As soon as, she got her first guitar, at age sixteen Lesley began a lifetime of songwriting. It was obvious she had a natural talent for words and music. Coming from a family of visual artists, writers and musicians, living in the multicultural Cabbagetown neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada, she absorbed a myriad of  influences. A former visual arts student, certified reflexologist and sous chef,  Lesley's talents are refreshing, versatile and perceptive. She studied guitar and composition, with James Pett and Steve Briggs (graduates of Berklee School of Music), and voice with Pat Hawke at The Kingston School of Music. Lesley has many years experience teaching guitar at The Cabbagetown Community Arts Center, and has facilitated music workshops and hosted acoustic stages. The most popular stage was Toronto’s Cafe At The Centre founded with Ken Bilton Musical Director of The Cabbagetown Festival for many years.    

    From Lesley's second album, The title track from Lesley's second album Inside, was chosen TOP 5 finalist in the international “Song of the Year” songwriting competition,  and the international “Songwriters Universe” songwriting competition. Jezebel, from the same album, was picked Top 5 finalist in the Great American Songwriting Contest. Lesley is a musician of depth and quality. A strong guitar player, vocalist, and arranger, she also produced her second album. Lesley's unique sound could be well described as acoustic alternative with a twist of jazz. Her work reflects the acoustic guitar styles of Joan Armatrading,  Ralph Towner, Bruce Cockburn, Jimmy Page, Nick Drake, and influences of songwriters Leonard Cohen, Suzanne Vega, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones, bands like The Beatles, The Guess Who and more recent musical influences Radiohead, The Pretty Things, and Jeff Buckley.
   
    
    Lesley's extensive performing experience includes; musical theatre productions for Street Cry Theatre, the Third Annual Production of "Starboy" in Ottawa, Mariposa on the street’s ART BEAT Festival,  many appearances at Cabbagetown Festival, Parkdale Then and Now Festival, collaborations with choreographer Bayla Rae Goldman at Dancemakers and Festival of Independent dance (FIDA). She has performed solo and with band inToronto at venues including: Hugh's Room, Freetimes Cafe, The Rivoli, Lees Palace, Mitzi’s Sister, The Savanah Room. She has also appeared in Peterborough, Ottawa, Sydney, Mabou in Cape Breton, NS, and in Brighton, England. Lesley recently performed in Toronto's annual Nuit Blanche Festival, and performed weekly at Cafe Taste on the hip Queen Street west strip. She has attracted praise from her peers, opening up for Kenny Maclean's band, Mose Scarlette, Don Ross and her most recent guest appearance was with Danny Marks at Jeff Healey's Roadhouse.

    Lesley toured the Netherlands spring 2008. Presented by The Amsterdam Songwriters Guild, and Den Haag Songwriters Guild, the next tour is October-November 2008. Lesley is a member of SOCAN and The Guild of International Songwriters and Composers.

Media Quotes for album Inside (BlueSong records 2007):
  
    "You know that feeling you get from biting into dark chocolate, being torn between guilt and unadulterated pleasure? That’s what this second release is all about by Toronto singer-songwriter Lesley Young." ....irresistible old school tunes that boast sturdy hooks, sparse but tasteful accompaniment and a cool, clear voice that cuts through the typical tortured, “chip on my shoulder” singer-songwriter syndrome as a buoyant, uplifting alternative. The star of the show is Young’s crystalline vocal tone and soft, breathy asides..." Eric Thom, Exclaim Magazine/ issue October 2007(Toronto, Canada)

    "Cabbagetown resident Lesley Young has no problem baring her soul for all to hear, and  that honesty has led to new heights of success". Justin Skinner, City Centre/The Mirror 2007(Toronto, Canada)

    "As well her acoustic guitar skills, her vocal and songwriting capabilities are first-class....The CD is superbly recorded and certainly will impress a wide audience which is a wonderful journey from the inside." Henk te Veldhuis, BRIDGE GUITAR REVIEWS issue May/June 2008 (Netherlands)

Media Quotes for album Symphony for Two (BlueSong Records 1994):

"a quite stunning indie offering." Kerry Doole, impact magazine

    "Refreshing to hear music of such originality and quality for a change." Radio WOUI, Chicago

    "Shines with inspiration...the music is rich in texture and tapestry... sultry and sparkling guitar...' Gary 17, to-nite magazine.