New Jersey may not be the birthplace of country music, but it is home to a new country music star; Leah Marie Fuls is an award-winning, Nashville recording artist and singer/songwriter who hails from Phillipsburg. The 29-year-old is back home after a recording session in Nashville for her latest single – “Louisiana” – and more.
Speaking about the new single, Fuls says the song is about a girl who starts singing in her little Louisiana town. She works hard and makes a name for herself, but never forgets where she comes from. “Many people think that once an artist gets to a certain point of success that they forget about everyone; and become lost within themselves,” she says. “I don’t think that’s always the case. So, I made ‘Louisiana girl’ humble.” The song releases today, and you can click here for a preview or to purchase it. The full version is available on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon music, and more.
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Award-Winning Music Artist Leah Marie Fuls
Besides recording new music, Fuls recently won “Modern County Artist of the Year” at the 2020 Josie Music Awards; the largest award show for independent artists. “I was honored to be nominated in three categories, but to bring home [an award] made my year,” she says.
In addition, her first mini album – “You’re Never Gone” – released in early 2017; earning two awards in the Lehigh Valley Underground Fan’s Choice Awards. Her first Pop single, “Collision”, also earned the Best Pop/Contemporary Song of 2018 in the Josie awards. Likewise, her single “Destiny” was No. 1 on the Indie Star Radio Country Chart.
Small Town Jersey Girl, Big Country Music Dreams
While growing up in Phillipsburg, Leah Marie Fuls was in the choir during both middle school and high school. At Phillipsburg High School, she took music classes such as Music Theory and History of Music. “When I was growing up there, I always had something to do,” Fuls says; she goes on to describe days at restaurants, the mall, the movie theater, and bowling. “It’s always going to be home to me,” she adds.
“Music has been my passion since I can remember,” Fuls explains. She recalls listening to folk at her late grandfather’s house and rock in her father’s car; in addition to singing country tunes with her mother. “I love learning everything I can about music. When I do, I feel like I learn a little bit more about myself. It brings me peace and puts me in a good mood that I want to spread to everyone around me.”
For Fuls, there is no better feeling than being on stage. “I feel like I’m heard and understood when I’m on a stage.” She considers it a blessing to be able to make people happy just by doing what she loves. She enjoys seeing an audience sing, dance, clap, and get lost in her music. “I love when strangers come up to me after a show and tell me they love my voice and to never give up.”
Fuls continues to remain positive, despite the hardships of 2020. “Releasing ‘Louisiana’ is keeping the magic going for me,” she says. “I’ll continue to work on my music even with the limits of the world. Music brings hope and that’s what we all need right now.”
To learn more about Leah Marie Fuls, click here to visit her website.
All Photos: © Carly Weaver (used with permission)
