In an era where R&B is constantly evolving, Leah J stands out as an artist who brings soul back to the center. Born Leah Abigail Jackson in Springfield, Massachusetts, and raised between Springfield and Providence, Rhode Island, Leah’s musical journey began in the sacred echoes of her church choir. Influenced by timeless voices like Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige, and Brandy, she built a foundation rooted in emotional depth and effortless vocal honesty.
After relocating to the Bronx to pursue her dreams, her artistry flourished. While studying at Monroe University in New Rochelle, she expanded her creative palette mastering her skills not only as a vocalist and songwriter, but also as a makeup artist, fashion creative, and hip-hop/heels dancer. Today, in the heartbeat of New York City’s vibrant music scene, Leah J is emerging as one of R&B’s most promising new voices crafting intimate stories and delivering performances that captivate with clarity, passion, and truth. Learn more on who is Leah J below with a Q&A by V-Henny.
V-Henny: Your musical foundation started in the church choir and at home with family. How did those early influences shape the artist you are today?
Leah J: Growing up with my family our lifestyle was eat, sleep & breath church. From singing duets with my sister Sara to singing lead for the church choir while my older brother is on the organ. That authentic feeling you feel while hearing your favorite gospel singer is what influences the kind of music and artists I want to embrace.
V-Henny: Growing up with five siblings in a musical household must have been lively. How did that environment mold your creativity and confidence as a performer?
Leah J: I have a funny story that describes the kind of musical , creative environment that I grew up in. My mother always loved musical theater and that rubbed off on all 7 of her children. My sisters and I enjoyed acting out this one movie called “Dream girls” while my brothers acted annoyed then simultaneously joining us. My mother would even make us perform for her church friends and this was one of the things that built my confidence as a performer today. My mom was my biggest cheerleader but the admiration between my siblings empowered me!
V-Henny: You’ve mentioned Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige, and Brandy as inspirations. What about their artistry connected most deeply with you?
Leah J: These three women are unapologetically black, gifted and original. That is exactly what I would like to align with in my artistry.
V-Henny: Your journey has taken you from Springfield to Providence to the Bronx. How have these different stages of your life influenced your sound and storytelling?
Leah J: Moving to New York after living in Providence for a few years was definitely a drastic change in culture. Creating in Providence inspired me to explore my range with Afro beats. Collaborating with underground artists before moving to New York , gave me the experience and built my confidence to explore different lanes. Now that I am in a position to create in New York ,with a team whose influence is undeniable, my sound has definitely evolved.
V-Henny: While studying at Monroe, you developed skills beyond music—songwriting, makeup artistry, fashion, and dance. How do these creative lanes enhance the way you show up as an artist?
Leah J: I go by the saying “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of none”. I am always learning something in my creative lane that aligns with whatever else I am doing.
V-Henny: You’re known for blending classic R&B with Neo-Soul in a way that feels fresh and emotionally raw. What’s your process when creating a song that feels true to your experiences?
Leah J: My process when writing a song is literally just that , I enjoy actually writing it down and curating the song lyrics first. Most times writing first is natural ,then I usually can get my partner —President of Getlife Records and engineer/Producer to curate a beat specifically for whatever feeling and sound I’ve created. Additionally ,exploring working with songwriters like my sister or Partner Gary Carriero helps me curate music that feels true to ME and my experiences because these are people who know and respect my image and the principles I stand for. It’s very common in this industry to be surrounded by people who want to change you and they let me be me while creating which is very important to staying authentic.
V-Henny: New York City’s music scene is competitive, but also inspiring. What has living and creating in NYC taught you about yourself?
Leah J: Living and creating in New York definitely taught me how resilient I am. I wouldnt trade my experiences for anything—the good and the bad , they all have showed me how passionate and courageous I truly am about my dreams. I never let anything or anyone stop me and I take every challenge head on with solutions. Living in new york has showed me how much discernment you have to have when interacting with different people and being okay with hearing “no” .
While creating in New York was a dream, having a real opportunity to currently create there has revealed how coachable I am and my versatility as a artist.
V-Henny: When people hear your music, what do you hope they walk away feeling or understanding about who Leah J is?
Leah J: I want people to feel inspired and highly confident about themselves, understand that Leah J is a artist of morals and respect. Im not the artist who wants to collaborate with everyone and make superficial (trendy) music. I want my supporters to understand that so that when im not on stage half naked , no one is surprised. I want my artistry to truly reflect who I am as a person and have a positive influence on everyone.
V-Henny: You carry both your upbringing and your evolution into every song. What is a part of your story that you are still learning to embrace, forgive, or heal?
Leah J: A part of my story that Im learning to forgive is the fact that I couldve been doing what I love a lot sooner. I wish i wouldve had the courage when I was younger, however i do understand that everything happens for a reason and it just wasn’t the time for that season. Singing for your church and family who you are comfortable with was easy. The confidence I gained from it is what I continue to use to empower me on my artistic journey.
V-Henny: If you could sit with the younger version of yourself—the one who first dreamed of singing and connecting with people through art—what would you tell her about the journey ahead?
Leah J: I would tell Little Leah to buckle up and get ready for the rollercoaster ride to success. I would tell her its not going to be a straight forward route and prepare to be non negotiable about your morals , values and principles. People will try in many different ways to change you into who THEY want you to be and next thing you know you are unsure of who you truly are.
With every song she writes and every stage she steps onto, Leah J reinforces her place as a force within modern R&B and Neo-Soul. Her music reflects her roots, her resilience, and her unwavering commitment to authenticity. As she continues to rise through New York’s dynamic artistic landscape, one thing is clear: Leah isn’t just creating music—she’s creating moments, memories, and a movement all her own. This is only the beginning of a journey destined to echo far beyond the city limits.
