American Idol 2nd runner-up, Leah Marlene appeared to be devastated after the show’s recording arm, 19Recordings/BMG signed several of her co-finalists to a record deal, but not herself. But now, the singer-songwriter is fully embracing her status as a fully independent artist by kicking off a Patreon Page.
Leah has A PLAN.
In a message to fans posted on her Instagram page, the Normal, Illinois native wrote, “HELLO FRIENDS!!! I have been absolutely blown away by the blossoming community we have cultivated in this past year. I have created this Patreon page to simply be an extension of this beautiful connection we already share.”
Patreon allows artists to charge monthly subscription fees in exchange for new music, exclusives, pre-sales on concert tickets, access to the artist and MORE.
American Idol: Leah Marlene Wrote “Flowers” After Depression Bout
Leah describes the page as a way to not only share new music and fund her career, but also foster community.
“My Patron will be my go-to landing page for all the exclusives of my musical journey. Not only is it an opportunity for us to further engage with each other, but for you to engage and make friends with your fellow patrons.”
“Your monthly contribution, no matter how big or small, is absolutely instrumental in helping me take these next steps in my career.”
“l am a fully independent artist which means that I am funding my musical journey entirely out of my own pocket. I have big ideas and dreams for the next steps of my career, but in order to do these things the right way, it will take a hefty investment out of my own bank account.” Leah continues, “Your monthly contribution, no matter how big or small, is absolutely instrumental in helping me take these next steps in my career. From the top, bottom, and every side of my heart, thank you for considering financially supporting my musical journey.”
Leah’s new Patreon page is a work in progress. “…its packages will be ever-evolving as I continue to receive feedback about how I can best serve your needs. I hope you find that you get a worthwhile return for your investment within the community connection and exclusives you will receive as a patron. I cannot wait to connect with you all in an even deeper, more meaningful way through this platform. Woohoo!!”
She seems VERY EXCITED! In a comment alongside the post, Leah writes, “MY PATREON IS NOW LIVE! Join by August 31st and receive a fun little gift in the mail from yours truly!”
Click this link to join Leah’s Patreon. The page offers three levels at $5, $12 and $25. Each level includes more perks. For instance the $5 level includes New unreleased music, Discord access, a merch discount and early ticket access. The more expensive levels include BTS exclusives, while the $25 level includes exclusive Zoom calls.
On August 27, Leah will perform a hometown concert in Normal at The Corn Crib. Fellow season 20 singer Fritz Hager and season 18 winner Maddie Poppe will open for her. For tickets, click this link.
View this post on Instagram
Only a month ago, Leah expressed her frustration at feeling “misunderstood” by the industry
Last month, in a heartfelt Instagram post, Leah shared her frustration about being cut loose after American Idol: “I feel very misunderstood by the industry and it has made me question everything about who I am and what I want. I love my friends so much and am so incredibly happy and proud to see them thriving post show, but in my own selfish little world the comparison game has made these few months that much harder.”
“I’m at the point of complete emotional exhaustion and I can no longer pretend like it all doesn’t phase me. I feel incredibly lost, confused, stuck, and beyond all things, frustrated. I do recognize that many things have changed in my life because of the show, but in almost every way I still have found myself back at square one.”
But now, a month later, Leah has found a way to move forward, and bring her friends along. Other singing show alums who maintain Patreon pages include American Idol season 8 winner, Kris Allen and The Voice season 8 champ, Sawyer Fredericks.
Currently. Leah is pursuing her musical dreams in Los Angeles, California.
