About

Liesl Graham, 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’ and South Africa’s answer to Sheryl Crow.

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 (several return visits) and Germany. Locally, 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…