We recently connected with Lesley Neely and have shared our conversation below.
Lesley, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
As an only child, music became my very best friend. With no siblings to play with, I spent hours with my record player and a small stack of gospel and R&B vinyls. I used to read the liner notes over and over, studying the names of singers and musicians. I dreamed of one day seeing my name printed there too.
Lesley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
By the time I was 14, I was directing the choir at my local church. That experience opened the door for me to sing background vocals for several artists. Over the years, I realized my passion was not just singing—it was caring for music creatives, especially in the moments after the stage lights dim. That passion led me to start I Breathe Melody, originally a vocal contracting business that has since grown into something much bigger: a space for artist development, mentorship, and administrative support.
The path hasn’t been without its ups and downs. Artist development has its peaks and valleys. There are incredible moments when I get to witness an artist’s growth firsthand. Then there are humbling, teachable moments when I need to step back and course correct. Through it all, I’ve learned that patience, awareness, and strategy are skills you must continuously practice to improve.
Today, I am a professional background and session vocalist, artist developer, and mentor. Most people know me as Coach Lesley. I’m proud of the music catalog I’ve contributed to and the legendary artists and songwriters I’ve sung with. But I’m just as proud of the independent artists I’ve mentored, watching their confidence rise and their careers flourish.
What makes me unique is my versatility. I can sing, contract vocalists, road manage, handle administrative work, and even write a book. Flexibility and attention to detail have always been my strengths, and they allow me to move seamlessly through different areas of the industry.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My journey is driven by having to figure things out on my own. I had guides along the way, however, without formal training or introductions into spaces where music creatives thrive, I had to make the journey on my own. Because of this, I’m committed to helping other Creatives strategically move their careers in the right direction, and have longevity.
Have you ever had to pivot?
As I entered the middle of life, I encountered younger creatives receiving opportunities that were once available to me. I went from “first call” to “the right call”. It would have been easy to give up and cease to exist in music spaces, but, I decided to channel my passion into “service to the music creative”. I started I Breathe Melody as a vocal contractor, and it has now evolved into Breathe Artist Growth Partners. This business model serves as an Artist Developer and a Music Publishing Administrator. I still do session and live performances from time to time, and I serve the music creative on and off stage, as a Certified Life Coach (BEing With Coach Lesley)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.breatheagp.com/
- Instagram: @breatheartistgrowthpartners
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljneely/
