Leon Jackson

Leon Jackson

Leon Jackson is set to make a triumphant return to the UK music scene this Autumn armed with a new single, album and sexy new look. I caught up with the hunky heartbreaker to find out what he’s been up to over the past year, his views on this year’s X Factor and not wearing any underwear - all whilst he tries (fails) to imitate my accent.

Hi Leon, How are you?

I’m alright thanks.

What have you been getting up to recently, anything super exciting?
Super exciting? I love the way you say super, say it again! [FF: Super.] Super, haha. I know you’re from Barnsley. [How do you know that? Have you googled me?] Haha, Goooogled you (Leon tried his best to do a Yorkshire accent) So what have you been doing recently Ruth, what have you been up to since you won X-Factor?
Leon! Stop messing about or I’m going to shout at you, tell me what you’ve been up to!
Okay, I’ll be good; basically for the last eight months or so I have been recording my debut album, Right Now, and have been part of the whole creative process; choosing songs and being there when they have been putting all the instruments together and everything. It’s just great to have seen these songs evolve from nothing into a finished article.

I have been part of choosing the artwork and been totally involved. The record label have given me chance to develop as an artist and its been great.

So you won X Factor almost a year ago, why did you take so long to release an album?

You’ve got to take time and produce a quality record. For instance, Duffy must have taken however long to make her album, but because we’re not expecting her, no one bats and eyelid but because people are waiting on an X Factor winner, the they get frustrated and ask where you’ve been and it can be quite disheartening.

At the end of the day you cant expect to just throw something together and then want it to come and take on the mainstream artists, you’ve got to take time and make a quality record that can rival the likes of Duffy, Amy Winehouse and Oasis. So that’s what I’ve been doing for a year: making a decent record.

You’re also armed with a hot new single, Don’t Call This Love; what can we expect from it?

It’s quite retro and has been produced really well with lovely strings. It’s quite and angry, sad song but ironically it’s still a love song. Basically, its about someone who has been hurt and they are basically telling their partner; “I know where you’ve been and what you’ve been up to and you don’t deserve to call this love.”

Ooh, so is that based on a true story?

I’m not telling you.

Fair enough; The rest of your album is made up of mainly covers, what is your favourite cover to sing?

Caledonia because it tells the story of me; it’s all about Scotland - all about me.

They all sound the same people from Scotland.

No, no. All people from Barnsley sound the same. [FF: and how many people from Barnsley have you spoken to in order to reach that conclusion?] Loads of people.

Yeah right. So how are you coping with fame and fortune?

I’m just trying to keep my focus on the music because that’s why I entered this business in the first place so fame just comes along with it but for me it will always be about the music so that’s what I want to stay focused on.

Do you find it difficult being in the public eye and having people saying things about you and your life?

Its definitely different from what I’m used to but I think I am managing at the moment and it’s part of the whole thing and I’m running with it and seeing how it goes as you might say.

What has been the highlight of the past 12 months for you?

Apart from winning the show it has to be making the album and then getting to perform with Michael Buble again which was fantastic. He’s the man; he’s my idol and he’s the person who is responsible for me loving the music that I do.

So apart from Michael Buble, who do you look up to within the music industry?

James Morrison, Paulo Nutini and Jamie Cullen and all the singer songwriters. I love Joss Stone too, she’s amazing.

So the latest series of X Factor is now on TV; have you been watching this series?

Yes…. (putting on his best interview voice) Do you have a favourite already? One of my mates is in it; Austin, so I want him to do as well as he can but apart from that, some of the people who stand out for me are Laura who is my favourite, I love Alexandra and Diana has a really nice and different voice.

Will you be making an appearance?

Yes, I’m singing on the first live show.

We will definitely tune in then!

Wow, you’re adorable. [FF: Thanks] I think I’m falling for you. You’ve wooed me just with your voice, I love it.

You wouldn’t say that if I looked like Olga or a troll. What do you think you’d be doing now if you hadn’t entered?

I’d be at university doing architecture.

My dad’s an architect, it’s a sign.

I love Barnsley accents.

You must do, my friend from Barnsley was on Pop Idol you know so we’re already connected.

Was that Sam Nixon? I loved him, I wanted him to win. “Mr BoJangles.. Come back and dance for me” I loved his accent then. We’ve all had a few drinks, we’re all friends now.

I haven’t had a few drinks Mr; I’m at work! So back to business; Shinedown want to know; if you could only wear one colour on stage for the rest of your life, what colour would it be?

Just one? Well it would have to be Green Tartan.

Tartan isn’t one colour… doesn’t it have things like red and yellow in it too?

Yeah, its got all different colours in it but I would just wear Green Tartan.

But if it’s got all different colours in it then it’s not a single colour, don’t think you can get round me that way Leon; you can’t buy tartan coloured paint.

Yeah you can.

No you can’t, it’s like asking for spotted paint.

Haha, you’re funny.

I know. So pick a colour then. Are you drunk?

No I’m not drunk! I would like to wear Red Tartan thanks.

You said Green Tartan before.

Well I’ve changed it to red tartan now.

Typical man, so can you now come up with a question for the next person I interview please?

Ask them if they’ve ever had haggis and what it’s made from.

Okay. Good question. Just for people who aren’t up on Scottish knowledge, what is it made from?

Sheep intestines. Then ask them if they would wear pants or no pants under a kilt; would they be a true Scotsman?

Are you a true Scotsman?

Yes I am.

Oh my gosh, I‘m coming to Scotland on a windy day! Well thanks for speaking to me. I look forward to hearing your new stuff.

You too, it’s been great fun. Bye. I Love You.

Love you too Leon.

FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison

Find out if Daniel O' Donnell is up on his Haggis knowledge or if he goes commando under his kilt here!