Léon Exclusive Interview With CEEK VR!
When Swedish singer-songwriter Léon released her first single “Tired of Talking” back in 2015, she immediately made waves online and was labeled the next big thing in pop, and for good reason. Without the proper backing of a label or a massive hitmaking machine, she managed to create one of the catchiest pop tunes of that year, and millions of streams later, she’s developed a sizable fan base that is always ready for more.
In the three years since she debuted, Léon has released several EPs and plenty of songs, but no full-length album has appeared...but all of that may change soon. The musician is gearing up to finally give her fans a record at some point in 2019, but in the meantime, she’s keeping them happy with new cut “Baby Don’t Talk,” which only further proves that she already has the presence and songwriting prowess of someone several albums deep into a successful career.
Congrats on the new single. Tell us a bit about it. What was the inspiration for "Baby Don't Talk?"
Thank you! I was in Los Angeles when I wrote the song together with Captain Cuts, and I don’t remember exactly how but we started talking about how we all are in relationships and how sometimes you get a bit too comfortable with each other… So when all you want sometimes is to let your bodies talk, your partner starts blabbing on instead and then suddenly you’re not in the mood anymore. That’s basically it!
You've been working on a debut album for some time now--how's progress on that going? Any idea when fans might hear it?
I can’t tell you exactly when it is coming but it is coming out next year. It’s taken me a long time to work on this album, there’s so much to think about and I really wanted to get everything out of my system when it came to writing. Now I’m just finishing up the last pieces that are left but all the songs are there, which is kind of scary in a way, cause I always find it hard to say, “Okay, now I’m done.” But every song I’m putting on the album is so special to me. I can’t wait to share it with people!
You first made waves three years ago with your debut single "Tired of Talking"--what has changed between then and now?
I’ve learned a lot about myself and how the music business works I think, and a lot thanks to my manager. He’s always been all about me following my gut. It’s easy to get lost in your own head sometimes. I’m an anxious person too so that could make me feel stressed out about small things more so before than now. I think I’ve just learned to navigate and understand myself better these past years, which is a great feeling.
You're planning on releasing your album on your own label. What are the challenges you face in doing so?
You’ll always meet challenges whether you’re signed to a major or to your own label I guess. I feel like I have more responsibility now to make the decisions, but that’s a good thing to me. Even if I’m very up and down in my feelings when it comes to making them I’m always the most happy and excited when I feel free to do and create whatever I want.
Have you spoken with labels about signing a deal, or is that not on the table?
My mind was kind of set on being indie to be honest, but I did want to find some kind of partner who could help me with certain things. Then my manager introduced me to BMG and I loved their whole concept and vibe. But if I didn’t click with them so well I think I might have gone indie again, at least for my first album.
What does working with BMG do for you as an independent musician?
BMG gives me this great support in making my vision come to life and I really feel like they respect what I want to do. I feel like they trust me and I trust them which is a great foundation to have with your label. I have free hands and they bring great ideas to me, and basically help me take my creative ideas to the next level.
What does the rest of 2018 bring for you?
Very excited to release more music before the end of the year. And while I’m doing that I’m going to finish some things I’ve started and plan for next year!
Photo Credit- Sandra Thorsson
