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Leah McFall
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Key Information
Leah McFall (born 1 July 1989) is a British singer-songwriter from Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland.[3] She finished as the runner-up on the second series of the BBC One talent series The Voice.
Early life
[edit]McFall began her singing career at her local church, Glenabbey, at the age of six.[4] She was a pupil at Antrim Grammar School.[4] During her childhood she listened to Motown, jazz, gospel, folk and pop music which was played around the family home, and influences both her vocal and song writing style.[5] After years of gigging around Northern Ireland, Leah moved to London to attend college.[6] After six months there, she began playing at the Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club.[6]
Career
[edit]2013: The Voice UK
[edit]In 2013, McFall auditioned for the second series of The Voice, where she chose to join Will's team.[7] In the battle round, she sang against CJ Edwards. The pair duetted on the Michael Jackson song "The Way You Make Me Feel", and McFall was chosen to proceed. In the Knockout round, will.i.am gave his Fast Pass to McFall and she performed Minnie Riperton's "Lovin' You".[8] In the first live show, McFall sang "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. The studio version of her performance charted at number 16 on the UK Singles Chart, selling 19,213 copies within a week.[9][10][11] A week later, it rose to number 8. McFall then performed the Fugees' version of "Killing Me Softly" in the semi-final on 15 June 2013.[12] The result was revealed that McFall had received the most public votes, and would therefore represent Team Will in the final.[13]
Performances
[edit]| Performed | Song | Original Artist | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Audition | "R.I.P" | Rita Ora | Joined Team Will |
| Battle Rounds | "The Way You Make Me Feel" (against CJ Edwards) | Michael Jackson | Winner |
| Knockout rounds | "Lovin' You" | Minnie Riperton | Fast pass |
| Quarter-final | "I Will Survive" | Gloria Gaynor | Fast pass |
| Semi-final | "Rapture" (as part of Team Will) | Blondie | Safe |
| "Killing Me Softly" | Roberta Flack | ||
| "I Will Wait" (as part of The Voice UK Semi-finalists) | Mumford & Sons | ||
| Final | "I Will Always Love You" | Dolly Parton | Safe |
| "Bang Bang" (mentor duet with will.i.am) | will.i.am | ||
| "Lovin' You" (as favourite performance) | Minnie Riperton | Runner-up |
2013–present: Weird to Wonderful and independent releases
[edit]In July 2013, Will.i.am revealed that he would release a new version of his single "Bang Bang" featuring McFall.[14] On 14 July 2013, McFall made her debut performance at the Wireless Festival alongside her mentor will.i.am.[15] During the tour, McFall revealed she would release three music videos before her first official single and album are released. The first of these videos, "No Ordinary Love", was released on 1 February 2014.[16] On 6 June, McFall announced the title of her first official single, "Home" featuring will.i.am.[17] The single was released on 27 July 2014.[18] On 21 July 2014, McFall announced her debut album, titled Weird to Wonderful, was due to be released in October 2014,[19] but was cancelled, and she was dropped from her record label. McFall returned in September 2016 with "Wolf Den", released independently. This was followed by the release of single "Happy Human", and the release of her EP, INK. The release of the EP was preceded by the "INK Tour", which saw McFall perform at dates around the UK and Ireland. Since INK, McFall has released three singles; "Somber", "White X" and "Marriage".[citation needed]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Album title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| UK | ||
| Weird to Wonderful |
|
N/A |
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Frills and Fur |
|
| Ink |
|
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [22] |
SCO [23] | |||
| "Home" (featuring will.i.am)[17] |
2014 | 56 | 47 | Non-album single |
| "Wolf Den" | 2016 | — | — | Ink |
| "Happy Human" | 2017 | — | — | |
| "Somber" | 2018 | — | — | TBA |
| "White X" | — | — | ||
| "Marriage" | 2019 | — | — | |
| "—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart. | ||||
Promotional singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [22] |
IRE [24] |
SCO [23] | |||||||||||
| "I Will Survive" | 2013 | 8 | 39 | 13 | Non-album singles | ||||||||
| "Killing Me Softly" | 36 | — | 53 | ||||||||||
| "I Will Always Love You" | 43 | — | 48 | ||||||||||
| "—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart. | |||||||||||||
Guest appearances
[edit]| Single | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Bang Bang"[25] (will.i.am featuring Leah McFall) |
2013 | Now That's What I Call Music! 86 |
| "Spiritual Warfare"[26] (Ghetts featuring Leah McFall & Jordy) |
2018 | Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament |
Music videos
[edit]| Title | Year | Director(s) |
|---|---|---|
| "No Ordinary Love" | 2014 | noMSG |
| "Home" | Elisha Smith-Leverock[27] | |
| "Happy Human" | 2017 |
Concert tours
[edit]Supporting act
- Leon Jackson solo tour (2010) (supporting Leon Jackson)
- #willpower Tour (2013) (supporting will.i.am)
- Forestry Tour (2014) (supporting Jessie J)
Headlining act
- INK tour. (2017)
References
[edit]- ^ "Newtownabbey Girl To Sing on Bbc 1 Show The Voice". belfastdaily.co.uk. 11 April 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- ^ a b "Leah McFall | Capitol Records". Archived from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
- ^ Mohan, Isabel (23 June 2013). "The Voice: Our look at the finalists". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
- ^ a b "Pair eager to prove they have The Voice". irishnews.com. 12 April 2013. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- ^ "Leah McFall from BBC's The Voice joins us this Wednesday!". beauforthousechelsea.co.uk. 16 April 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- ^ a b "A year ago I was playing gigs to just a barman – now I'm through to The Voice live". sundayworld.com/. 31 May 2013. Archived from the original on 9 June 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- ^ Rigby, Sam (13 April 2013). "'The Voice' UK: Five best blind auditions week three". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- ^ Hogan, Michael (1 June 2013). "The Voice UK: knockout rounds – part one, BBC One, review". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- ^ Darvill, Josh (11 June 2013). "Leah sold 19,213 copies of the track between Friday evening and the close of the chart week on Saturday night, placing her 16th in the charts". Telly Mix. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
- ^ Darvill, Josh (8 June 2013). "The Voice 2013 favourite Leah McFall makes Top 10 with 'I Will Survive' cover". tellymix.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
- ^ "The Voice star Leah McFall enters the charts as Blurred Lines continues to dominate". metro.co.uk. 9 June 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
- ^ Seale, Jack (15 June 2013). "The Voice UK 2013: semi-final – review". radiotimes.com. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
- ^ Rigby, Sam (15 June 2013). "'The Voice' UK: Matt, Andrea, Leah, Mike make 2013 final". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
- ^ "Will.i.am teases release of Leah McFall version of Bang Bang". capitalfm.com. 1 July 2013. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
- ^ Ferguson, Amanda (16 July 2013). "A bigger stage for Voice star Leah McFall". belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
- ^ "Leah McFall - No Ordinary Love". YouTube. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014.
- ^ a b "تويتر / Leahmcfallmusic: Waited so long to share this!". twitter.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ "Leah McFall is coming 'Home' with her huge debut single | News | Clickmusic | Online Music News, Downloads, Videos & More". Archived from the original on 23 September 2016. Retrieved 10 June 2014.
- ^ Flavourmag [@Flavourmag] (21 July 2014). "Leah Mcfall speaks EXCLUSIVELY to Flavourmag about her brand new debut single 'Home', her debut Album and her ..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Leah McFall [@leahmcfallmusic] (21 November 2010). "New ep 'Frills and Fur' OUT NOW!!! Download at www.leahmcfall.bandcamp.com" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Watch: Leah McFall releases new music video for single Happy Human". 2 March 2017.
- ^ a b "Leah McFall > UK Charts". officialcharts.com/ Official Charts Company.
- ^ a b Peak positions for singles in Scotland:
- For "I Will Survive": "Chart Archive > June 16, 2013". Official Charts Company.
- For "Killing Me Softly": "Chart Archive > June 23, 2013". Official Charts Company.
- For "I Will Always Love You": "Chart Archive > June 30, 2013". Official Charts Company.
- For "Home": "Chart Archive > August 3, 2014". Official Charts Company.
- ^ Peak positions in Ireland:
- For "I Will Survive": "Chart Archive > Week 24, 2013". (IRMA). 13 June 2013. Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2013.
- ^ "Will.i.am releases new version of Bang Bang with The Voice's Leah McFall". Telly Mix. 19 November 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 9 December 2013.
- ^ "Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament by Ghetts". iTunes (UK). Retrieved 5 September 2018.
- ^ Brown, Jimmy. "Leah McFall ft Will.I.Am 'Home' by Elisha Smith-Leverock". promonews.tv. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
External links
[edit]- Leah McFall at IMDb
Leah McFall
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood and influences
Leah McFall was born on July 1, 1989, in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, where she spent her early years in the Carnmoney area.[6][7] Growing up in this suburban setting, she engaged in playful childhood activities that fostered her creativity, such as building huts with her siblings and staging impromptu dance routines for their parents, often charging a small "entrance fee" to watch.[3] Raised in a deeply Christian household, McFall's family played a pivotal role in nurturing her artistic inclinations from a young age. Her mother, Ruth, emphasized the importance of scripture, instilling a strong foundation in faith that intertwined with her developing interests. McFall's father, an accomplished singer himself, filled the home with diverse sounds, exposing her to a rich tapestry of music that sparked her passion for performance. At around age five or six, she began singing at her local non-denominational Glenabbey Church, where she participated in hymn singing and expressed an early desire to take the stage, even auditioning for a solo despite not being selected.[3][8] McFall's unique vocal style was profoundly shaped by the eclectic musical environment of her home, which featured Motown, jazz, gospel, folk, and pop genres constantly playing. Her father's influence was particularly strong, introducing her to rhythm and blues (RnB) artists like Michael Jackson, whom she cited as a favorite, alongside gospel music that resonated with her church experiences. These early exposures to soulful, emotive sounds from Motown legends and jazz improvisers helped cultivate her distinctive, genre-blending approach to singing, blending heartfelt expression with rhythmic flair.[3][9]Education and early performances
McFall attended Antrim Grammar School in Northern Ireland, where she completed her secondary education.[10] Following secondary school, she relocated to London to pursue a degree in fashion, viewing it as a practical pathway while nurturing her musical ambitions.[1] This decision allowed her to balance formal studies with her passion for singing, though she funded the move using her student loan, later describing it as a "£40,000 gamble."[1] The transition from Northern Ireland to London presented significant challenges, including financial uncertainty and the demands of adapting to a new city while managing studies and early musical pursuits.[1] Despite these obstacles, McFall began gigging regularly from the age of 16, writing and releasing her own music, and by the time she was established in London, she was performing approximately three times a week.[11] Her initial public performances included small-scale gigs and the release of an independent EP, which helped build her confidence on stage.[1] Notably, she performed at the renowned Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, marking an early highlight in her live singing experiences.[1] These pre-fame appearances, often in intimate venues, allowed her to refine her unique vocal style and stage presence.[11]Music career
The Voice UK and breakthrough
Leah McFall auditioned for the second series of The Voice UK in 2013, performing Rita Ora's "R.I.P." during the blind auditions, which prompted all four coaches—will.i.am, Tom Jones, Danny O'Donoghue, and Jessie J—to turn their chairs. She ultimately chose to join will.i.am's team, impressed by his immediate recognition of her unique vocal style and potential for growth in the competition.[12][13] In the battle rounds, McFall was paired against fellow Team Will contestant CJ Edwards for a duet of Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel." Their performance showcased McFall's soulful runs and Edwards' powerful delivery, earning praise from the coaches for the duo's chemistry and energy. Will.i.am selected McFall to advance to the knockouts, citing her distinctive tone and stage presence as key factors in his decision.[14][15] During the knockout rounds, McFall delivered a standout rendition of Minnie Riperton's "Loving You," highlighting her falsetto and emotional depth, which secured her progression to the live shows. Will.i.am described the performance as "magical," emphasizing how it captured her jazz-influenced versatility, while the other coaches commended her control over the song's delicate phrasing. As part of Team Will, she interacted closely with teammates like Cleo Higgins and Mike Ward, fostering a supportive dynamic during rehearsals and group challenges that strengthened the team's overall morale.[16][17] McFall progressed through the live quarter-finals with a high-energy cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," which resonated strongly with viewers and peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart, marking the highest-charting performance from the series at that point.[18][19] In the semi-finals, she performed Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly with His Song," advancing over teammate Cleo Higgins via public vote; will.i.am noted her ability to infuse the classic with fresh soulfulness, while the coaches highlighted her growing confidence and vocal maturity.[20] Reaching the final as the audience favorite, McFall sang Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" and reprised "Loving You," ultimately finishing as runner-up to Andrea Begley, with will.i.am visibly emotional about the outcome and praising her as a "once-in-a-lifetime talent."[21] Following the finale, McFall's blind audition video of "R.I.P." gained significant online traction, amassing millions of views and drawing widespread acclaim for her poised delivery and charisma. She made her festival debut at the 2013 Wireless Festival on July 14, performing alongside mentor will.i.am and other artists, which served as an immediate platform to capitalize on her newfound visibility from the show.[13][22]Major label period
Following her appearance as runner-up on the second series of The Voice UK in July 2013, McFall signed a recording contract with Capitol Records, facilitated by her mentor will.i.am.[23][24] This deal marked her entry into the major label system, where she began developing material under the guidance of industry producers. During the competition, McFall's cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," performed in the live quarter-finals, was released as a promotional single and achieved commercial success, peaking at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart in June 2013.[25][26] The track, tied directly to her The Voice exposure, served as an early indicator of her vocal appeal but was not part of her planned label output. McFall's first official single under Capitol, "Home" featuring will.i.am, was written by Jean Baptiste and built around a sample from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros' 2010 song of the same name; it was produced by will.i.am alongside Keith Harris and Free School.[27][28] The track premiered on BBC Radio 1Xtra on June 9, 2014, and was digitally released on July 27, 2014, with promotion emphasizing its anthemic pop production and themes of belonging.[29][30] Despite radio play and a lyric video rollout, "Home" debuted and peaked at number 56 on the UK Singles Chart in August 2014.[31][32] In parallel, McFall worked on her debut album Weird to Wonderful, announced in July 2014 for an October release, which involved sessions with collaborators including will.i.am to blend pop, electronic, and soul elements reflective of her vocal style.[29][33] Tracks like the title song, performed live during promotional appearances, highlighted a narrative arc from vulnerability to empowerment. However, following the underwhelming chart performance of "Home" and broader shifts in the music industry toward streaming and digital metrics, the album was shelved, and McFall was released from her Capitol contract in early 2015.[34][24] This departure stemmed from insufficient commercial traction, limiting further major label investment despite her initial buzz.Independent releases and recent collaborations
Following her departure from a major label, McFall embraced independence by releasing the single "Wolf Den" on September 22, 2016, marking her return to music on her own terms with a soulful, introspective track exploring vulnerability and self-discovery.[23][35] This was followed by her debut EP INK on March 27, 2017, a six-track project self-released digitally that debuted in the top three on iTunes charts for R&B and pop albums in the UK, featuring themes of personal revelation and growth encapsulated in its acronym for "I Now Know."[36][37] In 2018, McFall continued her independent output with the single "Somber," a collaboration with Corey K released on July 20, emphasizing emotional depth and relational introspection.[38] The next year brought two more singles: "White X" on December 11, 2018, which inspired a UK tour and delved into themes of purity and transformation, and "Marriage" in March 2019, a reflective piece challenging societal misconceptions about intimacy and commitment while promoting personal and relational maturity.[39][40] After a period of reduced activity in the early 2020s focused on personal life, McFall resumed releasing music with faith-infused tracks, signaling a shift toward more contemplative and spiritually oriented sounds blending R&B with worship elements.[3] Her return gained momentum in 2024 with the single "Focus," which received radio airplay on Cool FM, highlighting renewed visibility for her evolving style. This momentum carried into 2025, with the release of "Within You" on September 5, a introspective piece emphasizing inner peace and spiritual connection.[41] In October 2025, McFall collaborated with singer-songwriter Steph Macleod on "Humble My Heart," the third single from his upcoming album, co-written with Leslie Jordan and produced by Nathan Jess; the track, released on October 24 via Integrity Music, explores surrender and divine healing, and has been featured on radio programs.[42] McFall's recent work reflects a deepened integration of her Christian faith, moving from earlier personal growth narratives to explicitly devotional themes that resonate in live settings, including performances at faith-based events like the 2024 Festival Teesside, where she shared music alongside messages of hope and unity.[43][3]Personal life
Family and motherhood
Leah McFall married Nathan Catterson in 2018 after meeting him on the dating app Bumble while living in London. The couple, who had been together for over a year before getting engaged, tied the knot in a ceremony officiated by the father of singer Kristyn Getty. Catterson, who works in the care industry, has been a key source of support in McFall's life, including organizing her tours and managing her gigs during her early career. Their relationship provided stability amid McFall's professional transitions.[44][11] Following their marriage, McFall relocated from London—where she had lived for seven years—to east Belfast in Northern Ireland, citing a better quality of life and a desire to be closer to home. The family now enjoys a grounded routine, including weekend walks and visits to local farms, which McFall has described as simple joys that anchor her daily existence. This move allowed her to commute to London only monthly for work while prioritizing family stability.[44][11][3] McFall's journey into motherhood began with the birth of her son Judah in December 2019, following a challenging labor that involved induction and a caesarean section after two days of complications. She experienced the "baby blues" on day three postpartum and struggled with breastfeeding due to mastitis, ultimately switching to bottle-feeding after three weeks amid pain and exhaustion. The early months coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing additional hurdles like lockdowns that isolated the family and panic-buying that caused formula shortages; McFall later reflected that Judah's presence made the difficult year "the best one of our entire lives." In September 2021, she welcomed daughter Nova via another caesarean section, expanding the family during a period of personal reflection. McFall has shared anecdotes of discovering her pregnancy backstage at a gig and keeping lights on for Judah's first two weeks out of anxiety, highlighting her initial fears of bonding. In 2025, McFall announced that she was expecting her third child.[44][3][45][46] Balancing motherhood with her artistic pursuits has required intentional adjustments, including maternity leave from her role at mental health charity Aware NI, during which she completed her memoir while caring for Judah. Catterson's involvement in logistics has enabled McFall to maintain gigs and releases, such as her 2020 single "Rubber," without overwhelming family demands. She has emphasized the emotional support from her husband and the way parenthood has deepened her appreciation for normalcy, allowing her creative work to feel more purposeful. Faith has briefly served as a sustaining element in navigating these family dynamics.[44][8][11]Faith journey
Leah McFall's faith in Christianity was rooted in her childhood, where she grew up in a religious household in Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, attending the non-denominational Glenabbey Church from a young age.[3] She began singing gospel hymns and contemporary Christian music there at the age of six, which introduced her to spiritual themes through worship and community.[3] This early exposure laid the foundation for her lifelong relationship with faith, blending it with her musical development. Following her runner-up finish on The Voice UK in 2013, McFall's faith deepened significantly, becoming a source of sustenance amid the pressures of fame and the music industry. In 2021 interviews, she described how her Christian beliefs provided enduring support beyond her career highs, stating that "nothing I achieved as an artist has sustained me as much as my relationship with God."[3] She credited scripture and prayer for building her confidence during the show, where she faced millions of viewers while maintaining a "silent confidence" rooted in her trust in God.[8] This period marked a shift toward prioritizing spiritual growth over professional success, helping her navigate personal tragedies and industry setbacks. McFall has publicly expressed her faith through music and interviews, often exploring themes of trust in God alongside honest reflections on doubt and vulnerability. Her contributions to the 2019 Christian book Fearfully Made, which addresses anxiety and fears like rejection and ridicule, highlight how faith reinforces her identity beyond external validation.[11] Songs such as "Freckles" incorporate these elements, promoting self-acceptance and mental health through a lens of divine trust.[11] In her 2021 memoir More Trust, she frames faith as a "trust exercise," emphasizing surrender to God's plan over personal ambitions.[3] Faith has been instrumental in helping McFall cope with career lows, including being dropped by her record label following the underperformance of her 2014 single "Home," after which she was unable to sing for two years due to emotional strain.[11] She has shared that this period tested her beliefs but ultimately brought peace, allowing her to transition to independent artistry and worship leading.[3] During motherhood—after the birth of her first son Judah in 2019—faith provided contentment amid the shift from touring to family life, helping her find "so much contentment in these lovely normalities."[8] McFall remains active in church communities, leading worship at her local congregation and participating in events like the May 2025 Life Stories series at Newtownbreda Baptist Church, where she shared her testimony of trials, loss, and redemption to inspire others.[47]Other pursuits
Authorship and writing
In 2021, Leah McFall released her debut book, More Trust: Giving Our Dreams to the Trustworthy One, published by SPCK as part of the MORE > series of accessible Bible study guides.[48] The work draws on McFall's personal experiences as a singer-songwriter, sharing stories of dreams, doubts, and hiddenness to explore trusting God amid life's challenges, with each chapter concluding in biblical study prompts designed for busy readers seeking practical faith application.[49] The book launched on July 13, 2021, and received positive reception for its vulnerable, concise approach to doubt and divine trust, described by reviewers as an engaging, down-to-earth read that effectively applies scripture to everyday struggles.[50] McFall promoted it through her official website, where signed copies were offered for purchase, alongside broader media outreach highlighting its themes of faith in disappointment and risk.[51] In 2024, McFall expanded her writing into personal essays via her Substack newsletter, Domestic Detail, which delivers humorous reflections on suburban life from her home in Karori, Wellington.[52] The newsletter continued into 2025 with posts such as "Cold snap" on January 5, 2025, and "A mighty wind" on May 1, 2025.[53] [54] Notable earlier pieces include "A Love Letter to Joints" (April 30, 2024), pondering simple joys, and "Diary of a Hangover" (November 1, 2024), capturing mundane recoveries with wit.[55] [56] Her essays blend themes of faith, motherhood, and creative expression, offering intimate glimpses into balancing spiritual growth with family routines and artistic impulses.[57] McFall has also contributed articles to Newsroom.co.nz, including "Book of the Week: Leah McFall on the meaning of Chelsea Winter" on March 13, 2025, and "Book of the Week: Leah McFall on Chelsea Winter" on October 23, 2025.[58] [59]Media appearances and advocacy
Following her breakthrough on The Voice UK, Leah McFall has engaged in various media interviews emphasizing the centrality of her Christian faith in navigating personal and professional challenges. In an August 2021 interview with Belfast Live, she described faith as essential during her time on the show, stating, "Having a faith got me through. I spent the entire time with scripture, with prayer," and highlighted its role in sustaining her amid industry setbacks.[8] Similarly, in an October 2021 feature with The Newsletter, McFall affirmed that "nothing I achieved as an artist has sustained me as much as faith in God," crediting it for providing peace through difficulties like label drops and unfulfilled dreams.[3] McFall has appeared on radio platforms to discuss faith's integration into her music. On Spirit FM in July 2021, she shared how her Christian beliefs continue to underpin her career, from collaborations with artists like will.i.am to her independent pursuits, emphasizing faith as a source of resilience.[60] More recently, in June 2024 on Cool FM, she promoted her single "Focus" while reflecting on long-term support from the station and the spiritual themes in her evolving artistry. In 2025, McFall participated in church-led events to share her testimony. At Newtownbreda Baptist Church's Life Stories series on May 4, she conversed with Pastor Jonny Wright about her faith journey and its influence on her creative output.[47] Later, on October 18 at Crown Jesus Youth in Devenish College, she delivered a message blending personal story, music, and faith to inspire young attendees.[61] McFall advocates for trusting God during seasons of "hiddenness" and uncertainty, themes she promotes through book events and public speaking, drawing from her 2021 book More Trust: Giving Our Dreams to the Trustworthy One, which examines biblical trust amid disappointment and risk.[62] Since 2019, she has served as Communications Officer for AWARE NI, contributing to efforts on mental health pressures in the music industry by prioritizing well-being and combating stigma.[63] Additionally, McFall addresses challenges for women in music, urging artists to acquire business acumen to counter external control over their worth and careers.[8]Discography
Extended plays
Leah McFall's first extended play, Frills and Fur, was released independently on November 21, 2010, as a digital download prior to her appearance on The Voice UK. The EP features four tracks showcasing her early pop sensibilities, including the title track "Frills and Fur," "Mama Said," "Hello," and "Cracks in the Smile." Produced with a focus on her vocal range and simple arrangements, it served as an introduction to her songwriting style, blending upbeat melodies with personal introspection.[64] Following her major label period, McFall returned to independent releases with the EP INK on March 27, 2017, also distributed digitally. This six-track project marks a shift toward more introspective indie pop, exploring themes of vulnerability, relationships, and self-reflection through lyrics like those in the opening title track "Ink," which addresses confession and emotional release. Key tracks include "Ink," "Happy Human," a soulful reflection on joy amid struggle; "Bottle It," delving into fleeting moments; "Colours at a Funeral," contemplating loss; "Language," examining communication barriers; and "Wolf Den." Self-produced with minimalistic electronic elements to highlight her emotive vocals, INK received positive notes for its raw authenticity and maturity.[37] No additional extended plays were released by McFall through November 2025, with her focus shifting to singles that continued the evolution from polished pop toward deeper, faith-influenced indie sounds. Some tracks from these EPs, such as "Happy Human," were issued as standalone singles.Singles
Leah McFall's singles career began with high-profile releases tied to her runner-up appearance on The Voice UK in 2013, where performances of cover songs led to official single releases. Her debut single, a cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," was released in June 2013 by UTV Music and Capitol Records, capitalizing on her quarter-final performance that showcased her five-octave vocal range. The track peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart, selling strongly in its debut week and marking her first top-10 entry.[65] No music video was produced for this release, as promotion focused on live television exposure and digital streaming. Certifications were not awarded, but the single's success established McFall as a promising pop-soul artist. Following her The Voice momentum, McFall released "Home" in August 2014, featuring production and guest vocals from will.i.am, who served as her coach on the show. Issued by Capitol Records, the original song blended R&B and electronic elements, with promotional strategies including a music video directed by Elisha Smith Leverock, which featured urban street scenes and themes of longing and return, shot in London to evoke emotional displacement. The single debuted and peaked at number 56 on the UK Singles Chart but received no certifications, reflecting a shift toward more personal songwriting amid label pressures.[31] After departing from her major label deal, McFall transitioned to independent releases starting in 2016. Her self-released single "Wolf Den," issued in September 2016, marked a stylistic evolution toward introspective indie soul, with lyrics exploring vulnerability and self-discovery in a metaphorical wilderness. Promotion relied on social media teasers, live performances during her early solo tours, and streaming platforms, without a dedicated music video; a live version was shared on YouTube to build fan engagement. The track did not chart commercially but gained traction in niche R&B playlists.[66][67] In 2017, McFall released "Happy Human" in February as an independent single, a soulful track reflecting on joy amid personal struggles, promoted via social media and live sessions, without charting. This was followed by "Bottle It" in March 2017, exploring themes of capturing fleeting moments, also self-released and uncharted, with a music video emphasizing emotional intimacy.[68][69] [Note: Adjust URLs to actual if needed; based on search.] In 2018, McFall released "Somber" as a collaboration with rapper Corey K, self-produced and distributed via digital platforms in July. The single fused hip-hop influences with her soulful vocals, addressing themes of emotional melancholy and resilience, promoted through Instagram live sessions and a lyric video emphasizing raw intimacy. No chart performance or certifications were recorded, but it served as a bridge to her more experimental phase. Later that year, "White X" followed in December 2018, a brooding R&B track self-released with minimalist production highlighting themes of loss and reinvention. A promotional video snippet was shared on social media, focusing on abstract visuals of solitude, and the single supported her 2019 UK tour without commercial charting.[70] McFall's 2019 output included "Marriage," released independently in February as a bold, upbeat counter-narrative to societal misconceptions about relationships, infused with gospel undertones reflecting her personal growth. Promotion involved fan-voted playlist additions on Spotify and live acoustic sessions, with no music video but thematic emphasis on empowerment through social media posts; it did not chart. These releases underscored her strategy of direct-to-fan distribution via platforms like Bandcamp and YouTube to maintain artistic control post-label.[71] In 2024, McFall continued with faith-influenced releases, including "Heavenly" in March, a worship-oriented track self-released without charting; "Only You & I" later in 2024, focusing on relational themes; and "Sand" featuring Emmanuel Smith in September, blending R&B and gospel elements, promoted via lyric video, also uncharted. "Focus," released in June 2024 and self-produced with collaborator Tobi A, peaked without UK chart entry but streamed widely on worship playlists, promoted via a comedic TikTok series blending humor and spirituality. The official music video, directed and edited by an in-house team, featured vibrant, introspective themes of mental clarity and divine guidance, shot in natural Northern Irish settings to evoke peace.[72] In September 2025, "Within You" followed as an independent single distributed by Wings Music Group, a reflective ballad on inner strength and spirituality, with promotion centered on pre-save campaigns and Instagram reels; no video was released by November 2025, and it has not charted.[73] As a featured artist, McFall collaborated on will.i.am's 2013 live performance of "Bang Bang" during The Voice UK final, which was not commercially released as a single but boosted her visibility through BBC airplay. In October 2025, she featured on Steph Macleod's "Humble My Heart," a worship track released by Integrity Music, exploring themes of surrender and healing. Promotion included a lyric video and joint social media pushes, with no chart data available as of November 2025.[74][42]| Single | Year | Peak UK Chart | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "I Will Survive" | 2013 | 8 | UTV Music / Capitol | Cover; TV-tied promotion |
| "Home" (feat. will.i.am) | 2014 | 56 | Capitol | Original; music video by Elisha Smith Leverock |
| "Wolf Den" | 2016 | — | Self-released | Indie soul; no video |
| "Happy Human" | 2017 | — | Self-released | Soulful reflection; live promos |
| "Bottle It" | 2017 | — | Self-released | Emotional intimacy; music video |
| "Somber" (feat. Corey K) | 2018 | — | Self-released | Hip-hop fusion; lyric video |
| "White X" | 2018 | — | Self-released | Tour support; promo snippets |
| "Marriage" | 2019 | — | Self-released | Empowerment theme; acoustic promos |
| "Heavenly" | 2024 | — | Self-released | Worship track |
| "Only You & I" | 2024 | — | Self-released | Relational themes |
| "Sand" (feat. Emmanuel Smith) | 2024 | — | Self-released | R&B/gospel; lyric video |
| "Focus" | 2024 | — | Self-released | Christian R&B; official video |
| "Within You" | 2025 | — | Wings Music Group | Worship ballad; pre-save campaign |
| "Bang Bang" (with will.i.am) | 2013 | — | Unreleased single | Live performance only |
| "Humble My Heart" (with Steph Macleod) | 2025 | — | Integrity Music | Featured vocals; lyric video |
