MICHAEL LEONARDI RELEASES STUNNING ACOUSTIC VERSION OF “HAUNTING ME”
Sydney born singer-songwriter Michael Leonardi has today unveiled he intensely emotional acoustic version of recently released single “Haunting Me,” from his new EP Silhouette - set for release on Friday 14th May via Sugar Music.
An organic, soul stirring glance into the introspective mind of Michael Leonardi, the acoustic take on “Haunting Me” is evocatively beautiful. Brought to life by stunning vocal layers which echo after a slow built piano introduction, the track exhibits an extensive range of overarching talent and heedful execution.
“In this acoustic version of the song we stripped it back to its bones and gave rise to the rawness with which we wrote it. Feeling almost cinematic in this new approach, I couldn’t help but to relive the scenes in my mind as I sang it. Here the deep and powerful story of ‘Haunting Me’ comes to the forefront. Why does healing hurt so much? When things eventually come to an end you are left with the scare that haunts you,” said Michael.
“They say time heals everything, but there are always constant triggers that keep you reminded of the unanswered questions that leave you wondering.In the realisation of a relationship that had come to its end, the void and absence prevails. That sense of reliving your experiences together in your mind and heart leaves that deep feeling of sorrow keeps on haunting."
Born and raised in Sydney by his Sicilian parents, Michael started his musical journey at age 15 at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in the musical Les Miserables and continued with his studies of opera and classical music. In 2015, Michael signed a recording and publishing deal with the leading Italian independent label Sugar Music, currently distributed by Universal Music Group.
Now signed, Michael went on to take part as a newcomer in the 2016 edition of the Sanremo Music Festival and started working intensely with international producers and songwriters. He travelled continuously and moved to Berlin to work on his debut album and for the international release of his songs. After the release of his first single, “Solitary Soul” (the trailer music of the Seattle Firefighters – Station 19 television series, a spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy), Michael was the opening act of Alice Merton’s concerts in Italy. His second single, “Running Wild”, was chosen by JEEP FIAT as the new soundtrack for the ads on all the media channels in Europe and blessed stages as the opening act of Elisa’s “Diari Aperti Tour – 2019” tour. His previous single "Fade Away" was a collaboration with Italian producer KINA (who was behind the viral hit "Get You The Moon" which amassed 700M global streams).
“As music became evermore important in my life, it took me abroad on an adventure throughItaly where I studied singing and voice lessons with some of the greatest maestros that Europe had to offer. Amongst my travels I was lucky enough to have a surprise meeting with the greatest maestro of all, Andrea Bocelli. It was truly the meeting of a lifetime as he had always been in my ears as a child inspiring me with his music and now I stood at his piano as he played one of his songs and he had me sing it. Not only did this amazing experience open the door to my music career, he inspired me to never let the limitations and boundaries of vision stop me from following a dream. I bring this true vision ahead in my personal life and music career till this day,” said Michael.
Michael’s musical journey led him to become a citizen of the world, living in New York, London, Berlin and Milan, the influence of COVID bringing him back to Sydney last year. His life experiences away from home and the degenerative eye disease Michael was diagnosed with at a young age, retinitis pigmentosa, has lead to influence his songwriting with introspectiveness and vulnerability. Matched with his deep, expressive sounding vocals and powerful production, it creates a captivating result.