Leon Else is an artist I can get behind. Multi-talented with passions in all sorts of places, his music is some that will linger for a long period after first listen. Many will be tempted to go back and listen again to pick up on subtle messages. It gets you thinking and evokes emotion instantly.
With the chance to put some questions to the enigmatic future superstar, Leon speaks of working his way to the top of the music industry, fashion and more in our exclusive interview.
How best would you describe yourself as an artist?
Left, right, dark, light, high, low, soul, pop, traditional and new, and maybe a little crazy - SKITZAPHONIC yo!
When did you realise you had a voice?
I always just sang so there was never a real moment of knowing I can sing. However when I wrote my first song "Day Dreaming Girl" at 12, I knew I wanted to be a singer and sing the song to everyone and anyone who would listen, no matter how awful it was!
What is it about music that you love?
I can't really describe it - it’s a feeling that is like no other. It has helped me deal with so many things in my life and growing up I found a solace in music, like the songs were speaking to me and helping me through things. I had an over-whelming feeling towards music where it made me feel so strong and like it was a light at the end of a tunnel for me.
Where do you draw influence from for your material?
I mostly draw from personal experience. Everything I write are stories from my life, things I have done and have gone through and things that I think about. My music is a way of for me to release certain things I find hard to talk about and help me deal with situations that I have found myself in. I do sometimes like to hide deeper meanings in songs for the listener that wants to look further.
How tough would you say it is to carve out a career in the music industry?
Wow, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, considering I used to be a professional dancer and that was TOUGH! It’s not for the faint hearted, you need to be so strong. Be like a sponge and soak up everything you can but then be as strong a titanium, to withstand rejection and the low points. It will take over your life, it’s not a job it’s a lifestyle The music industry isn’t all glitz and glamour and pink and fluffy, it’s the total opposite, but I wouldn't change it for the world.
Your debut EP is coming out next month, what should we expect from that?
Honesty. I have written about really personal things and I wanted to be really honest. The third song is called "Messed Up" and it helps to explain some of the reasons why I acted like I did in "River Full of Liquor" and "Cheap Hotel".
It’s also about my daily struggle with ADHD and the feelings that I go through every day. I really want people to understand or at least have a chance to really hear what goes on in my head. I was frank with the song and I also think it will explain and a good starting point for what’s to come.
Tell us about the creative process behind that EP.
For me it was as simple as I wrote three songs at different points last year, with no idea of an EP. When we came to talk about an EP, it just seemed that these songs fitted together and upheld a consistent story throughout, that made the EP work as a whole piece of work not just an EP with 3/4 songs that have no connection to each other.
Regarding the writing of the songs - it was just something that came out, something I was going through and the songs reflect that. I’m someone who writes what I'm going through and my feelings, this all reflects on the music I write.
If you could work with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
Prince would be amazing, he’s a total inspiration to me. Songwriter/producer/performer - he is one of the greatest. I have definitely been inspired by Prince with my forthcoming songs after the EP.
You were named one of the best dressed men at Milan Fashion Week by GQ - how does that feel?
It feels crazy and funny, I thought “Who? Me? Why me?!”. But it does make you feel great. I am very grateful to be received so well with the fashion world because it’s something I have always been interested in. Fashion is something I want to work with on par with my music as they are so closely connected.
Is fashion another passion of yours?
Yes definitely. I can express myself with music with words, melodies and sounds. I can also express myself with fashion, without words or sounds but with clothes and colours. You can say so much without saying anything at all, simply by putting something on – it’s like a second skin, an extended part of you.
What tips do you have for guys who are struggling to 'dress themselves', so to speak?
Know your body shape. Once you know that, then look up what cuts and shapes etc. are designed for your body shape. Then find out the colours and shades that best compliment you, or that bring out your eyes or hair colour skin tone and so on.
Then you can dress to draw people to the things you like about yourself and you can divert them away from insecurities. This will automatically change how people look at you and how clothes sit on you. When you look great, you feel great. And who doesn’t want to feel good?!
Where do you hope to be by this time next year?
Dare I say! I mean the dream would be to have a number one song, a number one album and go on tour! Perform everywhere, travel, collaborate with a fashion house, just to be on the road to creating my world that is in my head... so I can bring it to life.
What's the ultimate aim for you?
My ultimate aim is to create my creative world. Music being at the epi-centre of it, but branches out into fashion, animations (which I have already started on), movies, tours and creating things to help others through creative arts. There is so much I want to do, and things that I'm hearing and seeing about for the first time. The sky is the limit and I don't ever want to stop.
'River Full Of Liquor EP' is released through Leon's label Skitzophonic Records on July 7. It can be pre-ordered now on iTunes at http://georiot.co/RiverFullOfLiquor, and the title-track is out now as a single.