DANIEL LEYES

Daniel Leyes has persevered through a life on the edge, between addiction and alcoholism, sanity and madness only to find himself happy, loving life and still chasing his dreams in his second half-century on the planet.  This rock and roll roadie, college professor, cab driver, bartender, and brick layer has taken the scenic route--some might say the lost highway--from his troubled childhood to the Promised Land as a singer songwriter. A life lived with eyes and ears open leads a man to speak his truth from the voice of experience. On his debut recording A Single Step, Leyes does just that. 

At 55 years old Leyes played in public for the first time. Sober and engulfed by anxiety he plowed through a deeply personal original song, despite singing the wrong lyrics to the very first verse, and with hands sweating and shaking so badly his guitar barely playable. And, despite the trauma, decided this was something he wanted to do again.

Developing his performance chops at countless open mics, he was soon invited to play the Café Artiste Songwriters Showcase at the Jersey Shore Arts Center. His appearance was so successful that he has been invited back 5 times, taking his place alongside some of New Jersey’s very best songwriters. 

He has also been selected to play at Asbury Park’s Annual PorchFest the past four years, and to play multiple venues for the Light of Day Winterfest, including the iconic Wonder Bar in Asbury Park. 

When it came time to record, he enlisted the help of veteran NJ music man John Mulrenan to produce his first EP of original material. The results are nothing short of superb. Mulrenan, captures the essence of the songs and creates a sound that is authentic and irresistible. He brings out the very best of Leyes’ considerable musical instincts. 

In his debut release, Leyes offers six songs (plus a bonus Christmas song) that establish him as first-rate songwriter.  The lyrics are simple and honest. From the comical Cannabis Blues, to desperate longing of Waiting for Love (an exquisitely soulful duet with rising star Sahara Moon) his songs always strike a nerve or elicit a memory for the listener. Philosophical and fun, pointed and personal, each song makes you want to hear it again and again. At once simple and deep, the songs offer a rich aural blend that satisfies the ear and the soul. 

He is currently playing the bars, boardwalks and festivals of the Jersey Shore. Contact him directly for bookings and other professional opportunities