Many people ask me about my Christian faith and how it ties into my music. You already know this about me or may have picked up on this background. I get emails & messages on a regular basis asking about this, so I thought I’d share my thoughts here for you, in case you’re curious.

I’m often asked: “Is Leah a Christian band?” And “Do you see your music as a ministry?”

I don’t often answer these questions and here’s why:

First of all, I create music because I must. If I stop for long periods of time, I get grumpy. I was born to create. It’s one of my callings in life (there are many).

Second, I view my music as art.

All art is an extension of its creator, and it’s very difficult (if not impossible) to separate one’s faith, presuppositions, and worldview from one’s personal expression.
It will always come through one way or another.

For that reason, I don’t believe in a sacred/secular distinction.

How I live, how I think, and what I create is either consistent with my beliefs, or it’s not.

That’s why I don’t need a label or a genre to define my faith. My whole life should exude my faith, along with anything I create.

That’s why I also stay away from the word ‘ministry’, and why I have no desire for my music to be sold at exclusively Christian stores, or even associate with that market (because that’s what it is: a market).

So if someone asks me if I am a Christian I say yes.
If they ask if my music is Christian, I say – there’s no such thing. I hope that makes sense.

That’s like asking if a blue crayon is Christian (is there a Christian crayon section at the store?).

The crayon is a tool… it’s what you do with that medium that reveals if you lived a life consistent with your beliefs.

For example, if I produced hateful music that insulted my Creator, than I would be making inconsistent art.

In any case, I love making music and I have many listeners around the world from a variety of background and faiths and I’ll tell you what: we have a lot in common….. Celtic & fantasy inspired music is one of them!

So I hope this answers that question and I hope to keep creating music that you love to listen to.

My desire is that it inspires you and brings a measure of joy to your world, wherever you are at; wherever you are today.

XOX, Leah

P.S. I know it’s still Fall, but here’s ‘Winter Sun’ (feat. Eric Peterson of Testament) to get you though the cold and rainy season (at least where I live anyway!).

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Leah‘s latest album “Kings & Queens” has been released on January 30th 2015 in Europe and on February 3rd in North America through Inner Wound Recordings. An Impressive new album from Leah featuring Timo Somers [Delain], Sander Zoer [ex. Delain] and Barend Courbois [Blind Guardian, Vengeance].

Our review of “Kings & Queens” can be found here.

Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Bandcamp

Lyric video: ‘Winter Sun’ (feat. Eric Peterson)