Leeland mp3

Leeland is a Christian pop and rock band hailing from Baytown, TX. Though the lead singer, Leeland Mooring, was only 17 during the recording of their debut album, their music has been widely accepted. Also, in spite of their overtly Christian lyrics, their melodic-driven sound has appealed to the secular market as well. Leeland Mooring himself has worked closely with Christian artist Michael W. Smith, and has had a part in the writing of at least seven of the songs on Smith's new album, Stand.

At the age of 11, Leeland Mooring wrote his first song, "Shine". After having a successful performance of it at a church in Illinois while the Mooring's were touring the United States as evangelists, he felt a spiritual calling towards music. His mother, Cyndy Mooring, entered him in a contest in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 14, and was a finalist in the songwriting and artist divisions. Although he did not win, one of the contest judges, Kent Coley, took interest in the young teen.

He is now their manager. Later at the age of 15 he attracted the attention of Eddie DeGarmo, President of EMI CMG Publishing, and signed a songwriting contract with EMI CMG Publishing. While practicing after youth group, Leeland, his older brother Jack, their cousin Jake Holtz, and two close friends from church, Mike Smith and Jeremiah Wood, they realized they had become a band. They decided to use Leeland's name for the band's because they liked the way it sounded. They later started practicing in the night at a funeral home.

On December 7, 2006, Leeland was nominated for a Grammy for Best Christian Pop Album. They are also nominated for five Dove Awards. Including categories such as New Artist of the Year, Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, Worship Song of the Year, Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year, and Praise & Worship Album of the Year.