Shane Leonard Announced Upcoming Solo Record
The Eau Claire producer and singer-songwriter is set to release his second solo album in early 2027.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Folk
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Singer-songwriter and producer Shane Leonard has announced his second solo record, Make the Birds Fly. He also released the album's title track in anticipation of the full project.
Why it matters
The upcoming release marks the next chapter for the artist following his solo debut, Strange Forms. The project highlights a collaborative creative process developed alongside singer-songwriter J.E. Sunde.
The new record, titled Make the Birds Fly, is set for release in February 2027. It is being produced in partnership with the label Sleepy Cat Records.
The players
Shane Leonard
Shane Leonard is an Eau Claire-based singer-songwriter and record producer who is also active in the local Chippewa Valley comedy scene.
J.E. Sunde
J.E. Sunde is a songwriter who collaborated with Shane Leonard to develop the tracks for the new album.
Sleepy Cat Records
Sleepy Cat Records is the label partnering with Shane Leonard for the distribution and release of his upcoming music.
The details
The album serves as a platform for creative experimentation, with tracks crafted through a songwriting partnership with J.E. Sunde. Listeners can currently access the title track and pre-order physical copies on Bandcamp.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: Announcement of the new solo record.
February 2027: Scheduled release of the new record.
Industry Dynamics
The artist is leveraging the Bandcamp direct-to-fan distribution model to bypass traditional retail gates, a strategy that defines current independent music commerce. This approach allows local artists to maintain creative control while managing their own distribution logistics.
Fans can support the artist and secure early copies by visiting the pre-order page on Bandcamp. The title track is already available for streaming as an initial preview of the February release.
The takeaway
Independent artists in the Chippewa Valley continue to use collaborative songwriting as a primary tool for evolving their sound. Supporters can anticipate the full project release in early 2027.
Further reading
For more news on regional acoustic sounds, visit the Folk section.
More information
You can pre-order the upcoming release or listen to the new track on the Bandcamp pre-order page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Volumeone.
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