My name is Leena Ingegneri (pronounced In-Ja-Neh-Ree). I am a singer/songwriter originally from Tucson, AZ. I am currently living, networking, playing and writing in my new home in Nashville, TN. After living in Tucson for the first 18 years of my life, I followed my family out to Southern California and lived there for almost seven years, with the purpose of "getting discovered." I finally realized that the only way to truly discover who I was came from doing something big, something that forced me out of my comfort zone. Unlike most aspiring musicians and songwriters, I didn't move to Music City to get a record deal-the music scene was just a bonus. I moved here to discover my independence, to overcome my fears, to build a new life for myself and most importantly, to find and discover myself.
When I was three years old, I picked up my grandmother's soap microphone and started singing into it. My destiny was chosen for me when I could barely say the alphabet. From that point on, I have been performing, whether I am entertaining myself in front of a mirror or playing in bars with drunk people as my audience. I was surrounded by music throughout my childhood. I vividly recall watching home videos of my father and myself dancing around the living room to Lionel Richie songs and prancing around in little outfits to Wilson Phillips.
I'll never forget the first time I realized how cool it would be to pursue a career in music. I was at my grandparents' house watching MTV, and Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do" music video was playing. I wanted so bad to grow up and be Sheryl. I was in awe of this pretty lady, standing on a sidewalk, singing about having fun in a bar with Billy, Mac or Buddy. I started writing music shortly thereafter.
When I was in high school, I began to question my destiny. I felt very intimidated by my peers and wasn't sure I was cut out for a job in music. Then God gave me a sign.my school choral program was part of a regional competition in which several schools in the area auditioned students to be part of a large choir that was highly revered. Only 25 sopranos, altos, basses and tenors were to be chosen out of hundreds of students. I knew my chances of making the top 25 were slim. When I walked into the choir room the day we found out who made it, I felt very discouraged. I looked at the list, walking down it with my eyes until I hit the last few names.and mine was there! I had a renewed sense of hope and confidence. I knew then that I couldn't quit. Though I was still too young to drink alcohol, I knew that I had to keep pursuing my dreams.
My first taste of public performance was when I performed at the National Society of Collegiate Scholars' 2002 induction ceremony at California State University, Northridge. My very first "gig" was in the garage of a house that supported a non-profit group called "Songs and Flight", which was designed as a place for artists to play and support all forms of music. Since then, I have graced the stage of various California, Arizona and Tennessee venues. In 2005, I was one of just twenty Southern California artists chosen for a promotional compilation CD, which was produced by the California State University, Northridge music industry studies department.
I am now working hard to write music that conveys important and meaningful messages to people all around the world. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Industry Studies from California State University, Northridge. My ambitious nature became more clear during my college years, when I proudly graduated in 3 1/2 years, half the time it takes the average music major. I have since held day jobs in the music industry, and I've been teaching private music lessons since 2002. In June 2005, I finished recording a four song EP entitled Test Drive, which was produced by Rudy Haeusermann (Deborah Gibson, Tina Turner). I have just released my full length album debut, A Little Bit of Everything. As my knowledge of the music industry continues to grow, I am realizing more and more that I am in this for the art, not the acknowledgment. I am not looking for a record deal. I don't want to be famous (though rich would be nice). I enjoy having a private life, sleeping in my own bed and having the assurance of stability to wake up to. I am my own booking agent, webmaster, manager and publicist. My musical mission is really quite simple: I want to be heard. If even one person is touched, moved or inspired by my songs, then I have succeeded.
"Combining her enchanting vocals and her well-crafted songs, this debut EP from Leena Ingegneri makes a welcome addition to anyone's collection alongside CD's by the likes of Fiona Apple, Michelle Branch and Sarah McLachlan. While all 4 songs are top-notch, the quirky, upbeat bounce of "Blinding Sensations" (my favorite) and "Anchor", with it's heartfelt, emotional vocals are the definite highlights and really showcase Leena's diversity. The only disadvantage to Test Drive is that it's only 4 cuts, but luckilly she'll be releasing a new CD." - Geoff Melton, The Music Korner
