Staten Island–raised singer-songwriter Daniel Leyes has released two new singles, ‘Ha Ha Weed Is Legal‘ and ‘Stoner Mating Call,’ on April 20, marking a pivotal moment in the rollout of his upcoming album The Purple Building Sessions: Medicinal Americana.
The release carries added weight as the forthcoming album was produced by the late Todd Snider, making it one of his final production credits before his passing in November 2025. Their collaboration, rooted in a shared affinity for humor, candor and unfiltered storytelling, shapes the sonic and emotional core of Leyes’ latest work.
“Ha Ha Weed Is Legal” leans into Leyes’ wry, observational songwriting, pairing loose, bluesy instrumentation with a tongue-in-cheek take on shifting cultural norms. Framed as a celebratory nod to cannabis legalization, particularly in New Jersey, the track blends humor with pointed social commentary, pushing back on outdated prohibition with playful defiance.
In contrast, “Stoner Mating Call” taps deeper into the “medicinal Americana” lane, layering folk textures over a lighthearted, character-driven love story, anchored by its disarming opening line: “Mama – if you wanna smoke some marijuana, honey I’m the man for you.”
For Daniel Leyes, the release marks a defining second act. After years of writing privately, a 2017 ‘chance’ discovery of Todd Snider led to a mentorship that culminated in a full-length collaboration recorded in Nashville with Snider’s close circle of musicians.
Following Snider’s death, Leyes briefly reconsidered releasing the project. He ultimately moved forward, honoring what he describes as a shared belief that the songs should be heard. The full album is set for release on June 17, 2026, with touring plans expected to follow.
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