#heartsleeve magazine

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Josette Maskin from MUNA by Vi McDonald for heartsleeve magazine

[heartsleevemag]

mk.gee brings an "emotional link" to durham's motorco music hall

Photo by Nicole Busch

Written by Liesl Miranda

As the lights dimmed in Durham’s Motorco Music Hall on a mid-May Friday night, the final line from Kate Bush’s “Pull Out the Pin” echoed its impassioned scream through the venue’s speakers - “I love life! I love life! I love life!” piercing through each member of the sold out crowd. Suddenly, the music cut off and Michael Gordon, also known as Mk.gee, took to the stage, accompanied by musicians Andrew Aged and Zack Sekoffand. They were eagerly welcomed by the audience whose excitement for the experience to come was palpable. Mk.gee opened up the show with “Dream Police,” the final song from his most recent album, Two Star and the Dream Police. Within the first few moments concert goers immediately recognized the piece, some audibly cheering while the whole room swayed along.

Although this was Mk.gee’s first solo tour, there was no sense of nervousness in his performance. Mk.gee performed his first two songs without saying a word to the audience, instead allowing his music to blanket the crowd with its own greeting.

After he finished his second song, Mk.gee addressed the crowd for the first time with a question – “How are y’all feeling?” In previous interviews, Gordon has stated that he’s just “looking to heal people” through his music. He tries to allow people to accept their own complexities and contradictions in the same way that creating music has allowed him to do for himself, granting a sense of inner peace and confidence. Within each song Gordon could shift from soft, melodic presentation of one lyrical line accompanied by glassy guitar plucking to frustrated chesty vocals in the next, paired with equally gritty and distorted guitar riffs. Scattered screams and feral instrumental releases were echoed or cheered on by the crowd. As the night went on, heads began to thrust back and forth towards the stage in unison and lyrics were fervently shouted as Mk.gee encouraged the crowd to “come on!” and keep the shared emotional link growing.

Truthfully, it’s hard to translate the sonic experience of Mk.gee’s concert into words. In previous interviews, Gordon himself noted that he doesn’t fit perfectly into a specific “lane” of music, and that most of his initial musical inspirations were people shifting musical trends, referencing the likes of Jimi Hendrix. Whether you listen to him live or through his records, it is evident that Gordon is on his own track to shake up the music scene. Mk.gee’s sold-out tour has since wrapped, but there will undoubtedly be more incredible music and concert experiences to come from this pioneering artist.

[heartsleevemag]

Indie supergroup boygenius releases cyclical new EP, "the rest"

by Cassidy Byrnes

The boys are yet again back in town. Last Friday, indie trio boygenius released a new EP, the rest, after their astounding, widely accredited full-length album, the record. With their 2018 debut EP, boygenius, many of us assumed it would be their first and last outing as a group. But now, in 2023, we are all swimming in the sorrowful rock sounds of both the record, released March 31st, and the newly released EP, the rest.

I want to mention the significance, to me and to other fans, of releasing an EP rather than an extended or deluxe version of the LP. While I assume that the rest is composed of songs that were meant for the record, I think it’s wonderful to acknowledge, as an artist, that that album is complete. After listening to the rest an extraordinary amount of times, I can tell boygenius also believed that it was deserving of its own independent release because, like the record, it tells its own stories with its own conclusions. That’s not to say that I’m not a sucker for an extended or deluxe album (Taylor Swift, for example, can have all of my money), but understanding when a project is finished is something really special and noteworthy.

“Black Hole” starts off this EP with a staccato piano and an entrance of vocals from Julien Baker, where she is describing a night spent on a porch smoking cigarettes. Then a rhythm line comes in along with a more chaotic piano beginning to drown her out. Then enters Lucy Dacus with a smattering of nouns and adjectives that seemingly have no connection to Baker – but I’d like to imagine they are sharing a phone call where they are discussing these things, “Sometimes, I need to hear your voice,” Dacus concludes.

Dacus also brings us into the next track “Afraid of Heights.” This track has a very light acoustic feel with some steel guitar, until the final 40 seconds where a steady bass line joins and increases the gravity, making you really take in the story that Dacus weaves. Throughout the track, she describes a relationship with someone who pushed her to her limits: “I know I was a disappointment / Know you wanted me to take a risk / Not everybody gets the chance to live / A life that isn’t dangerous.” She has this amazing ability to make the listener believe everything she’s telling them, almost like they lived it themselves. The chaotic nature of the relationship and the slow, explanatory narrative by Dacus gives the song extreme emotional depth. They even snuck in the word “entropy," which seems to be the perfect encapsulation for this relationship.

We haven't heard a lot from Phoebe Bridgers yet, the third member of boygenius who is known for her wispy vocals and brutal lyrics, but the third track definitely showcases both. Opening with a humming harmony from the boys, “Voyager” pushes the audience into a story led by Bridgers; “It’s a hundred and three in the Valley / Blacktop is meltin’ on our shoes.” She tells us about a relationship that has ended, that was seemingly romantic but toxic all at the same time, and Bridgers still feels some sort of possession over them. This groundless notion is what drives the track – one moment she is reminiscing about spending the day in bed with this person, and the next she’s telling us that they “stepped on the gas” and asked her if she’s ready to die. While I hope that’s figurative, it gets the toxicity of the relationship across without it slapping the audience in the face. The production of the track is very minimal, with a plucky guitar line and the harmonies of Baker and Dacus.

“Powers” ends the EP and lets us hear from Baker one last time, where she is questioning her origins. Baker discusses her “powers” and where they came from with a sort of disdain, even relating her existence to a cockroach. This track’s lyrical allegories are great and the harmonies from the other boys offer a nice place to land, but the majority of the production, to me, was a little lackluster. But, again, the final minute of the track offers an undemanding trumpet solo accompanied by some strings which is a delicate way to lay the EP to rest (haha).

The entirety of this EP seems to be a conclusion of sorts. Each song is discussing the end of something and the acceptance that often accompanies endings, giving the title, the rest, a whole new meaning. The exceptional thing is that all of these tracks blend perfectly into the next; even the closing track blends right into the opener. Listening to it the first time, I was questioning where one song ended and the next began. I can only hope that this cyclical feeling was purposeful and that the boys, like this EP, will likely end but will begin again.

[heartsleevemag]

Sound and Color: Glass Animals in Raleigh, NC

by Jude McDonald

Last Friday night, I had the pleasure of seeing a longtime favorite band of mine, Glass Animals, perform their hearts out at Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh, NC. This stop on their Tour of Earth, promoting their new record I Love You So F***ing Much, brought fans of all ages and walks of life to the venue.

Opening the show was rapper, singer, and songwriter Kevin Abstract. His set was energetic and lively, including jumping down onto the barricade to give fans a personal experience. The crowd welcomed him with open arms, singing along and getting hype when he hit the more popular tracks.

When Glass Animals took the stage, no lyric was left unsung. Getting to experience fans' enthusiasm for these songs was a privilege; many of them were dressed in space themed outfits, the aesthetic of the album, and I saw more than one inflatable cow in the first few rows of the audience. The band members themselves were electric, bringing a new life and intensity to songs that I know and love, and changing my mind on the few I'd been unsure about when listening to the album. "Wonderful Nothing" was a particular highlight for me, as it's my favorite from the new record. The elongated instrumental sections – apparently crafted so that lead singer Dave could have a bit of a dance break – made me wish there was a live version of the album I could indulge in to relive the moment after it had passed. The energy that Glass Animals brought to the entire venue was something I've seen few bands successfully create, and with their impressive spaceship set, colorful, trippy visuals, and interaction with the crowd, I can definitely see why fans keep coming back for more.

You can listen to I Love You So F***ing Much wherever you stream music, and be sure to check out our gallery from the show below! Glass Animals is also touring through the rest of the year, so check out the dates here to find out where you can see them live!

[heartsleevemag]

GALLERY: Louis Tomlinson

by Amber Hicks

Louis Tomlinson brought his Faith In The Future World Tour to the Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, NC, last Friday night. Opening up the show was none other than 23-year-old singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin. Singing about some of his real-life experiences, Cushin was able to connect with the crowd and deliver a raw and vulnerable performance. 

Following Cushin’s performance, Giant Rooks, an indie rock quintet consisting of Jonathan Wischniowski (piano), Finn Thomas (drums), Luca Göttner (bass), Finn Schwieters (guitar), and Frederik Rabe (guitar) enthusiastically took the stage and successfully provided an electrifying performance throughout their whole set. 

Before you knew it, it was time for Louis Tomlinson, the man of the hour to take the stage. Kicking things off with “The Greatest,” Tomlinson could not have picked a better song to start off the night letting his fans know that together, they are the greatest. Going straight into “Bigger Than Me,” a song about self-growth and staying positive, Tomlinson continued the trend of vulnerability and honesty throughout the night. 

Going back to his roots, Tomlinson made sure to play “Night Changes” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go,” both songs from his former band, One Direction. As expected, the Raleigh crowd belted the lyrics back to Tomlinson as the songs continued. All throughout the night, Tomlinson made sure to put on an electrifying performance for his fans while also making sure that they knew how appreciative he was of them. Check out some of our highlights from the show below. 

[heartsleevemag]

GALLERY: The Aces

by Alycee Byrd

“On tour, shows sometimes start to feel the same....this might sound crazy, but I think Charlotte is the best show this far on the tour.” The crowd was electric last Friday night during The Aces' show at The Underground. This Charlotte, NC, stop was the 8th show on their U.S leg of their I’ve Loved You For So Long (ILYFSL) Tour. The four piece band performed songs from all parts of their discography, dating all the way back to 2018. The show setlist ranged from high energy pop hits like “Daydream,” to alternative ballads like “Suburban Blues,” which touches on their experience of navigating their queerness while living in a small town in Utah. You could feel the passion and emotional impact the band has on their fans while looking through the faces in the crowd. Their music truly touches a wide demographic of people from all different ages, races, and gender identities. Their shows are a space where you can come as your authentic self. If you have an opportunity to catch a show in your city, I would highly recommend seeing and support this all-woman group who truly puts their heart into their music and performances. Check out our highlights from the show below!

[heartsleevemag]

Alexa Cappelli looks to the future on "Someone Better"

Described by MTV as the “voice of a generation,” singer-songwriter Alexa Cappelli unveiled her new single today, titled “Someone Better.” Cappelli’s single is honest yet soft, raw without being overbearing. It’s an open, candid track, with heartfelt lyrics that perfectly convey how it feels to let go of someone you’ve outgrown.

The track opens with a despondent piano melody and Cappelli’s voice, full of emotion as she invites us into the story of a relationship she can’t, in good conscience, choose to be in anymore. Both her vocals and the lyrics are beautifully conflicted, Cappelli stating, “I wish I could be mad,” because then she would have a clear cut reason for leaving. But love isn’t always black and white – “I’ll keep the memories close,” she says. “But I’m letting you go.”

Keeping the acoustic guitar prevalent throughout the song is a choice that makes “Someone Better” feel more personal, like she’s telling the audience exactly how she feels. The chorus is flowing, building up to the second verse where Alexa delves even further into their relationship conflict. “I know I’m so hard to read, is that a crime though? / ‘Cause you’re looking at me with both your eyes closed,” she says, explaining to her lover how she doesn’t feel they’re on the same page.

When discussing the song, Cappelli commented, “Choosing yourself is way more difficult when you aren’t mad at this person who has only ever treated you right. But moving forward, there will be a day when you meet someone somewhere who does the same and is also growing in the same direction.” And, as the song closes with a focus on Cappelli’s soft vocals, she says, “It was good while it lasted,” proving that while this chapter is over, it doesn’t have to mean that she can’t hold those experiences dear.

You can listen to “Someone Better” wherever you stream music, and get to know Alexa on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

[heartsleevemag]

GALLERY: The Criticals

shot by Vi McDonald

From climbing down into the crowd to climbing up onto the drum kit (and subsequently falling off), The Criticals delivered an energy-filled, carefree show at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, North Carolina last Friday night. Check out some of our highlights below.

[heartsleevemag]

Heartsleeve Magazine's Friday Five

by Vi McDonald

Welcome to the first installment of Heartsleeve's Friday Five, a biweekly playlist update where we choose five new (or new-to-us) tracks that get our blood pumping. No genres, no rules, just heart.

1. "FLOAT" – JANELLE MONÁE

I've been anticipating new music from Black queer icon Janelle Monáe since her 2018 LP, Dirty Computer, gave us dance-worthy, still-introspective hits like "Make Me Feel," and "Screwed." And her new single, "Float," doesn't disappoint; Monáe spends this track bragging about a (well-deserved) newfound confidence. "Fucked around and got more FREE," she shared in an Instagram post on her birthday in December 2022, prior to announcing the song's release. That freedom shines through in lines like, "It's hard to look at my resume and not find a reason to toast," and "My face card don't come with a limit, I swipe it, I spend it, I swear I be doing the most." If this is a preview of what's to come on JM5, I don't think I'll be able to shake off the Monáe magic this summer. And that's a good thing.

2. "BED" – EDEN RAIN

The new single from UK artist Eden Rain gripped me because of its honesty and relatability, something that she prides herself on infusing into her music. "Bed (For A Year)" is loosely based on the novel The Woman Who Went To Bed For A Year by Sue Townsend, a book that sat untouched on Eden's shelf until she finally read it while depressed and wished she, too, could stay in bed for a year. "I return to the book (and the bed) when life gets hard and I wanted to write an ode to that," she shared. Eden's voice holds many influences, but ultimately feels like being wrapped in a warm, safe blanket. And this track feels like something I'll come back to when I feel like I could sleep for a year.

3. "KILL FOR ME" – AÁYANNA

Specially released as a Valentine's Day single, Chicago-born Atlanta native Aáyanna delivers sultry R&B darkness on "Kill For Me." Discussing the song, Aáyanna said, "One of the best feelings in my opinion is being with someone who makes you feel safe and protected— somebody who doesn’t play about you, and I wanted to convey that with this song." And with layered vocals over a trap beat, lyrics asking "Put 'em in they place, keep 'em in check," this is a song that knows what it wants and isn't afraid to demand it.

4. "AFTER HOURS" – ALY AND AJ

Aly and AJ have been making music for a long time. From 2005’s Into the Rush to 2021’s a touch of the beat… they’ve explored pop, rock, electronica, and more. But with “After Hours,” the newest single from their forthcoming album, With Love From, they seem to be moving towards upbeat indie. The song is a celebration of relaxation and releasing stress. “After hours, that’s when I’m out of my head. I’m a live wire, that’s when I’m at my best,” they harmonize over guitars and a catchy drumbeat. It’s a fun track that everyone who enjoys going out and letting loose every once in a while can appreciate, and everything about the song screams carefree; it’ll be a perfect vibe for the spring weather once it finally arrives.

5. "PRAY IT AWAY" – CHLÖE

The moment I first pressed play on Chlöe's new single, "Pray It Away," I was captivated. Chlöe's range is always astonishing, but on this track she flows seamlessly from her lower register to high notes, blending gospel and R&B influences into something that feels like home but still manages to be surprising and unique. I'm disappointed when this one ends, and find myself playing it two or three times before I'm satisfied.

You can listen to Heartsleeve's Friday Five playlist on Spotify HERE.

[heartsleevemag]

The Reunion Tour Brings a Night of Uplift and Celebration to Raleigh

by Amber Hicks

On September 26th, the Lenovo Center in Raleigh became the epicenter of joy, worship, and musical mastery as The Reunion Tour made its highly anticipated stop. With a lineup that boasted gospel legends like Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, The Clark Sisters, and special guest Kierra Sheard-Kelly, the night was a blend of nostalgia, inspiration, and dynamic praise.

Kierra Sheard-Kelly opened the evening with electrifying energy, showing why she’s a staple in today’s gospel scene. Her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence set the tone, especially during her rendition of "Something Has to Break," which resonated deeply with the crowd. She had the audience in worship from the start, paving the way for the legends that followed.

The night unfolded as a beautiful journey through the rich histories of each artist, with every act performing songs that have become the soundtrack to so many lives.

Throughout the night, these gospel titans didn’t just perform their own catalogues—they came together for several breathtaking collaborations. Kirk Franklin, the evening’s lively maestro, orchestrated these joint moments with his usual humor, charm, and infectious energy. Franklin’s own set was electric, filled with the high-energy, genre-blending sounds that have made him a revolutionary in gospel music. Hits like “Stomp” and “Revolution” had the crowd dancing and celebrating as if it was Sunday morning service.

One of the night’s standout moments was a powerful group rendition of “Something About the Name Jesus.” Each artist took turns adding their unique voice to the song, creating a heavenly wall of sound that filled every corner of the Lenovo Center. This performance perfectly captured the essence of the night: a collective tribute to the enduring power of gospel music and the unwavering faith that ties it all together.

Ultimately, The Reunion Tour in Raleigh was a masterclass in gospel music. The mutual respect and camaraderie between the artists was palpable, creating an atmosphere of celebration, reflection, and worship that the audience won’t soon forget. From the classic hits to the heartfelt collaborations, every moment was a testament to the genre’s timelessness and its power to uplift and inspire. Kirk Franklin and his gospel cohorts didn’t just give a concert—they led an unforgettable evening of praise that stirred both the heart and the soul.

Be sure to check out my exclusive photos from the night to see some of the most powerful moments from this incredible show.

[heartsleevemag]

Faye Webster's Laundromat Experience

by Liesl Miranda

On a Wednesday night at Charlotte, NC's Fillmore Theater, Faye Webster’s delightful blend of warm vocals, electric guitar jams, pedal steel licks washed over the sold-out crowd. Nostalgia and playfulness sparkled throughout the whole set, complete with a shower of actual bubbles and a few Minion cameos (when asked by an audience member, without hesitation she stated that her favorite Minion is Kevin). Backdropped by a giant hanger and white tee and flanked by washing machines and racks of blue t-shirts hanging out to dry, Faye Webster transported us into a laundromat experience unlike any other. 

Benét opened up the night, winning over the room easily with his smooth tunes and cheerful banter with the crowd. 

Faye started her performance with But Not Kiss, a song off her newest record Underdressed at the Symphony. The initial crooning lines were immediately grounded with Charles LaMont’s tight drum beat, Noor Khan’s steady bass, and Annie Leeth’s bright piano riff, and was later topped off with sprinkles of pedal steel courtesy of Matt “Pistol” Stossel. The set continued on with a sweet mix of songs off the new album (“Lego Ring” complete with Faye’s Singsongorama game animations) and past album classics including “Right Side of My Neck” and “In a Good Way” - all of which the crowd happily swayed and sang along to. The harmony across all the members of the band made the set seem effortless, allowing each audience member to melt into every song as if we ourselves were blue tees in a laundry cycle set on gentle, swirling around in waters of musical bliss.

Faye Webster’s tour has just begun, with US and Canada shows spanning until October of this year. You can find her list of tour dates here. Be sure to check out our full gallery of photos from this concert below!

[heartsleevemag]

Tye Tribbett's inspirational show in Raleigh, NC

by Amber Hicks

On May 26, Tye Tribbett, Tasha Page-Lockhart, and Jonathan Traylor brought the house down for Tye Tribbett’s Raleigh stop on the Only One Night Tho tour. Each artist brought a high-energy performance, soulful vocals, and engaging charisma to the stage. Tye Tribbett, backed by his choir and band, delivered an unforgettable experience that left the audience inspired and uplifted.

Tye's stage presence is electrifying. From the moment he stepped on stage, the audience was captivated by his infectious energy and profound spiritual message. The setlist was a well-balanced mix of his biggest hits, classic gospel favorites, and new material from recent projects. Tribbett made sure to include songs like “Work It Out,” “Victory,” “He Turned It,” and “What Can I Do,” and he performed them with with intensity and passion that resonate deeply with the audience. It amazed me how Tribbett was able to seamlessly transition between energetic praise anthems and intimate worship moments; it showcased how versatile and deep his connection is to his music. The live performance brought a new level of intensity and emotion, making the live show an even more impactful experience than his studio albums. If you are a fan of Tye Tribbett – or love gospel music – the Only One Night Tho tour is an experience you do not want to miss. 

[heartsleevemag]

Joyner Lucas brings a personal performance to Raleigh, NC

by Amber Hicks

Joyner Lucas brought his Not Now I’m Busy Tour to the Ritz in Raleigh, NC at the end of May. Joyner was joined by Massachusetts-based rapper Millyz and Canada-based rapper Dax. Known for his lyrical prowess, distinctive voice, and authentic storytelling, Millyz dominated the stage during his set, even coming into the crowd and rapping a capella at one point. Next to the stage was Dax, who had dynamic delivery and compelling storytelling during his time. With both artists being known for their raw lyrical honey and dynamic stage presence, they left the audience captivated, inspired, and yearning for more. 

Not long after Millyz and Dax performed, it was time for the man of the hour. From the moment Joyner Lucas stepped on stage, the energy was palpable. His commanding presence and charismatic delivery kept the audience engaged from start to finish. The setlist for the “Not Now I’m Busy” tour was a perfect mix of his biggest hits, fan favorites, and newer tracks from his latest projects. At various moments throughout the show, Joyner took a step back to interact with the audience, sharing personal stories and inspirations behind his songs, adding an intimate layer to the concert and making each performance feel unique and personal. Joyner Lucas’ tour runs all the way until June 22, catch him on the road if you can!

[heartsleevemag]

Judah and the Lion stuns St. Louis

by Riley Mays

At the end of May, I was given the opportunity to photograph Judah and The Lion at St. Louis Music Park in St. Louis, MO. They were opening for NEEDTOBREATHE on the Caves Tour. This was a great environment with some pretty awesome people! Everybody was on their feet singing along, feeling the vibes! Judah, the lead singer, was constantly connecting with the crowd in between each song. Due to severe weather, this show was moved up in time, and Judah and The Lion had to do a stripped back set. Despite the smaller set, almost fully acoustic, the band put on a great show. The Caves Tour has come to an end, but Judah and The Lion have just announced their The Process tour for this fall, coming to a city near you. This is a must see!

[heartsleevemag]

A Conversation with Leo Sawikin at the Troubadour

photos and words by Danielle Holmberg

2021 was a strange year. Being put into lockdown took a lot of us by surprise. There was a sense of being lost and unsure floating in the air. We were scared, trying to find new ways to keep our sanity and peace of mind. Singer and songwriter Leo Sawikin was just like the rest of us. Trying to find a place to put his emotions and worries, he decided to channel them into hope with his first solo project, Row Me Away. Leo uses his way with words to create an album of flowy, melodic songs that we could all sing along to during such an off and dark time.

Three years later, he has brought that same feeling of hope and wonder with his new single, “Till You’re Somebody Else.” Leo paints a picture for us with lyrics like “There is so much more than what’s under our feet / Soon, we’ll all be gone / But, when the sun explodes a new day will dawn.” Leo transcends us into a place of curiosity and perplexity that we all go through often. We’re so stuck in the moment until we open up and see that things are always in motion, and so are we. We’re in a constant state of change and that’s a beautiful thing that we cherish.

I had the chance to sit with Leo on the first night of his tour with Jon McLaughlin at the beginning of May and talk a little bit more about his music.

D: This is the first night of your tour with Jon McLaughlin! How are you feeling? Any cities that you’re particularly excited for? L: It feels awesome! I’m really excited about seeing this part of the country. I haven’t seen much of the West Coast, other than just the major cities. But you get to see lots of nature that way, which is always really cool. I’m really excited to go back to San Diego. I was there in 2019 and it’s a beautiful city. I’m pretty much excited for all the cities. I haven’t been to Arizona before so seeing the desert part of the country will be exciting. I’m ready to see Portland for the first time. It seems like such an original place. I recorded in Seattle but never performed a show there so I'm really excited to be playing a show there as well. D: I think it’s so cool that you recorded with the producer for Modest Mouse and The Shins! Those are two of my favorite bands. I don’t know if they were inspirations for you but you can feel that vibe in your music. L: I feel like it's the producer’s process. I mean, he's worked with artists of every single genre. I feel like the thing that ties them all together is that he just knows how to get an artist to express their innermost truth in the recording process. And to be the best version of themselves as an artist. And it's through letting you make the decisions and be the driver creatively. D: Your new single is getting a lot of attention! It has 50K views on YouTube with just a lyric video. Who were you hoping to reach when you recorded that? L: I wouldn't say any particular audience.I just wanted, It was for me I think more than anything. I wanted to do the song the way that I heard it and whoever was into it would like it. I feel like that’s the best way I can put it. I wanted something that was pop-y and relatable, but that was a reflection of what I like to hear in my music, I guess.

D: During Covid, a lot of people were making banana bread and playing Animal Crossing, but you made a whole album. How did Row Me Away come to life and how big of an impact did the lockdown have on making that album? L: We actually recorded that in 2019 right before the Pandemic. But I mean, I guess the impact was that it was a flop because of the lockdown. D: Oh man, I'm sorry. L: That's okay. There was really nothing we could do. We waited like, I want to say seven or eight months before we put out our first single. And then we tried to do a radio campaign in England and We didn't know how to really make that one work at the end of the day. And I think a lot of it was the way we were approaching Spotify at the time. We just didn't understand how to make it work. But yeah, the pandemic definitely made that album not happen so well. But It was nice that the themes on the album kind of carried over into the pandemic. When I was writing a lot of those songs, I was thinking about climate change and the other challenges that we face as a species. And all those lyrics just also applied to being in the pandemic as well. I feel that even then that message still carries on beyond the pandemic.

D: Who or what were your inspirations when writing? L: I'd say that before this record, I was always very influenced by Brian Wilson and Burt Bacharach and the more complex pop writers of the sixties and seventies. I always wanted that kind of wrecking crew sound on everything. So we would track with a lot of musicians and I kind of was pretty consistent about that. And then after the Pandemic when I worked with Phil, I wanted to make a record that reflected some of my earlier influences and the stuff that I listened to growing up. A lot of The Cure, Smashing Pumpkins, Shoegaze, Brit pop, and all that great stuff. I'd say that was the most significant change between this most recent and Row Me Away. D: Those who follow you on Instagram know you're kind of a foodie and a cook. So what's your go-to comfort food and what's one dish you think everyone should learn how to cook? L: My go-to comfort food is probably Veal Parmesan. It’s so good. That is New York City cuisine at its finest. You can definitely do it wrong. But when it's good, it's just simple joy, Cheese, sauce, and crispy veal cutlet. It's awesome and my favorite thing to cook. I think everyone should learn how to make a simple tomato sauce. Definitely never add garlic. That’s unforgivable. D: All right, last question. What's next after the tour? L: We're just gonna keep pushing the radio stuff. After this leg, we're going out again in June and then in September with John again. So we'll be doing Asheville to Columbia and then after that we're gonna do like a northeast tour, which I'm excited for. The last show is gonna be a hometown show, which is the perfect way to end the tour.

Check out Leo's newest single, “Till You’re Somebody Else,” here, and be sure to follow him for the latest tour updates!

[heartsleevemag]

BeatsnBars

by Renee Neptune

I had the opportunity to photograph the BeatsnBars Festival in Durham, NC, on May 10 and 11, 2024. This festival celebrated musicians from all genres, aiming to spotlight emerging artists while featuring performances by major acts. The music classes on site offered valuable insights, these diverse events catering to music enthusiasts as well as musicians. The festival treated the media personnel exceptionally, and the vendors and food trucks present made the atmosphere even better.