11 November 2019
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with Birmingham based artist Leon C to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I’m from Southampton but I’m now based in Birmingham. I first got into music at the age of 7 when I took up classical guitar. It’s all been downhill from there really.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Always the Beatles and Queen, but since it’s grown. Bob Dylan hit me like a brick when I was 16 and since then I’ve picked up ideas from The Milk Carton Kids, Dave Van Rock, Kevin Morby, Paul Simon amongst others.
How would you describe your sound?
Orchestral, poetic and melodic. Sometimes intense, sometimes chill. My new single is quite relaxed though.
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
It’s called I Was Meant To Love. It was written when I’d moved to university for my first year in November 2018. It was a tough time, lots going on and I was trying to force things with my emotions. Eventually I found myself locked in a strange paradox. It was tough but this song sort of poured out as a vent and ended up being a very cathartic fix to a problem that had needed sorting for a while.
What’s your local music scene like?
I’m active in both Birmingham and Southampton. They are alive, obviously Birmingham a bit more than Southampton considering their sizes. Both feel, at least in the parts I’m involved in, incredibly friendly, supportive and forward thinking. No one’s out to get anyone and questions are always kindly received. Southampton is also getting more networking events starting up so it’s really becoming a shining arts hub as well.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months? Any albums or festivals?
Gigs for certain, there are records in the works and I’ll be applying for festivals for sure.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Right now? Probably my friends? If it was someone famous maybe some of my influences. Lewis Capaldi sounds like a laugh to write with as well.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I’ve done a lot of gigs in the 3 years I’ve played live. I think the best one was a gig that we recorded, we had some woman shout out a fact about Kangaroo anatomy, the details are probably not appropriate to publish. But it was a laugh. I’m sure she’s a lovely person.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
Yikes. I think that it would just be that I’m an artist who loves making music, showing it to people and who genuinely hopes you like it.
You can find out more about Leon via Bandcamp, Facebook, SoundCloud or Spotify.
UPDATE: Leon is now signed to DIY record label Snail Tape Records, you can find out more about them here.
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