LÉON Tour Interview

''one to watch''

Swedish soul-pop singer, LÉON has announced her Australian debut with a run of east coast shows beginning December 1 at Melbourne's Howler. The rising pop star, who's been named as "one to watch" by Katy Perry and "Sweden's next big thing" by Vogue, will bring her softly glowing contemporary pop, which evokes the classic sounds of the 60s and 80s, to Australian fans for the very first time this summer.

Born from musician parents in Stockholm, Sweden, LÉON is only doing what she knows best. It's in her blood, and she knows nothing else. Since releasing her viral disco-pop single 'Tired of Talking', in late 2015, LÉON's songs have been streamed over 350 million times worldwide. Blowing up unexpectedly on SoundCloud, her debut accumulated almost 70 million streams on Spotify and earned praise from Katy Perry and Vogue, who dubbed LÉON as "Sweden's Next Big Thing" in 2016.

Following up with another three EPs, a full-length album, three headline tours of North America, festival sets at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza and Coachella, along with features in Vogue, Glamour, In-Style, W and The FADER, to name a few, solidifying LÉON's presence as an international artist.

With musical inspirations ranging from Norah Jones, Adele and Monica Zetterlund, LÉON's ability to intertwine the soul of the 60s with lush pop melodies led to the critically acclaimed release of her vibrant, self-titled debut album in early 2019. The album has delivered the hit single, 'You and I', which was featured in the A-list on BBC Radio in the UK, and garnered national airplay across Europe and Scandinavia.

Embarking on her first global world tour in 2019 with dates across North America, Europe and Scandinavia, LÉON will finally make her debut in Australia with three intimate club shows – kicking off at Howler in Melbourne on December 1 followed by a performance at Sydney's Metro Theatre on December 3 and The Zoo in Brisbane on December 4. Don't miss your chance to jam out with LÉON this summer.

LÉON
2019 You And I Tour - Part II

HOWLER, MELBOURNE SUNDAY DECEMBER 1
METRO THEATRE, SYDNEY TUESDAY DECEMBER 3
THE ZOO, BRISBANE WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 4

TICKETS ON SALE 
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: itsleonmusic.com & livenation.com.au

Interview with LÉON

Question: What are you most looking forward to during your Australian tour?

LÉON: Well first of all, I've never been to Australia and it's been a dream of mine to go for the longest time. And of course on top of that, getting to perform and finally doing my first shows over there! It's kind of crazy. I'm so excited to bring this second part of my tour to Australia. But outside of performing I hope to see some of the nature I've heard so much about and spend time in the sun, (laughs). I'm a Swede so who can blame me.

Question: What should we expect from your upcoming tour?

LÉON: I think people who's coming to the shows can expect a blend of both old songs of mine and the album I put out this year. When I go to shows myself, I love to get a mix of both. But overall I just have the best time playing with my band and I want it to feel like me, the band and the audience are kind of hanging out together. I love walking out and dancing with the crowd and hopefully people will leave with positive feels.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

LÉON: It always changes but I love to do "Hope Is A Heartache", or "Surround Me". And For You" is always fun to do. But again, it always depends on the day.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

LÉON: Wow that's not a very easy question... I feel like the ones I'd want there would make me too nervous so I wouldn't really wanna know who was in the crowd (laughs)! But you know, it would be kind of cool if it was Michelle Obama or somebody. Classic answer maybe? But she's great. Or if Robyn or Stevie Nicks was in the crowd, maybe we could do a little duet!? One can always dream I guess.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

LÉON: The two are very different. I love to be in the studio 'cause then I'm writing and I get to be creative in a different type of way. But I tend to get scared of singing into the mic in the studio. It depends on how I'm feeling. But you hear every single "flaw" or whatever right in your ear and you can drive yourself nuts by re-recording vocals again and again. On stage the music feels more alive in a way and if I mess up, I mess up; that's a part of the show. And you get that one chance to try doing your best every single night on tour which is the best adrenaline to me.


Question: How does it feel to be described as "one to watch" by Katy Perry?
LÉON: I mean, I feel like she is such a generous artist in general. That she really cares and listens to new and up-and-coming singers and songwriters and shines a light on them. Her saying that means a lot to me, she's obviously got an incredible career and seems like a lovely person too.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

LÉON: I don't know, I just have an urge to get things down on paper and sing. I always have. I'm not great at communicating my feelings face to face a lot of the times; it makes it easier to write about it. It's like me rather texting than talking over the phone. Then I get the time to think things through before I say them. Weird comparing those two maybe. But also just picturing how things will sound and feel live is motivating me and getting to create something together with your friends on stage. That's very special.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

LÉON: I feel like I always go back to what I listen to years ago like Beach Boys or Sade. But I love Angel Olsen. I love 1975, The War On Drugs, Tame Impala, Lizzo. And forever listening to Robyn, of course. I just discovered JP Sax too and I love him. His song "Same room" is beautiful.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

LÉON: I grew up in a family of musicians, but they make or play a different kind of music. But it was always around, as for many of course, and I was always drawn to expressing myself emotionally whether it was when playing cello or singing. Then I started writing pretty early and I think old Motown groups and artists was something that inspired me to write. I've always been drawn to lyrics and stories and I love when people are specific, like Joni Mitchell, Carol King or Fleetwood Mac. I love speculating about who they are writing about and what they really are trying to say.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

LÉON: Many, too many to count.... It'd be interesting, intimidating but interesting, to write with James Blake or Labrinth.

Question: What's a typical day like?

LÉON: When I'm in Stockholm I'm usually in a studio or hanging with my friends. Often I'm with one of my producers, who's a dear friend and very close to me. Everyday looks the same. Coffee at the same spot, then write a bit, take a walk and talk shit about everything and everybody, work some more and then we always end up at the bar next door with some friends, (laughs). On tour or when I'm in LA it's more hectic in a way... I guess it's good to have the contrast.


Interview by Brooke Hunter