Daniel Leyes Drops New Album "Medicinal Americana" Produced by Todd Snider

Singer-songwriter and Americana troubadour Daniel Leyes releases his collaborative LP Medicinal Americana, cultivated and produced by the the late songwriter and roots, Americana, and folk-rock legend Todd Snider. The album is available on all digital streaming platforms, and you can find it HERE.

Daniel Leyes has a life story worth telling, and an album, Medicinal Americana, that brings that story to life. Born and raised on Staten Island, Leyes grew up immersed in the sounds of the ’60s and ’70s, from Motown to Led Zeppelin. He’s been playing guitar and writing songs since his teens, steadily shaping the voice he carries today.​

Everything shifted for him in 2017, the first time he heard folk-Americana legend Todd Snider, specifically the song “Conservative Christian.” Leyes recalls, “My life is divided into two parts: before I heard Todd and after I heard Todd. After that chance radio encounter, my life would never be the same.”​

Their friendship truly began years later, in 2023, when Leyes attended a songwriting camp hosted by Snider. The two quickly bonded, describing themselves as “cosmic old friends,” sharing songs, stories, and plenty of smoke-filled sessions that helped spark the creative energy behind this album. What neither of them knew at the time was that Medicinal Americana would become Snider’s final production project before his passing, adding a deeper emotional weight to the record.​

“Ha Ha Weed Is Legal,” one of the album’s lead singles, sets the tone with a carefree sense of celebration. Driven by bright horns, acoustic guitars, and an infectious rhythm, it’s arguably the most immediately memorable track. It’s playful, catchy, and almost nursery rhyme-like in its simplicity.

The next single, “Stoner Mating Call,” strips things back. With just Leyes’ voice and an acoustic guitar front and center, the song leans into humor and charm: “If you wanna make love until mañana / In a funky little bungalow in southwest Tijuana / After which we could smoke some marijuana / Honey, I’m the man for you.” Beneath the cheeky lines is a sincerity that makes the song feel genuine and disarming.​

Another standout is “Astrovan,” co-written with Snider. Raw and reflective, it shifts focus away from the album’s lighter themes and into something more personal, chasing dreams, regardless of how messy or uncertain the path may be: "I got this dream that I’m chasing / It comes before everything / This simple life I’m embracing / Living every day to play and sing.”​ Other highlights include “Can You Do It,” a dark, smoky, blues-tinged track that leans into introspection, while “Party” swings in the opposite direction, building gradually before exploding into a full, high-energy payoff.​

Dedicated to Leyes’ friend Carl “Tinker” West (Bruce Springsteen's original manager) Medicinal Americana is more than just a collection of songs. It’s a journey, one rooted in friendship, growth, creative freedom, and a passionate tribute to Todd Snider’s lasting influence.

ABOUT DANIEL LEYES | Daniel Leyes was born and raised in Staten Island, NYC, surrounded by the music of the 60s and 70s, including Dylan, Motown & Led Zeppelin feeding the soundtrack of his early life. He has been playing guitar and writing songs since his teens, to help heal and cope with his crippling depression and anxiety. He spent his teen years and beyond working as a roadie for recording artist Jimmie Mack, and other local acts. Daniel also attended St. John’s University where he graduated magna cum laude with a double major in Speech and Psychology and a minor in Human Communication. He also earned a masters degree in Speech Communication at Southern Illinois University. A thirty-five-year teaching career followed, and Leyes continued his songwriting for himself, never sharing his music publicly.​

In 2017, Daniel was listening to tunes on the radio and found himself enamoured with Stoner-Folk troubadour Todd Snider and his song "Conservative Christian." In Snider’s music, he found a kindred spirit, a performance role model, and a songwriting standard-setter that he could aspire to.​

Leyes released his debut CD, A SINGLE STEP, in December 2019, produced by legendary NJ Producer, John Mulrenan. Subsequent singles released during the COVID era included "Tequila," "Hard Times (Are Coming to an End)," and the crowd favorite "One Man Mosh Pit." ​

In 2023 Leyes attended a songwriting camp in upstate New York hosted by Todd Snider. The two became fast friends, jamming to Leyes’ "One Man Mosh Pit" and smoking enough marijuana for the smoke clouds to be seen from outer space. Of the “Mosh Pit” jam, Snider would later say “I knew at that moment we had been cosmic friends for a very long time.” By the end of the week Todd offered him the opportunity to open shows on his next tour.

In November of 2024, Snider offered to produce Leyes’ next album, with Joe Bisirri, at the purple building (Nashville, TN). Snider was finishing his final album, High, Lonesome, and then Some. Daniel made a cameo appearance on the song, “It’s Hard to be Happy.”​

In April 2024 they embarked on what would be Todd’s last production project, which resulted in Leyes’ album, The Purple Building Sessions: Medicinal Americana. In addition to Todd playing guitar, banjo, drums/percussion and adding some vocals, the album features appearances by Snider’s band members Joe Bisirri, Robbie Crowell, Brooke Gronemeyer, as well as East Nashvillians like Tommy Womack, Bob Lewis, Brennan Lethridge, Connor McClaren, Devil Scott. 

The music community suffered a profound loss on November 14, 2025, when Todd Snider passed away. His absence left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, collaborators, and fans. Determined to carry forward the music and spirit they shared, Daniel will release the complete project through a distribution partnership with Heart Songs Music Group, including the full-length LP Medicinal Americana, set for release on June 17, 2026.

Retired from college teaching, Daniel travels the country and beyond busking. A world tour will follow the album's release.​ 

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