed with charm. A charismatic performer, his stage presence is passionate and full of expression, with powerful vocals, and he is unwaveringly sincere and graceful with his live audience.

Surrender promises no less success.

“I love the first album for what it was and still is but this one I am extremely proud of. This is the one I had been waiting for. I wanted to say something meaningful this time around. I wanted to provide a healthy, nurturing meal for people rather than serve them fast food. There is enough of that out there.”

So what is the theme Leach so bravely explores on Surrender? With each song, Leach takes the listener on a journey of dealing with change – of fear and resistance to it…of challenging values and beliefs and, gradually, acceptance of and surrender to change.

“The title is about being vulnerable to the experiences that make us human and real” he explains. ”To surrender to love. Surrendering to yourself. Letting go…not holding back and allowing yourself to evolve. To free yourself from judgement. If you don’t free yourself from judgement, how can you evolve?”

As for the good, bad, and ugly, Leach says, “I know they only made this album as potent as it is. And that it wouldn’t have been as good without all the experiences that make the human experience rich. There was a lot of growth for me on this album and with growth comes growing pains, but most importantly, learning how to reach through, get beyond and surrender.”

What he has learned has made it all the more meaningful.

With the addition of Surrender, Leach is certain to continue establishing himself as an extraordinary singer, songwriter, guitarist and performer who brings his own distinctive talent, charisma, and energy to the music world. Change, in this case, is a welcome breath of fresh air, and with this bold, young artist, we can look forward to embracing more change to come.