Leanna Crawford is a singer and songwriter who has toured with some of the biggest CCM artists, including Tenth Avenue North, Matthew West, and Michael W. Smith. Her songs are honest and truthful, and yet her personality is friendly and kind as she strives to let her listeners know that they are not alone. Recently, Leanna released a self-titled EP, which includes the inspiring lyrics “My rock my shield my firm foundation / I know I will not be shaken / You remind me / Where my help comes from.”
Firstly, what was it like playing The Roadshow last year with Matthew West, Tenth Avenue North, Matt Maher, and Michael W. Smith? Any awesome memories you have from these shows that you’ll never forget? (I personally happened to be at a show on this tour, and you were awesome!)
Leanna: Thank you so much, it was such a cool experience and was definitely one of the best tours I’ve been on. Just to even be a part of such a legendary line up was special but beyond that each artist was so gracious and took time to share their wisdom with me. Some special moments were great conversations with Mike Donehey about the enneagram and talking to Matt Maher about how he met his wife. My favorite memory was right before walking to VIP one night. Michael W. Smith and I were both early and waiting for the other artists to get there, when he asked me to sing “Never Enough” from the Greatest Showman with him! There was a stairwell with great acoustics and his manager ran to grab Michael’s guitar. We sang it one time through right there on the spot. He is amazing! So many sweet memories from that tour, overall people were just kind and I loved all the cities we traveled too!
Have the events of 2020 led to you doing more creative things, with being mostly stuck at home? I noticed you started posting a video series to YouTube starting a few months ago, can you explain what inspired you to start “Leanna Loves”?
I think a lot of artists have found new ways to be creative during this time! But yes, the Leanna Loves series has been a blast for me to do! It’s also been a huge learning curve and I’m discovering more and more of what I want it to be about. I wanted to create a series that went beyond just me posting pictures or songs on my Instagram and that went a little deeper into the things I love and why I am the way I am. Ha! I think it’s good to celebrate things that inspire us or that we love! It’s been a lot of fun to make and I hope that the videos are encouraging and bring a little hope.
What sort of music do you enjoy or listen to? Do you have any favorite artists or albums? What inspires your music style?
I love all kinds of music! I grew up listening to Zoegirl, Francesca Battistelli, and Britt Nicole! In middle school I got to see Jamie Grace live and she inspired me to start playing the ukulele! I try to listen to all types of music! In recent years I’ve loved music from various worship artists like Phil Wickham, Mack Brock and Amanda Lindsey Cook, etc. I’ve made some Spotify playlists with artists/songs I love too because I’m always finding new artists! I also love artists like NeedToBreathe, and We The Kingdom! I’m also a fan of country and pop music!
If you could give one message to your listeners, what would it be? What do you hope is achieved through your music?
I would let them know that they are loved and treasured. I don’t think we can talk about that enough. Jesus seriously loves them so much. He loves us so much more than we will ever comprehend this side of heaven! I hope my songs bring hope to the girls who feel alone and insecure. I hope the songs/words let them know they have a friend and that they aren’t walking this scary world by themselves. I was thankful to have those female artists to look up to and I hope that whoever listens to my music knows they have a friend in me.
What inspired you to write the song “Truth I’m Standing On”?
That song was inspired by a woman named Joyce who walked with her husband through his battle with cancer. She is now walking the road of grief since he went home to be with Jesus, but throughout that whole journey she posted on social media bible verses that were encouraging her at the time and she continues to do that. She would hashtag #truthtostandon and I thought it was so inspiring that she was using the most difficult season of her life to not only encourage others but that she knew exactly where her strength came from.
When I heard Joyce’s story I was battling anxiety for really the first time and wasn’t sleeping. So I wrote that song with her story, but it actually helped me a lot with my own, too.
Finally, what brings you hope? What keeps you positive and motivated despite life’s struggles?
I try to spend every morning in the Word. Honestly, that always gives me the best perspective on my day. The best way to face battles is with Jesus. The best way I know how to do that is staying in God’s word and praying. I’m not always the best at that, but I think 2020 has really opened my eyes and given more opportunities than ever to study God’s word. It’s been incredibly life-giving.