Contributed by Scott Murdoch
Eleven-year-old Leah Kagarise brought Lake Monticello’s Bunker Bistro Open Mic audience to its feet Nov. 13 as she delivered three of her own original songs: “Dream World,” “Kid Again,” and “Not Today.”
Leah, who will return to the Bistro Feb. 26, she sat for an interview about her music.
How old were you when you started playing and writing? And was there any song or artist that inspired you to play and sing?
I started playing guitar at 7 years old. My first year and a half of lessons were over Zoom because it was during Covid. I was able to practice a lot at the beginning because I was home so much. I started writing songs before I started taking lessons, not really knowing how to play guitar, but it was fun for me. Then, I started writing better songs as I learned how to play guitar and learning about the structure of songs.
Taylor Swift has always inspired me because I listen to her a lot and her first instrument that she learned was also guitar. And she’s a really nice person.
Who are some of your favorite singer/songwriters?
Besides Taylor Swift I also like Andy Grammer and Gracie Abrams.
Can you describe what you are feeling when you play in front of an audience? And what are some of the venues where you have played? Do you have a favorite?
I feel really happy when I am playing in front of an audience. I don’t really feel nervous. I just feel the emotions of the songs. I also feel happy because I know people are listening to it.
I have done another open mic at The Southern and they also invited me to play at a Singer/Songwriters Showcase. That was really cool because there was a huge audience, and I got to play five songs, and I got paid for it. I also got to write my name on the wall there.
Do you play any instruments besides guitar? If not, do you have an interest in any?
I don’t play piano, but I have interest in learning piano because I will sometimes look up songs and learn how to play them.
Do your songs come to you naturally, or do you sit down and say “I’m going to write a song today about XYZ”?
The best songs are the ones that come to me. I never just say I need to go write a song. Sometimes, I’ll be just walking in my room and write a song. And normally songs just start with me playing around. Then, if I like one, I keep going, and it turns into a song.
Do you see yourself continuing your music as a hobby or something more?
Right now, it’s just a hobby, but whenever opportunities come, I want to try them. We are going to a studio to record some of my songs soon. It could be really cool to have a job but release music and songs.
