Shaleisha McDonald, better known by her artist name Lei Renee is a 29 year old from Gaithersburg, Maryland and was raised by a single mother who did everything she could to set her up for success. At 12 years old, she started singing and was told that if she wanted to become a singer, she had to practice – and practice she did! After gaining support from others who raved over her voice and believe that she will become someone important one day Lei took practicing and her hobby to making messages and music that she hopes can get people through anything, especially heartbreak.
Looking for a song to help you through that heart break? Then look no further because “Heart Attack” is the track for you to get your heart beating again. Lei’s voice is filled with passion and she gorgeously eases through the song gliding over each note as naturally as breathing. I personally love the tone that she uses to deliver her emotion filled lyrics such as “I messed up and I know, made my bed” and “Losing my best friend, I said I apologize”. Close your eyes. Focus on the different layers of “Heart Attack” and technical changes between chorus, verse and bridge that Lei blends so beautifully together. I am a big fan of writing a classically structured song and the style that Lei has written “Heart Attack” reminds me of the style that artists like Ariana Grande and SIA use – very laid-back and down-to-earth but also a song that touches the audience on a personal level. Lei’s voice is unique, her style is a fantastic mix of different modern day Pop and Hip-Hop, and her lyrics are extremely well written and delivered!
Listen to “Heart Attack” here and get to know more about Lei Renee below!
Hey Lei! Fantastic to chat with you! Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?
I’m 29 from Montgomery County Maryland. I have been singing since I was about 12 years old. I’m an Army veteran, served 9 years in the military. I always knew that my path should always be about what makes me happy. I found that singing was my passion and I never let that go since.
What inspires you to create new music and gives you drive to write lyrics that touch your listeners on a personal level?
My mistakes, my heartbreaks, my pain...you know things that I’ve encountered in life; I write about it. We all experience pain, but ultimately my goal is to help my listeners get through whatever they are going through. I’m not saying every song will be about overcoming something, but I definitely want my listeners to gain something after listening to me.
Is there a deeper meaning behind the lyrics in “Heart Attack”?
Well it’s about that feeling you get in your chest when you break up with someone. The feeling you get when you know it’s over, but it’s still surreal to you. It’s about that moment.
Who musically inspires you the most?
I’d say Aaliyah and TLC inspire me the most musically. I grew up listening to them, wishing I was them. Everything about Aaliyah in music, I wanted to emulate.
Tell us what we can expect to see from you in 2019.
Well you guys can definitely expect more music from me. I have a project I’m working on right now. I will be learning my fans this year. I want to push past my fears this year and do me. So you’ll be seeing me bring more to the table musically.
Connect with Lei Renee on social media
www.instagram.com/_lei_renee