INTRO BY MADDEN LEVIN
INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY
PHOTO BY JOSIAH CRACRAFT
Describing his music as “translucent melodic waves that beat” is only one amazing thing about musician and fashion lord, LEADR. In our exclusive interview with this incredible artist, we learned some interesting things, like when he first realized that music was an interest of his and how he incorporates fashion into the melodic waves! To find out more, read below and be sure to check out LEADR on all of his social media accounts for updates on new music and news!
When was the moment that you first realized that you wanted to be a musician?
"If you ask my 8 year old self what my dreams were, being a musician was my dream. I remember my mother bought me a Playskool cassette recorder with a microphone. I would put on the radio and sing along. I wish I still had those cassette tapes!"
How would you describe your music in your own words?
"Translucent melodic waves that beat."
What does fashion mean to you?
"Fashion plus beauty has always been a part of my creative process. It helps express my individuality and it enhances my performances."
How do you incorporate your fashion into your music style/process?
"I like to write about positive life experiences and I want to inspire people. When I think of of these emotions, I see the color white. I incorporate the color white in my style. White to me evokes new beginnings, simplicity and infinite imagination."
You just released your debut single Waves. Can you tell us a little about the song and how you chose to have it as your first single?
"I created the production in NYC and wrote the track in LA. I was inspired by the waves of change. The energy of LA was what brought me here. It’s catchy and sonically, it felt good. I’m all about feeling."
You also released a music video to go along with the song. How did you make sure that the visuals really brought the song to life?
"I had a meeting with my friend and super talented film director of 'Waves', Margo Victor. She came up with the idea to present myself in the most minimal and abstract way. She referenced one of PJ Harvey’s music videos. I thought it was cool how her productions were so stripped and more focused on her performance. I came up with the idea to have dancers in the video to represent changes in my life and the choreography had a sense of flow like my lyric, 'Let it flow through you.' Also, I would like to thank James Dii, Los Angeles Fashion Designer, for hand crafting all the beautiful pieces in my video."
Do you have any long-term goals for yourself and your music?
"Inspire people musically, focusing on making more music, tour around the world, and maybe create my own empire like Jay-Z. Haha!"
Is there anything else that we can expect from you in the near future?
"My second single is coming out very soon and I can’t wait to perform my music live. I’m really excited about that!"