Episode 9: Leilani Kilgore - Blues-Rock Guitarist/Vocalist/Songwriter

The power of live music: sometimes you just need to see a performer once and you're hooked, you instantly become a fan...and such is the case with Leilani Kilgore. That's what happened to me! Leilani is a Nashville-based blues-rock guitarist and vocalist whose sound fuses gritty riffs with soulful storytelling. Anchored in the blues, Leilani's got serious chops, she can shred and light up a fretboard, but there’s also real soul and emotion in her playing and singing, too. It's not hyperbole to say she’s a great guitar player and an amazing live performer. In this candid and fun conversation, Leilani tells how she first got into music and the guitar, and her journey with the instrument - first as a punk rock-loving teen to a true blues devotee. We also talked about the cathartic effects of creating and playing music, being adopted, and how it all set her on the path she's on now. And the music, there's details about releasing multiple singles the last few months (the latest, "High/Low" you have to hear), setting the stage for a new album coming this year.  In addition, we talked about her influences, her friendship/mentorship with Joe Bonamassa, plus the guys in her absolutely killer band - and the importance of liking the folks you play with. And did I mention you have to see Leilani and her band live?!? You can find all of Leilani's music at Amazon music, iTunes, and Spotify, and her You Tube channel and can keep up with all the great things happening via her Instagram page, @leilanikilgore.