Leilani Kilgore announces “Feral”
Nashville-based blues rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Leilani Kilgore has released her new single, “I Wanna,” on November 13. The song is the first preview of her sophomore album, FERAL, which is scheduled for release in March 2027.
“‘I Wanna’ is about the frustration I feel as an artist in the modern day industry with the pressure of social media, the chase of instant success, and the inescapable noise of outside opinions,” Kilgore says.
The song explores the conflict between wanting recognition and maintaining artistic independence. Its lyrics reflect Kilgore’s frustration with an industry increasingly focused on online visibility and image.
The upcoming album, FERAL, follows Kilgore’s independently produced, recorded, and released debut, Tell Your Ghost. The new record was produced, engineered, and mixed by Paul Ebersold, with recording taking place primarily at Nashville’s Sound Emporium. Additional recording and overdubs were completed at Ebersold’s studio.
The album features Kilgore on vocals and guitar alongside guitarists Rob McNelley and Sadler Vaden, bassist Tommy Lucedo, and drummer Isaac Velasquez. Rebecca Lovell of Larkin Poe also collaborated with Kilgore on the song “Reckless Reputation.”
“These tracks forced me to set a vision in place for myself as an artist and push my abilities as a writer, performer, and musician,” Kilgore says. “This album has taught me so much about the value of collaboration with people better than you, and what it really means to make a fully realized RECORD.”
FERAL explores themes of self-doubt, anger, recklessness, identity, surrender, and desire. The album also represents an expansion of Kilgore’s musical approach, combining her blues influences with a harder-edged rock sound. Additional album details are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Originally from the West Coast, Kilgore began performing professionally at age 14 and later attended Berklee College of Music. Influenced by artists including The White Stripes and Joe Bonamassa, she has developed a guitar-driven sound rooted in blues and rock.
Kilgore has toured throughout the United States and Europe, with previous performances supporting Buddy Guy, 38 Special at Summerfest, and Lita Ford at Sturgis Buffalo Chip.