ABOUT
Leading Music was developed by veteran music writer and producer Scott Lea. Born and raised in Paterson, NJ, Scott co-founded the 80’s group, The Persuaders along with George Louvis of Stardust Studios in 1983. Scott fronted the band as lead singer, songwriter and guitarist. Shortly after signing his first record deal with Stardust Records in 1984, The Persuaders released their debut single - “Someday” / “When You Run” (Written by S.Lea). That single was produced by Gray Russell, known for his work with Jack Douglas and Jon Landau. Gray was also working on albums by Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper, John Wait, Joan Jett, Blondie and Kiss during that time. This gave Scott the opportunity to hang out at the famed Record Plant NYC and fine tune his ear for top notch productions.
In late 1986 Scott was asked to play guitar on the Blaze record “If You Should Need a Friend” which was an instant international house hit. Another instant regional hit blasted the airwaves in 1987 when Lea wrote and produced “I'll Never Drink Again” which was in heavy rotation on New York City's Z-100 spun multiple times daily for over a year straight. The record also charted in the Top 10 on top college radio stations across the United States. It then became one of the most requested songs on Z-100 and a signature addition to the Z-Morning Zoo with Scott Shannon and Ross Britain.
By this time, Lea had enough knowledge and experience under his belt and started his production company, Scott Lea Productions and publishing company, Scott Lea Publishing - BMI. He personally developed the band The Fiendz and produced the “We’re The Fiendz” album. The same year Scott began writing and producing three songs for Linda Gail Lewis (Jerry Lee Lewis' sister). They were, “Love in Motion, “I Want You Back” and “I’ll Take the Memories”, which went on to the Tanya Tucker catalogue of hits. Another notable release was his own Neon Records project called “What Exit” (a compilation of New Jersey artists). Scott immediately recognized the talent of the group Anything Box who had submitted their material to him. Anything Box was then signed to CBS/Sony.
Other projects over the years include, Telstar’s Deep Heat 89’ - Certified Platinum, work with Bob Allecca and Julian Hernandez known for their work with (Johnny O, Cynthia, Judy Torres and Lil Suzie). Extensive writing and producing for Double XXposure PR specialist Angelo Ellerbee (Laura Branigan / DMX / Dionne Warwick / Michael Jackson / Lionel Richie, / Mary J. Blige). Scott was the exclusive writer and producer for Angelo’s artist Craig Hill of Arista’s group IN-2-U “I Miss You”. Success continued with the EMI/Capitol album by The Nu Romance Crew, “Tonight” with James Mtume (Juicy Fruit / Stephanie Mills, Roberta Flack, Lou Rawls) as Executive Producer and Scott assisting. During the recording of that record Scott was also working with Sly Stone (Sly and The Family Stone). Scott played guitar with Sly on a remake of Family Affair and on a track for rapper Stevie D. “To the Maximum” , Sly played keys and co-wrote the track.
Mr. Lea produced and remixed the Multiply / RCA artist Jinny “Wanna Be With You,” which charted at #28 on Billboard’s UK Top 40, rivaling Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Queen and Bon Jovi on it’s debut. During that time the progressive illness of his mother Rosalie whom he was the sole caretaker for over a decade jolted Scott out of the music business and two years after her passing he formed RadicLea Records, distributed by Red/Sony. RadicLea released two albums and twelve singles from 2012 - 2016. October of 2017 began the transformation of the label now called, Leading Music and is distributed by The Orchard.