Leap

Leap is the music of William Hartley and Nicole Gordon.
William Hartley is a published songwriter/producer (BMI) writing and producing music for film and TV as well as his own music for release. Born and raised on the outskirts of Philadelphia, PA, his first instrument was a cigar box with rubber bands on it. It wasn't until he was 14 that he got a guitar from a neighbor's yard sale and was able to start writing music. He later learned other instruments as well and felt the draw to producing music.He went on to play guitar for a number of years with the local original group Shallaway. Band members included Steve Delaney, Jim Amato, Jeff Hunt and William's brother John, who would later come in to replace Jeff Hunt. Shallaway's hard progressive sound resonated with those looking for something new in the Philadelphia area. They produced two releases and their music was featured on local radio. After many years as a guitarist/songwriter with Shallaway, William left the group and began working with a number of artists, including singer/songwriter Nicole Gordon (ASCAP). In 1996 Nicole Gordon teamed up with William Hartley and they formed the duo, LEAP. They released 4 CD's, one music video, and continue to write together.
LEAP performed in and around the Philadelphia area during the late '90s. William and Nicole were proud winners of a songwriting contest sponsored by Philadelphia's own BOYZ II MEN. They both made the move to Los Angeles, Ca. in 1998. LEAP released four original CD's, appeared on national tv and produced a music video featuring the song "Both Hands" from their cd "Into It". Their songs have received national and international radio airplay and have been featured on MTV, HBO, Showtime, The Movie Channel, independent films and featured on Warner Bros. release of the hit show "Felicity" on DVD-seasons 3&4. LEAP recently picked up XM and Sirius satellite radio distribution. They continue to receive critical acclaim and media attention. Their acoustic grooves and melodic vocals have made an impact and caught the attention of many in and out of the music industry. Nicole brings to the duo truly unique vocals, honest lyrics, true passion for the music and a riveting stage presence. William's role in the duo has been challenging. Playing guitar, bass, keyboards, sequencing, mixing and producing, it has really helped hone his skills as a songwriter and producer. A real chemistry can be heard in their music.William and Nicole continue to work together writing music for the television and film industry.
In Los Angeles, Nicole emerged on the original scene as a singer, songwriter, and session vocalist. She appeared as the singing voice of "Madison" on the Warner Bros show, "EVERWOOD" and she works regularly with Emmy Award winning and nominated composers Ernest Troost and Blake Neely on film and television projects as well as Steve Edwards and Alex Kharlamov on library music and commercials. She won the attention of legendary Los Angeles DJ, Jim Ladd (KLOS 95.5fm who is the inspiration behind Tom Petty's hit "The Last DJ") with her song, "Here I Carry". She also performed live on the Los Angeles, CA based Indie 103.1 fm Watusi Rodeo show. In 2004 & 2005, Nicole was a semi-finalist in the nationwide talent search, Nashville Star.
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