Odie Leigh, "Nine Lives" // GemsOnVHS™

Like last week's release, Benjamin Dakota Rogers, my new friend Odie Leigh came to my attention through word of mouth that was generated through, of all places, TikTok. Yes, that 21st century grapevine is capable of spreading new music far and wide, and although I don't participate, I do benefit. Odie's playful, unique and homegrown style caught my ear and stayed there for some time. We became fast friends when she visited our offices in Nashville, and we decided it would be just splendid if I rode with her to New Orleans, stopping along the way at various New Orleanian locales that made her who she is today.
The first stop? Her grandparents lakehouse on stilts in Shreveport, Louisiana. A charming little spot right on lake Caddo, on the Texas border. Grandma's feng shui is unmatched, the interior feels like somewhere Mark Twain would write his next masterpiece. Its massive cyprus tree forests were the perfect backdrop for a little weekend of songs and stories, each sunset more magnificent than the last. She did most the rowing; I had to film! And film I did; this might be the most beautiful looking recording i've ever had the privilege of capturing. Her unorthodox picking of neon green strings bounced off the algae green swamp like it was another perfectly evolved part of the ecosystem.
Her grandparents were awesome, relaying decades of generations of stories on the lake, of bandits who stole lawn furniture, boats overloaded with family, storms and floods that nearly leveled them. They felt like my own family, by the end. We headed south after a couple days, but more on that adventure later.
Odie just dropped her first EP, "How Did It Seem To You?"! You can find it on Spotify at open.spotify.c.... If you wanna see what else she's up to, you can find her on Instagram at @odieleigh.
Our undying love and gratitude go to our executive producers for making this project possible: Brad Sirois, Mitchell Davis, Keith McQuillan, David Jameson, Lisa Galvan, Irvin Maddox, Josh Collins, Brady Jones, Julie Nestoroff, VJ Arizpe, and Rusty Shackleford.
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
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GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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[@GemsOnVHS]

If you wanna stay up to date on all the cool stuff Odie is up to, you can find her on Instagram at instagram.com/odieleigh/. If you're new to GemsOnVHS be sure to subscribe & follow us at instagram.com/gemsonvhs for more authentic artists. Odie will be our guest on a Sunday songwriters night on the Discord, November 13th at 6:00 p.m. Central. discord.gg/CAdg27Y9N8?event=1035616716815859722

[@odieleigh]

you made me look like a swamp siren, thank you for everything

[@GemsOnVHS]

you are the swamp siren

[@jamesreedmusic4224]

❤️

[@t9620]

I was thinkin' swamp angel. But swamp siren is just as awesome! Thanks so much for the music! 🙏❤️

[@joshsalsman2806]

You would of definitely lured me in. 💕 Love the song.

[@AG-io5wr]

Lyrics like these and a gentle pick upon the strings don't lie. Cheers.

[@BryanOdeen]

The lyrics of this song are outstanding! The “cats have 9 lives, I have 2” was perfect.

[@codyenete8424]

I lived in Louisiana my whole life, and been involved in mutliple music scenes in Baton Rouge. I love the fact that i still find new artists in my state through GemsonVHS. So much love for this channel.

[@carlhernandez1942]

Looks like Georgia...beautiful

[@Detourist]

I had to watch this three times in a row just now, after being led to it. This song is incredible! It's so uniquely written and performed! You are a true and honest artist. Thank you!

[@dirceupires2885]

she's so good I'm actually blown away by the way she expresses herself through her music

[@shelbycriswellart]

One of my fav songs of all time, sooooo good with the sounds of the swamp

[@VallieMusic]

GemsOnVHS always helping me find my new favorite artists

[@GemsOnVHS]

Help someone else and give it a share 😇

[@ABIGD0NK3Y]

​@@GemsOnVHSchanged my music playing order of important music...i was ALL metal till i heard Hank III... then went and saw Tyler Childers at a small club in PDX... now I'm picking the bluegrass... any way to send you some stuff... not professionally mixed but a few good tracks.... my friends that hated what i played 10 years ago... LOVE IT now.... so i gotta keep it under wraps.... I'm not trying to get popular just living the River Rat life

[@clarkkc11]

The background of the song... The location is magical

[@ashthetrashboat1982]

Her voice is so honest and balanced

[@nankerphelge3771]

"If I can dissolve, I do." is a pretty great line too.

[@gatorbitey]

As a Louisiana native, it's so amazing finding beautiful artists such as Odie also from Louisiana. My move to North Dakota led to those there shaming me for my accent and Southern habits. I'm hoping that I will be able to bury myself in Louisiana culture once again now that I am back. Thank you Odie for being one of my steps there!

[@dweis34]

Nemo Case vibes in a dreamy swamp. ❤❤❤❤ I’m glad I found this video!

[@rowdyrobbyrider4226]

As soon as I saw the cypress trees I thought of Caddo. Awesome place, great song!

[@alexsanford9558]

This channel always has the best artists ! Such a good one!!!!

[@ManWatchingtheStars]

This is so beautiful in all the many ways.. and the audio work you did.. the recording sounds so clean..!

[@MAN-fq6bc]

Beautiful song and setting. Caddo Lake was my stomping grounds.

[@Cormbreabs]

Hey, I've been wanting to see these parts of Louisiana. I've been to new Orleans. I like and respect it but I'm a country boy and want to find a area to visit and stay like this on a lake or back in the swamps. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks

[@gomo200]

You are thoroughly incredible. I've sent this to everyone I can think of and i can't wait for everyone one of them to listen and appreciate you

[@GemsOnVHS]

Thank you for sharing - the most powerful move!

[@oddcarl1]

I just watched you perform this live in the El Club in Detroit. I absolutely love this recording, but your live performance was also fantastic!

[@pageluvva]

Oh you guys introduce me to so many amazing artists. Thanks so very much. She is wonderful.

[@Bypassingnormal]

I love randomly remembering I follow you guys Dan so much amazing music thank you 🤙🏾

[@kevinatwater4115]

i’ve been waiting for this video for YEARS wow this is amazing

[@odieleigh]

ily

[@WanderIust_]

Such an incredible song, just another hit with GemsOnVHS.

[@ccravens]

Couldn't be more open, honest, and connected. Honestly impressed.

[@torsteinnorbertson]

To keep on track while beeing surrounded by all these natural rhythms is amazing.

[@isaiahbasaldua924]

such a soulful voice with depth and alot of pain.What a talent this is music simple raw melodic and a little depressing. Such an intimate voice so personal

[@dirt_swagg]

wow! my favorite person is on GEMSONVHS! the world is finally turning around for the better!

[@odieleigh]

cameron i literally would’ve never started sharing my songs if i hadn’t met u :,) ily always

[@ruby2835]

The most beautiful video and song

[@brunnicocktail]

❤ love the song&was happy to see my fav lake! thanks

[@katiechamberlin4194]

what a lovely video. the shots, the music, everything

[@SolomonTheBard]

amazing, my favourite location for a shoot no doubt

[@oliveklugmusic1700]

OMG THATS MY FRIEND THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL ODIE :,)

[@odieleigh]

OLIVE KLUG UP NEXTTTTTT

[@doodmonkey]

Very pretty voice, thanks for all you do

[@josephrangel91]

So happy i stumbled into this

[@christopherhenderson7303]

Lovely setting for a lovely song!

[@jmartel6760]

this is so beautiful!! These lyrics resonate with me so strongly. I am so grateful for this music!

[@RoZioNoiR]

Thank you for this!

[@andrewstidham1599]

Look at those cypress 😍 love your name!

[@jeremybjayne]

What a beautiful performance. Mostly just commenting to signal boost so this video gets the attention it deserves.

[@GemsOnVHS]

hmm not a bad idea lol ty

[@NocturnalNinja]

The wind loves your words lady love blessings

[@DTA-me3kv]

Sounds amazing. Keep it up.

[@joeschermann7729]

Lovely music.

[@collinmc90]

this is so beautiful. Love the lyrics.

[@jajimay]

This looks so great y’all!

[@addywilkerson9957]

Missed you in Berkeley was super upset. Your voice is beautiful I hope to hear you live someday!

[@brendapierce6726]

I loved this.

[@alexgray8804]

Fuck yeah what a beautiful song and video. So glad you guys do this and find these people. I’ve just been listening to her the last 6 months or so, I had a feeling she’d get a feature.

[@danielwild.]

Wow awesome Thank you so much to everyone involved

[@GemsOnVHS]

thank U bud. throw us a subscribe if u dont mind 8]

[@ProfTJWall]

beautiful and wholly relatable.

[@orlacraig6117]

been waiting for this FOREVER

[@BarefootVisual]

WHOOOOO go Odie Leigh!!!!!

[@olivia.carousel]

My favorite song on my favorite music channel!!!

[@lukecollett5944]

Her tone is just haunting and addictive, and that guitar is nothing short of beautiful, this is wonderful thankyou to all involved

[@austinbarth6411]

This is a absolutely gorgeous

[@tylerrichman9]

Loved it!

[@theoldkid5725]

Super,thankyu!!!

[@MegaSeanWilliams]

that was beautiful

[@bryceisstillhere9380]

odie is so lovely!!

[@dirt_swagg]

i can't wait for her to drop some new music!!!!

[@mosssssssssssssssss]

This is so so beautiful

[@freeroamvideomagazine8714]

It’s awesome to see great music and beautiful people coming from the 318! This inspires the hell outta me

[@t.d.conrad3578]

Wonderful

[@blakeirving7604]

Love it 😊

[@blakerouse1717]

AMAZING

[@RollCageMary]

So good!

[@sevatar5762]

This is criminally under viewed!

[@GemsOnVHS]

lets change that with some shares

[@boonedog1457]

Nice!

[@hannahallen6748]

im geeking

[@empireempireempire]

Cats have nine lives I have two I live one for me And one for you If I can dissolve I do If I can dissolve I do Spare a crumb, I'll take it I said hold my hand, not break it I'm trying to say this all makes sense considering That I'm giving up again Yes, I'm giving up again Cats have nine lives, I have three I gave all to you, saved none for me It's true, it's true Screw the timeline, I lost track Was it really me who had my bags all packed up first? Guess I'm giving up again Yes, I'm giving up again Yes, I'm giving up again Yes, I'm giving up again I can't be this miserable, and then swеar to God I'm fine I don't think I fell too hard, got this injured in thе climb I got injured in the climb I got injured on the climb Cats have nine lives I have two I live one for me, And one for you If I can dissolve I do If I can dissolve I do If I can dissolve I do If I can dissolve I do If I can dissolve I do

[@gnarlyroots]

listening on noise cancelling headphones and the bug chorus is top tier

[@tre-tre]

Love how she play. It's like she's jus flickin' the thumb. It outs me in place

[@Weareroses]

Where can I find more of their music? I’m absolutely blown away. The lyrics, the voice, the guitar playing it’s all beautiful. I got goosebumps. HOLY SHIT

[@IoanaRaduIoRa]

Personally, I've been listening to the new EP on repeat on Spotify 😅

[@CinciCasanova]

Get it mama

[@DerKaiserBrazil]

Besides being very beautiful she sings this beautiful song wonderfully well !!😍🇧🇷🙋🏻‍♂️

[@izzethompson4352]

ur so amazing 😭

[@ciatangallaghe2485]

Look at that place.

[@TheVCRTimeMachine]

Heard about her from my former K-Pop obsessed 18 year old daughter. She's become a great outlet to introducing me to new, younger artists.

[@EmilyK25]

I love how the 🦗🦗🦗 add to the music

[@koffinkat666]

I been listening to this girl lately, I have never heard the Cadence she displays.

[@benjaminsmith4535]

woah

[@OneFibroTwin]

wow

[@onemanband9419]

I wish i had some friend to rub my head after such a heavy song

[@HatlessAtlasHA]

Say ALL of the things, and sing your song you beautiful soul, you! 🙂

[@ente-6355]

❤

[@fulanichild3138]

She looks so much like Erica Lewis from Tuba Skinny it's freaky! Both have terrific voices.

[@ThiccolasCage01]

I could see (hear?) This song being in SoA or something lol, especially the giving up again bit

[@amy.2189]

⚡️

[@ToriVmariposa]

I feel like I am back in the 1960's at a folk show. Loveee!❤

[@brightwhite22]

Are those glow in the dark strings?

[@adamosullivan5839]

Fuck me man I wished you stayed for the Patrick O ' Keefe festival and the Wren in Dingle.

[@hippy8213]

Beeeeeee A utiFull

[@runfree3392]

That’s lake Martin?

[@918kickinwing]

Frodo goin folk

[@jasonokay]

Very KoRny strings

[@christophercaume6690]

What a dope fuckin tune

[@karithwhirty4281]

Don't discount the Clockwork Orange app...strangely saved my life and introduced me to some kickass cats.

[@Loganhariss1988]

This looks a lot like the Reelfoot lake area

[@shruglifecomedy5709]

Is she on Spotify ?

[@GemsOnVHS]

Yes she is. Odie Leigh on there

[@macdorfingfyrslf]

Why are 5hey different 😢

[@kenny6920]

This is more like emo than folk but I'm not complaining.

[@juliacook4920]

lil boat