Leilani Kilgore Rocks the Scene with Her Nashville Blues Roots and Bold New Sound

Leilani Kilgore brings her Nashville blues background to the rock and roll world with fierce energy and authenticity in her new album and single.

From Blues Beginnings to Rock and Roll Fire

Leilani Kilgore isn’t your typical blues guitarist. Rooted deep in Nashville’s blues scene, she started her solo journey a few years back by releasing a handful of singles annually from 2021 onward. But instead of sticking strictly to blues traditions, Kilgore infused her music with rock elements, creating a fresh and dynamic sound that’s all her own.

Her following steadily expanded as listeners connected with her electrifying live shows and unique blend of blues and rock. Now, shaking off management ties and personal hurdles, Kilgore is stepping into the spotlight fully independent, harnessing DIY platforms like BandLab and ReverbNation to elevate her music career to the next level.

Introducing “HIGH/LOW” — A Rock Anthem With Heart

When asked about her new single, "HIGH/LOW", Kilgore shares:

“It’s the first single off of my first full-length record, and it’s the first song on the track listing as well. It’s the most energetic and rock ‘n’ roll song I’ve ever done, and it’s a new direction as far as where I’m going as an artist. It’s a little bit introspective, in that I originally thought I was writing about this person that my ex was seeing, but after a couple of weeks of listening to it and performing it, I realized it might be a little bit more about myself at my lowest point. I’m really happy with the success that it’s had and how well it’s been received, considering it’s ushering in a new sound for me as an artist. That’s been really positive to get so much supportive feedback.”

— Leilani Kilgore

The song marks a bold shift from her blues origins, embracing a more confident, raw rock sound that reflects her authentic self.

Evolving Beyond the Blues: Finding Her True Voice

Kilgore’s transition from blues guitarist to full-blown rock artist hasn’t been without its challenges:

“It’s definitely been an evolution in a few ways... I was told doing an album was a waste of money and effort, so I should just stick with singles. That’s a hard thing to hear when you’re trying to build a music career from the ground up and attract fans organically through live performances. The first thing you get asked at a show is ‘Where can I buy your album?’ So if you don’t have one, it’s a bit of a letdown.”

Breaking free from management, she pulled together demos and rallied her band to create a full-length album—embracing her rock side while still honoring the blues roots subtly woven throughout her sound.

The Challenge and Triumph of Making an Album Independently

Being an independent artist means facing tough realities, especially when recording an album. Kilgore recounts the whirlwind experience:

“We went in with enough budget to barely cover three days of studio time. We cut 12 songs top-to-bottom for the record in three days — overdubs, solos, harmonies, vocal tracks, everything. It was frantic, and I don’t think I slept for those 72 hours. The last day ended up being a 12-hour session... The dedication on my band’s end for taking responsibility in their own roles and trusting my creative vision as I was self-producing it made it feel very creatively safe and uplifting.”

Despite the intensity, the result is a cohesive, intentional collection of songs that showcases Kilgore’s bold new artistic path.

Connecting with Fans Old and New Through Raw Performance

This year marks Kilgore’s comeback with renewed focus and fresh sound. She shares the excitement and uncertainty of presenting her new music live:

“This year is honestly just me actively trying to pick myself back up and service my band and music and career intentionally... In March, we did Joe Bonamassa’s Blues Cruise shortly after we’d finished the album. It was kind of a testing ground... By the third night, we had people coming back to see our show hours before set time and people that couldn’t even get into the venue because it was so packed. That made it feel like we were doing the right thing and making the right choices as an artist.”

The warm reception proved her ability to comfortably blend rock, blues, and Americana, drawing in crowds with genuine energy.

What to Expect When You Meet Leilani Kilgore’s Music

For newcomers wondering what Kilgore’s sound is all about, she paints a vivid picture:

“I’m a very rock and roll person, even when I was in the blues world — the tattoos, the SGs, the throwing myself around on stage, the leather jackets, it’s not really traditional blues. I’ve never really been focused on a specific bracket of sound, but about the individual expression that I’m trying to communicate... Every note that I play on my guitar during a solo is unplanned and supposed to convey something.”

She invites listeners to experience her music like a first date — open, curious, and ready to discover the multiple layers she offers.

Final Thoughts

Leilani Kilgore’s journey from Nashville blues circuits to the rock and roll stage is a testament to authenticity, resilience, and artistic evolution. Her latest work is not just music but a compelling story of embracing change and owning one’s voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What genre does Leilani Kilgore primarily play now?
  Leilani combines rock and roll with her blues roots, creating a unique hybrid sound that spans rock, blues, and Americana.
• Is “HIGH/LOW” part of an album or a standalone single?
  “HIGH/LOW” is the lead single from her debut full-length album, representing her new rock-oriented direction.
• How does Kilgore approach her live shows?
  Her performances are energetic and aggressive, aiming to win over audiences with authenticity and passion.
• What challenges did Kilgore face recording her album independently?
  Limited studio time and budget made the process intense and fast-paced, but it brought out the best in her and her band’s creative energy.
• Where can I listen to Leilani Kilgore’s music or see her live?
  Her music is available on DIY platforms like BandLab and ReverbNation. Keep an eye on her tour dates to experience her electrifying live shows.

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