11 November 2009   Christmas Already! ... More >       1 November 2009   Petes Back... ... More >       7 October 2009   Sydney Bound ... More >       1 October 2009   Get Behind A Good Cause... ... More >     Mar 21 2010   Rise and Shine. Leigh will perform In My Hands, one of the g More >             Adelaide singer/songwriter Leigh Cunningham has been captivating audiences with his unique brand of acoustic rock since 1993. Leigh’s natural ability to intertwine spoken word with challenging and inspirational songs has become a trademark of his heart-felt live performances. Described as “music that touches the soul and uplifts the spirit”, Leigh’s music is melodic, acoustic driven, and his lyrics will reach out, grab you, and draw you in. After having a guitar thrust into his hands for the first time as a teenager, for Leigh, song writing quickly became more than just a way of passing the time. “Song writing is a way of relating to the world around you,” Leigh reflected. “Right from the start I had a burning desire to write songs that impacted people’s lives by using my experiences and feelings to encourage, inspire and challenge others. I figured if a song couldn’t have a lasting and positive impact on the person listening to it, then what was the point in writing it?” Few would disagree that Leigh’s long-awaited debut release “The View From Here” is a collection of songs that do exactly that. Songs like “SOS”, “You Are The One”, and “Only You” have been making a lasting impression on audiences for years, while more recently, songs such as “That Day” and “Burn” leave no doubt that Leigh’s best is yet to come. Leigh penned “That Day” in July 2003, as a moving tribute to those whose lives were lost in the tragedies of September 11, 2001, and Bali, October 12, 2002. “That Day” is an anthemic song of hope that encourages the listener to believe that even in the hardest times, love will prevail. It reflects the heart and soul of Leigh’s music and is a clear demonstration of how powerfully music can empower and uplift the human spirit. “That Day” was Leigh’s first collaborative effort with producer Craig Ross, and the partnership propelled Leigh’s music to a new level. Craig says “Leigh’s music embraces passion and belief, and his song writing reflects his heart for people and the issues that life hands out.” “That Day” was used in the Channel 10 documentary “Cry Bali,” and received solid radio airplay. Leigh signed to the “Nourish” label and started working towards making his debut album become a reality. In late 2003, The Leigh Cunningham Band ventured to Life Productions in Adelaide to attempt to record Leigh’s songs in a way that captured the realness and passion that is so evident during their live performances. That mission was accomplished thanks to the musical talents of Steve Cunningham (bass and backing vocals), Geoff Payne (guitars) and Pete Lucas (drums and percussion). Leigh says, “the greatest thing about playing music with Steve, Geoff, and Pete is that we are mates first and musicians second. To share faith and friendship is the most solid foundation you can build a band on.” Leigh formed the band in the late 90’s with a view to giving his live performances a new dimension. “Being in a band with Steve, Geoff and Pete has taught me so much. Not just about music, but about friendship, and what it means to stick by each other through thick and thin. The guys have given me so much, and I know this album would never have happened without them.” Together, The Leigh Cunningham Band has established a reputation as a band that not only delivers in front of a live audience, but also communicates a powerful message of hope while doing it. Over the years, Leigh’s life experiences have seen his song writing and music grow and develop to the point where it is today. From humble beginnings in his local church, Leigh ventured to the shores of the USA where he spent five summers working with young people from inner city New York. It was while in the USA that Leigh first played his original compositions to an unsuspecting audience. “I remember thinking to myself that if I was never going to see any of these people again for a very long time then what did I have to lose by putting my songs out there? Through those experiences I learnt that music is an unbelievably powerful medium to communicate a message, and came to understand the amazing privilege it is to see your music encourage someone, inspire someone, and make a difference in someone’s life.” Leigh returned to Australia and continued working as a youth worker, and also started a career as a fire fighter with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service. In 2002 he married Amanda, who shares his passion to see people being empowered to live their lives to their greatest potential. Amanda is a social worker, and works with homeless youth in inner city Adelaide. When asked what drives him as a performer and communicator, Leigh responded; “I want to encourage people to see themselves, and the world around them from a more positive point of view. I believe my music can encourage and inspire people to make the most of the gift of life they have been given, and to make a difference in the world.” Few people that have experienced his music would disagree.