The Strange Familiar, led by Kira Leyden (vocalist, keyboard) and Jeff Andrea (lead guitarist) garnered early critical success with their Top 10 iTunes hit "Courage Is" (featured as the promo theme on ABC Family's The Secret Life of the American Teenager) and Ashlee Simpson's hit song Invisible. Kira & Jeff, having met in grade school in Akron, OH, started writing together when they were both 14 years old and have been collaborating ever since, crafting The Strange Familiar's captivating sound. No strangers to TV, The Strange Familiar have also been featured ABC Family's Jane by Design and Switched at Birth, ABC's Brothers and Sisters, NBC's The Biggest Loser, Teen Nick's Degrassi, and the Lifetime Movie Network's The 19th Wife. Completing the lineup are friends and fellow Ohio-bred musicians Nicholas Sainato (drums) and Frank Freeman (bass).
The new album, Chasing Shadows, shows off the band's ability to write timeless music that connects with their audience on a deep emotional level. The album was was produced/mixed by Brian Malouf (Dave Matthews, Madonna, Everclear, Lisa Loeb). Their song "Redemption" (one of the most powerful songs on the album) is featured on CW's hit show, The Vampire Diaries. It carries a message that no matter how difficult or dark life becomes, there is always hope.
Their first single, "Being Me" is a declaration of independence, more confident than self-effacing, with a smoky acoustic groove leading up to a jubilant chorus that shows off Leyden's soulful upper register. The accompanying video, which is heavily featured on MTVU and Music choice, follows Leyden as she saunters down Hollywood Boulevard and physically peels away layers of jackets, dresses, wigs, ties and make-up to reveal the low-key, Midwest persona she truly embodies.
Having performed at SXSW in Austin, TX the band is looking forward to their first national tour in support of "Chasing Shadows"
