Lesley Pike

(Toronto, ON) – Singer-songwriter Lesley Pike will release her new album November on July 24th via Fontana North in Canada and Bread & Butter (Essential) in the UK/EU later this fall. Known to many as an artist who blurs the lines between genres; Pike transitions seamlessly between lush pop ballads, hauntingly tender tracks, and versatile melodies on “November”. First single, White Lies (available at iTunes on July 10), is a delightful preview of her lyrical candor and the artistry and music mastery to come on the album.

Pike cut her teeth as an independent artist in Toronto and through a combination of hard work, talent and fortuitous connections, has been embraced by music communities around the world including New York, Los Angeles, and London. Having shared the stage with such notable acts as Jason Mraz, Joan Osborne, Matisyahu, Ari Hest, The Dunwells, Hawksley Workman, Pike is excited to once again showcase her music and honesty with the release of November.

Early forays to the UK proved to be highly productive for Pike since it was there that she met ace guitarist producer, songwriter and fellow Torontonian, now London-based James Bryan (Philosopher Kings, Nelly Furtado, Nikki Yanofsky, Lisa Marie Presley), and began recording November with a list of top-notch players. “Her voice and songs have a classic rootsy honesty about them that is distinctively Canadian, and that really drew me in and made me want to work with her,” says Bryan.

The result is an eight track album filled with versatility and impressive, heartfelt songs. Leading the way is White Lies, one of the most popular cuts and an original track from Pike’s 2012 release Tug of War. The fan favourite retained its irresistible melody, but was transformed in the best way possible with additional production. On the flip side is the riveting Ground Below, with its spirit of defiance and hint of anger. “It’s about a recent split with a manager,” says Pike, “and was also fueled by several years of colourful experiences within the music industry”. Lyrics like “I will grow my wings and you will still be face down on the ground” make this a song that can resonate on a wider level.

Pike has come a long way from the childhood sing-a-longs in her family’s lime-green station wagon. Her 2003 debut album Night Visions scored glowing reviews and significant CBC airplay, while extensive touring across Canada included opening for acts as diverse as The Devlins, Pilate (Pilot Speed), Peter Elkas and Danny Michel. The promise displayed on the debut disc was fulfilled with 2008’s Blink. A much fuller effort sonically, it was produced by Bill Bell (Tom Cochrane, Jason Mraz), and featured an A-list cast of players.

Pike endured an emotional roller coaster ride in the making of her third album Tug of War, which went through three rounds of producers before its release in 2012. The arduous three year process was worth it in the end and saw Pike co-produce the final incarnation of Tug of War with acclaimed producers Tim Glasgow (Metric, Sonic Youth) and JUNO Award winner Vincent Marcone (Johnny Hollow).

More recently, a partnership with Gibson Guitars named Pike as the featured artist for Robert Redford’s “Sundance Film Festival at the O2” in London in both 2013 and 2014. - Music Life Magazine

By: Jenna Melanson

Toronto, ON based roots/ rock artist, Lesley Pike is about to release her new single entitled “White Lies” on July 10. “White Lies” is from her upcoming album, “November” to be released on July 24th via Fontana North.

“November” will feature eight tracks filled with impressive, heartfelt songs, keep an eye out on Canadian Beats for an interview with Lesley, as well as a review of the album.

Connect with Lesley Pike:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesleypikemusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lesleypike - Canadian Beats

Lesley Pike’s newest album November will be released in Canada on July 24th via Fontana North. This is the fourth studio album for the Ontario-native whose sound is said to be a successful mix between various music genres. For the production of November, Lesley teamed up with successful songwriter/producer James Bryan (Backstreet Boys, Nelly Furtado) and his team.

Two weeks before the album drop date, fans will be able to buy the first single ‘’White Lies’’ on iTunes. The catchy track, which will be available on July 10th, originally appeared on Lesley’s third record Tug Of War, but has since been altered and reworked.

Here is what Lesley Pike had to say about the song:

‘’This breezy radio version, produced by James Bryan, will get your toe a tappin and your mouth a whistling and will probably stick in your head for days and eventually drive you a little bit crazy.’’

Sounds like the perfect summer jam to me! - Confront Magazine

"Lesley Pike is an up-and-coming Canadian Singer/Songwriter who is master of many instruments. In her songs you can sometimes hear the hundreds of hours of classical training but it is her marvelous voice that really catches. She has an amazing range where she can drift ethereal as on the title song Night Visions and she can sound rootsy and grounded as on the folk rock of the sturdy Holding On....With her stellar talent, Pike could and should break out big. A talent to watch.

- Unknown

"...on the best tracks, especially “Sweet Love” and the utterly infectious “How I Wonder” (which cleverly implicates a Twinkle Twinkle Little Star theme), Pike shows us that she knows how to craft a serious pop song. Night Visions also establishes Pike’s clear mastery of the piano and demonstrates her emergence as a wonderfully expressive and dreamy vocalist...like any good developing artist, it suggests many directions at once while remaining wholly her own."

- unknown

“...Pike’s got the goods, falling somewhere between the lush cabaret theatrics of Sarah Slean and the airy-fairy tinklings of Tori Amos…”


- Sarah Liss

“Let the bidding war begin. This small-town Ontario singer-songwriter won't remain independent for long. Lesley Pike is a 20s-ish classically trained pianist who writes heartfelt pop ballads in the Kreviazuk mould. Her voice is as clear as the night sky and her lyrics are honest and often hard-hitting. Imagine your girlfriend lowering the boom on you with this one (from a song called Sad Lullabye): "I feel lonelier in this relationship/than I've ever felt before/I lie next to you/And I don't love anymore/All I feel is fear and it's choking me/And I will sing for you no more.'' Better pack your toothbrush, buddy.

Pike grew up in Wingham, Ont. and was one of those into-everything-artistic kids. She has an honours degree in classical piano from Wilfrid Laurier University but secretly wrote her own songs when she was supposed to be practicing Bach and Mozart. "Just a few'' of her influences are Ani Difranco, Beth Orton, P.J. Harvey, Sarah McLachlan, Depeche Mode, Starsailor, Natalie Merchant, The Manic Street Preachers, Bjork, Tori Amos, Tracy Chapman, Sinead O'Connor and Paula Cole, she says in her bio.

Pike's debut disc puts her voice and piano out front, but the arrangements also include a lot of pretty impressive percussion along with bass, strings and electric guitar. Pike wrote all the songs and produced. The mood is sombre but the melodies are catchy and original. This is the type of artist who can translate half a minute of life experience into a profound musical statement. It's almost scary to imagine the effect a few years will have on her.”


- unknown

"I have no doubt that Lesley Pike could become one of Canada's prominent singer-songwriters.

While the themes of love and longing in the songs are far from original, Pike manages to put a fresh spin on the music with her lush piano playing.
And while she has a powerful, yet angelic voice, it really is this accompaniment that sets her music apart. Her classical training brings a certain credibility and depth to the otherwise pop stylings of the record and the forcefulness in which she plays is reminiscent of an early Sarah Slean.

Songs like "Courageous" and "Suffocate" are truly mesmerizing and the opening "Prelude" and "How I Wonder," both based on the rhyme "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," are quite entertaining, partly because of the childhood memories they evoke.

In the liner notes, Pike suggests listening to the CD through headphones, which only enhances the richness of her voice and musical subtleties.

This is the debut CD for the native of Wingham, Ont., and she has already been receiving attention around southern Ontario and in the Toronto area.
It's only a matter of time before Regina's music community, which has exposed us to greats like Hawksley Workman and the Be Good Tanyas in the past, will bring her to town.

Let's start asking them now.”


- unknown

Pike's vocals are strong, powerful and instense...Her music doesn't just touch the listener. You're easily drawn into her world and are left wanting more when the final strains of the title track fade out.
Each track is a successful stand alone, showcasing Pike's amazing vocal range and evoking many delightful images of peace, soul searching and the ongoing need for each human being to be accepted, wanted and loved.
The sweet melodies of "Worth the Wait" could easily be the ultimate relationship song. Pike's talent also shines on tracks such as "How I Wonder" and "Sweet Love".
Although "Night Visions" is the perfect CD to share with a loved one in front of a fire, cuddling in the twilight hours or sharing an evening together on the front porch, Pike has peppered the release with a few upbeat tunes, such as "Holding On".
Pike is also one of those rare, multi-faceted performers. Having penned some deeply moving and emotional lyrics which touch the listener on a level beyond gray matter - and sung them like an angel - Pike has also taken the reigns instrumentally, expertly handling piano, strings and acoustic guitar herself for a number of tracks. (She also produced the CD herself.)

- unknown

There's a song on Lesley Pike's debut album that recalls the free-spirited vocals and the piano driven melodies of Sarh McLachlan. The song, "Sweet Love", is sensuous and hit-worthy. Toronto-based Pike, 24, is a classically trained pianist and her precision shows in her arrangements. This album has been in the works since Pike finished her bachelor of music degree in 2000, and the pay off is 11 solidly crafted songs about vulnerability, fear and longing. The production is clean and sparse, alternating between acoustic ballads and upbeat pop arrangements that showcase Pike's winsome vocals."

- Kerry Gold

"With a voice comparable to Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos, but with a style all her own, this new Canadian act shines as brightly as her debut release. Pike..can hold an audience. Along with her powerful vocals and songwriting ability, Pike also shows her commanding ability to play...and (shows) outstanding displays of musicianship...i'd love to see this Canadian talent become an international hit."


- Unknown

"...This is a profound and assertive debut that sparkles with musicality..."

- John Emms

Toronto’s Lesley Pike deserves to be heard by a very wide audience throughout the country. Any self-respecting record label who hears her just-released independent debut album, Night Visions, should want to sign on this terrific, edgy, pop-rock singer.

Her voice, while somewhat hesitant at times, delivers tonnes of conviction and passion at just the right places....Her musical attitude is just right too.

A lot of thought obviously went into the making of this terrific disc. There’s not a single iffy track on this 11-song collection....What’s most impressive is that she wrote all the songs herself. She’s included some folk-pop...and some pretty raw emotional intensity in this great little package.

Don’t be surprised if you hear Pike has signed a big deal with some high-fallutin’ record company. You can be assured you will be hearing both her name and her sometimes pouty and sad voice on the airwaves.

I recommend this disc wholeheartedly to all....

- Uknown