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The new millennium has brought in a wave of NEW SOUL artist who have yet to receive a Grammy, most haven’t hit platinum sales numbers yet. But the music they make is AWESOME and their fan base SOLID, patiently waiting for them to hit the stage or drop a new CD. In 2005, Leela James knew it was time for something fresh and released her debut CD “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Songs like “Good Time” and “Music” combined with her energetic performances solidified her name at soul festivals around the globe.

After five years, Leela is BACK on the scene with a new team, label and new album. "My Soul", hit stores May 25th and she is “excited” about the release. Even though this is only her second CD, Leela was not off the scene, instead she released a project of cover songs, but only a few fans heard of it. Now with "My Soul" Leela is working through an aggressive tour schedule taking her from U.S. turf to as far as South Africa and Switzerland. Although she enjoys the creative process in the studio, she admits the stage is where her magic happens. The work does not cease while on tour, and scouring through the tour dates Leela was honored to receive two nominations, one from Soul Train Awards and the other NAACP Image Awards. Leela also spent time working on new materials.

I called this album "My Soul" because it’s the most accurate reflection of who I am than anything I’ve recorded.” Before gaining mainstream success Leela a Los Angeles native, performed in talent showcases and later worked the local music scene. She grew in a house that fused an eclectic mix of Soul, Funk, Gospel and Hip Hop. “I’m a product of all those genres. I like all kinds of music and this album will show those parts of my personality,” she said. The first single is “Tell Me You Love Me,” in which she says, the title speaks for itself. She co-wrote that song, but says “I want It All” is a song she wrote on the spot. The version that is on the CD was recorded in one take and was all freestyle. “That’s what I was feeling at the time and it all came out” she admits.

Although on the surface all that we see is the glamour of the entertainment industry, Leela says one of the biggest lessons she’s learned is to put God first. Early on in her career she had to assemble a whole new management team and even signed to a new Label. Although cautious not to give details about the dispute with her previous manager, she did say “You try to see the good in everyone, but you can’t trust everyone.” She was more candid about the dissolved relationship with Warner Brother Records claiming that they weren’t fully behind the first album. She feels that the CD should have had a stronger marketing and promotional campaign.

Now Leela is with Stax Records, a label that has been around for years, but not with the same big name artists as the more popular labels. Stax is credited with breaking Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding. James says she’s happy to be on a legendary label that has a history of soulful music. On the new label she has more control and says the label is fully supporting her movement.

Part of the demise of Stax’s visibility was due to business practices. Even today many labels are folding because of the internet, but Leela has full confidence in her company. However she does recognize the benefits of the internet as well. She is on Twitter and Facebook and confesses to its power in marketing her music for free but also says of the internet it’s nothing you can do (to stop people from stealing music).

Leela is co-hosting a BET TV show “My Black Is Beautiful” which airs in May. She says she likes doing TV, but loves the freedom she has when on stage doing music. For now you can find her videos on Youtube, follow her on Twitter.com/leelajames or hit her on Facebook.

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