Janel Leppin

Janel Leppin is a wonderfully versatile cellist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Washington, D.C., whose music beautifully blurs the lines between avant-garde chamber music, ambient soundscapes, and folk-inspired improvisation. She’s a core creative force behind the Ensemble Volcanic Ash, a collaborative group that crafts expansive, atmospheric pieces, often leaning into experimental and jazz-inflected territories. Her work, whether under her own name or with her ensembles, is deeply textural, often featuring layered cello, guitar, and voice to create immersive, emotionally resonant worlds.

Beyond her ensemble work, Janel is also known for her evocative solo and duo projects, like her collaboration with guitarist Anthony Pirog in the duo Mellow Diamond, and her own contemplative albums that showcase her skill in blending structured composition with free-flowing improvisation. A staple of the D.C. experimental music scene, she’s respected for her ability to draw listeners into intimate, detailed sonic landscapes, making her a truly distinctive voice in contemporary instrumental music.

Genres

Alternative

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Latest Release

The Realist

Janel Leppin

Album - 12 Tracks - Released September 11, 2026