Leah Chynoweth-Tidy is an Australian singer-songwriter currently based in her father’s native Scotland. Discover ‘Kissing the Flint’ with ‘100 or Less’ the January 14th in Formula Indie

An Australian Celtic Song Of The Year nominee seasoned with a love of rockabilly and steampunk, Leah created musical project Kissing The Flint (‘creating a spark’) to cut through the fakery of the modern world. Authenticity and emotion run through her songwriting, storytelling and live performance, leaving each listener feeling connected and empowered.

Song themes flow from an adventurous spirit with crystal clarity of message and vivid imagery drawn from experience, empathy and imagination. She moves easily from roots beauty to sultry raunch in explorations of the human condition, a genuine desire to empower others and a lifelong affinity with the natural world.

Honing live performance chops in cover bands from 2012, Leah began focusing on original song-writing from 2015. Queensland Music Festival’s ‘Songs That Made Me’ 2017 mentorship program formed her debut EP ‘Unconditionality’ released in 2019; the title track a call-to-arms to own true self and not compromise for others.

Sassy Kissing The Flint live performances include the Agnes Blues Roots & Rock Festival alongside Tex Perkins (Leah’s 2017 RocKwiz National Tour team captain), Hat Fitz & Cara, Hussy Hicks, Olivia Ruth and The Hillbilly Goats to name a few. Leah’s mentors include acclaimed Australian artists Katie Noonan, Deborah Conway, Clare Bowditch and Tania Doko (Bachelor Girl).

Penned in a single afternoon on a wave of escalating frustration as creative livelihoods evaporated in the initial 2020 lockdown, Leah’s debut single ‘100 or Less’ from her second album ‘Standing On The Fringe of Rooms’ is set to be released on 12 November 2021. This will be followed by the premiere on 26 November 2021 of the official video, shot on location in the South of France with film-maker Jason Carter.

“This song demands more respect and support for the positive effect that artists have on the world, because those in power don’t really get us, the true value of what we do,” says Leah. “People listen to music, see a live show to lift their mood and this is what I want to keep creating – music that genuinely connects and makes a difference to people’s lives. To be an authentic touchstone for others through genuine empathy and emotion in song-writing is my greatest joy as an artist.”

Leah remains focused in unprecedented times, unceasing in exploration and growth as an artist. She continues seeking genuine connections with audiences around themes that speak to the soul as she embarks on exciting new adventures in the Northern hemisphere. Wherever you find her in the world, she’ll be immersing in nature, ‘kissing the flint’ on stage, penning new songs for future albums and inspiring with authentic, relatable song stories.