On October 27, local rock band Leadfoot Granny visited the Michael and Sarah Kuhlin Center at Bowling Green State University to record a live session for this episode of Live & Loud. With a blend of gritty guitar riffs, thunderous drumming, and a powerful vocal presence, the band showcased their growing potential, performing their songs “For the Night,” “Fanfare,” and “The Other Woman.”
Although LFG (Leadfoot Granny) is a relatively new name on the Toledo music scene, their fast rise is anything but accidental. The band’s formation and trajectory can be credited to one key figure: Mark Mikel, a Toledo music manager and local legend. Known for his deep connections in the music industry, Mikel has managed the band since the summer of 2023 and played a pivotal role in bringing the band together. Mikel, who has known bassist Owen Krupp since he was young, started building the band’s lineup by connecting musicians who shared both chemistry and a passion for rock ‘n’ roll.
Guitarist Luke Ermie and vocalist Hope Smith both played together in a high school band called Running on Empty before their paths crossed with Mikel. It was through Mikel that Ermie and Smith were introduced to Krupp and drummer Odin Woodbury, the latter of whom Mikel discovered while seeing him perform at Howard’s in the local band Milk on the Rocks, who are also previously featured Live & Loud artists. Woodbury has since left Milk on the Rocks to pursue LFG.
For Mikel, the band’s potential isn’t just about local success. His deep ties to the larger music industry LFG’s music to renowned producer Terry Brown, best known for his work with Rush, and agreed to help LFG produce their upcoming album. Ermie said, “We’ve been thrown a lot of blessings and opportunities, and none of this would happen without Mark.”
Additionally, Mikel’s partnership with Rob Fraboni — producer for legendary acts like The Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, and The Beach Boys — secured a major opportunity for Leadfoot Granny. Fraboni, who has agreed to master the band’s album, is using cutting-edge technology known as the “Real Feel Digital Processor,” which converts digital music to analog sound, offering a warmer, more organic feel.
As they work on their debut album set for release early next year, Leadfoot Granny’s sound is taking shape, influenced by rock icons like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler. Smith, whose commanding voice and stage presence have become one of the band’s defining features. Smith said, “I really want Leadfoot Granny to be the reinvention of rock ‘n’ roll.”
Smith said the 2024 Toledo Pride Fest at Promenade Park marked a milestone as the band’s biggest show so far.
“That was a surreal night,” Smith said. “We felt most at home on that huge stage with all those lights.”
Despite the growing attention, Krupp said the band remains focused on their ultimate goal.
“We want to make it as far as we can,” Krupp said.
For more information on Leadfoot Granny’s upcoming performances and album release, you can find them on social media (Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok) or by visiting their website and LinkTree.
