Leanne Binder, a powerhouse blues-rock and Americana artist, captures grit, strength, and persistence on herself-driven EP, I Got Something to Say.
Spanning seven tracks, the EP showcases lived experiences in both its lyrics and the distinct blend of rock, blues, and country that plays alongside it.
Growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, Binder has surrounded herself with music for years. At a young age, was accepted at a college-level opera program. Through a change in creative direction, damage to her voice, industry detours, and near-miss label deals, she has sustained an independent career to reach audiences in the U.S. and Europe. This arc of resilience shines in her work through technical depth and an emotional punch.
Much of her sound is unfiltered and raw, and pioneered by Grammy-winner Lee J Turner, who knows how to get the best out of it. The instrumentals in songs like "Little Bitta" and "Drinking Stars" are joyful as they are bold. This, with the contrast of visual vulnerability in "Let It Pour" and "Broken Things," creates a dynamic listening experience. Since its release, I Got Something to Say has hit #8 on the APD Blues Chart and #16 on AA Rock.
We got to chat with Binder about creating the EP, what drives her forward, goals on the horizon, and much more.
Just like that, we're at the end of the year. Including your album, were there any other notable highlights from 2025 musically related or otherwise?
The album was such a high point, and the release party was such a cool thing to be able to do. Lee flew up from Nashville, and we took the stage and did an acoustic version of the entire album, and the place was full of musicians that were on the EP along with friends and family from all over. I was really excited to shoot two promotional videos this year along with getting in the writing rooms with some amazing writers in Nashville. I think another highlight was getting the opening slot for The Texas Headhunters. I also started really getting airplay in the blues rock market, and actually made some blues charts!
Speaking of your latest album, can you talk about any overarching themes or inspirations behind this collection of songs?
It's always interesting to me to see the arc of the music when it's done. I put the final collection of songs together, and really started to realize what an emotional journey I had just walked through. I feel like I really grew as an artist through this process. I faced some demons, I left some things on a deserted road, and realized how much I value my worth. It was an EP full of releases from the past, acknowledging that all of us are a bit broken, but at the end of all of this there is hope, joy and love.
The energy within the album highlights your known love for music. What can you tell us about the recording process? Any hurdles or significant changes along the way?
The recording process is always different every time we go in to track a song. Luckily, I have a team of great musicians that I work with consistently, and they know what sounds I like, and the grit I like to surround my music with. It's just fun and I think that transfers onto the music.
There is always the occasional hurdle; a chorus not feeling right, or needing a re-write on some of the verse lyrics, but I think that is something that all songwriters deal with. I also don't tell my guys what to play. We have a structure/chord progression chart, and all that stuff is charted but then we just let them run. These guys are amazing, and when ya have bull riders in the studio, you let them ride the bulls! It is very rare that there is something directionally that we have to switch around.
How was it working with Lee J Turner again, and how did that affect the final outcome of the EP?
Lee J Turner makes the studio a very safe place to put your feelings on the line and experiment with anything an artist would want to try. It's our playground.
A great story that shows you who Lee really is, is the story of the song "Little Bitta." It started out as a three-chord bluesy thing I voice recorded from my bed at 1 AM. I sent it off to Lee, who was out on tour. He called me from the bus and said, "Hey I think there is something in this!" So we lined up the guys and gals, and recorded the song at his studio. It was late in the evening, and we were working out the background vocals, and we looked at each other and said, "Ya know what this thing needs? A horn section!"
Well, there wasn't enough time to do it the next day, as I was headed to Jazzfest in New Orleans, and Lee was headed back out on the road. BUT... I had some friends that play in the Preservation Hall Band and made a call, and the guys agreed to record the horns. Now, I had never recorded horns before, and Lee was out on the road, so I took a phone call from him the morning of the sessions. I had all the charts, he assured me I could do this.
So off to Marigny Studios in New Orleans I headed, wondering how the hell I was going to get these horns recorded properly. I walked through the door, turned the corner and there was Lee! I was gobsmacked. He got off the bus at 4 AM, and jumped on a plane in Nashville to surprise me and get these tracks laid. Thats what it's like working with Lee.
Can you tell us what continues to pull you towards creating music and being an entertainer?
To me, creating music and entertaining is like breathing. It feeds my heart and soul. I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. I love pushing myself creatively to find and explore the world, myself and the human experience. I have always loved questioning the greater mysteries of life. I also love making people happy, making them think, and helping them forget a bad day by bringing some joy to their lives. I think I was destined for this way of life, and I am grateful for every moment of it.
If you could tour and open for one present-day artist, who would it be and why?
Oh wow, that's a great question. I would love to play with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band. I love his command of the stage, it's all raw power, big horns, guitars, keyboards, singers and passion. They leave it all on the stage. The feeling he leaves his crowd with is amazing. That's what I strive to do. It's that kind of journey I want to take my fans on!
What are your goals - whether musically or otherwise- for 2026?
I am so excited for this coming year. My plans are to continue to support this EP with some more opening slots, and I am currently booking festivals through the spring, summer and fall. I love meeting my fans and making new ones, so any opportunity to get out there and play I am ready. BUT, there is no grass growing under my feet. I have already been in the studio tracking songs with Lee for the next release!
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