Leah Flanagan has earned recognition as one of the most important artists in contemporary Australian music. The acclaimed singer-songwriter has carved a unique path in the independent music scene with her evocative voice and emotionally resonant songwriting.

Born in Darwin, Leah grew up surrounded by Indigenous traditions and European influences, drawing profound inspiration from her family's history, including her mother and grandmother, a member of the Stolen Generations. 

Her passion for music led her to study classical music at the Elder Conservatorium of Music in Adelaide, where she spent years honing her craft. With the encouragement and support from the staff at Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM), Leah began to write and perform her first songs at venues and festivals.

Flanagan's solo career blossomed with the release of her debut album, Nirvana Nights, in 2010, introducing her as a thoughtful songwriter telling stories of life in the tropical Top End. She gained wider visibility in the late 2000s, joining the acclaimed Indigenous Australian collective The Black Arm Band. This collaboration opened doors to major festivals and performances alongside renowned artists like Sinéad O'Connor, Meshell Ndegeocello, and John Cale.

In 2011, with the blessing of acclaimed poet Samuel Wagan Watson, Leah wrote the song cycle Midnight Muses, which premiered at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.

2014 saw the release of the limited-edition The Everything EP, which was only sold at live shows, followed by Saudades (2016) and The Oceanic Sessions (2017), each expanding on themes of longing and loss while exploring diverse musical landscapes.

In 2020, Leah released Colour by Number, marked by a refined cinematic, orchestral sound and introspective themes of environmentalism, identity, and personal reflection.

Leah has contributed to significant cultural projects, including The Black Arm Band, The Mission Songs Project, and Buried Country 1.5: The Story of Aboriginal Country Music, the Spirit of Churaki, amplifying the voices and stories of Aboriginal musicians. Collaborations with artists like Archie Roach, Yothu Yindi, and Shane Howard have further broadened her musical reach. A lifetime highlight was when she was asked to join the Midnight Oil live band for their final world tour, coinciding with the albums The Makarrata Project and Resist. Her work on The Makarrata Project earned her a Gold Record in Australia.

Beyond her music, Leah Flanagan is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice. She uses her platform to raise awareness about the issues facing Aboriginal communities in Australia, including water rights, inequality, and historical trauma.

A proud Independent artist, Leah releases her music through her own label, Small Change Records.