Liesl Graham

Liesl Graham, South Africa’s own Rock/pop diva, has released 2 albums to date. Her 1st album, Something to Believe was released through Gallo records and produced the hit singles, ‘All Roads’ and ‘Next to You’. The album was nominated for a SAMA award, and songs were included on best selling compilations such as ‘The Hits’ and ‘Homegrown’ albums. Her first album garnered her such praise as ‘SA’s best songwriter’, and was widely hailed as ‘a significant album’.

Her 2nd album Chrysalis was released in 2008 by indie label, Loneroc Records. The first 3 singles off Chrysalis, ‘Faithless Heart’, ‘Hold Me’ and ‘Go Home’ have been playlisted around the country and charted on numerous stations nationwide. ‘Hold Me’ held an incredible 6 weeks at number 1 on the Homebrew chart, and Go Home has been number 1 an incredible 4 times. Chrysalis has been described by critics as ‘an impeccably produced, outstanding rock effort’ and ‘ a must-have’ album. The singles were supported with the release of 3 music videos in 2008, and received huge exposure through Liesl’s appearances on numerous TV shows on DSTV, SABC and ETV.

Although she majored in politics and psychology at university, Liesl’s musical journey began after she completed a short music course in Johannesburg. She was asked by the music school’s teachers to front a band with them. She did so, and met her then manager Andy Innes, Johnny Clegg’s musical director and guitarist. Convinced to follow her own dreams, she performed a showcase of her original material, to selected labels, and on the strength of that first performance, signed her record deal. Liesl has never looked back.

Backed by an amazing band, Liesl’s live shows have always been characterized by dynamic performances and enhanced with captivating visuals. She has played some of the world’s most famous music venues, including CBGB’s in New York and the Viper Room in LA. Liesl describes one of her most memorable performances as being in New York, on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Liesl had the chance to perform her song ‘Much too Late’, written for a friend  (one of the 2 South Africans) killed in the tragedy, her chance to say goodbye. Her music has also taken her as far a-field as the Seychelles and Germany. Locally in 2008, Liesl performed at the Splashy Fenn, Aardklop and Oppikoppi festivals, as well as many other top venues around SA.

Liesl cites her influences as having more to do with great songs, than individual artists, listening to a wide range of musicians from Sheryl Crow to Guns & Roses, from Pearl Jam to Billy Joel and Good Charlotte. A great song is a great song, and is what moves her to create her own songs of substance. Liesl’s artistic progression is best evidenced in the production quality of Chrysalis, an album that speaks straight to the heart of the listener.  Tracks like the beautiful ‘Little Bird’ and the edgier ‘Go Home’ are stand-alone pieces that expose her in her heart-felt truth.  Her lyrics, honest and brave, show a side to her not seen in her previous releases. One can only wonder will be next…