INTERVIEW: Leuca — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Leuca

___________

KICKING off this week is Leuca…

who has been talking with me about his incredible track, Right Now, and working with Mike Green on it. He looks ahead to his E.P., Don’t Tell Me What to Do, and its influences; some newer artists we need to get behind; what he hopes to achieve before the end of this year – Leuca tells me what sort of music he grew up around.

The New York-raised artist shares a favourite memory from his time in music; discusses how he takes time out from music; gives some useful advice to breaking artists – he ends the interview by selecting a rather good song.

___________

Hi, Leuca. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey, Sam! I’m well. My week has been long but very rewarding. I’ve been amped about this release and have received great feedback from it!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

For sure! My name is Leuca. I’m a twenty-year-old singer/songwriter/rapper/producer born and raised in Long Island, N.Y. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember but didn’t really start pursuing my own career as an artist 'til around 2015 or so - just a few years!

Can you tell me about the new single, Right Now? How did that come together?

So. I wrote Right Now last summer. I was going through a rough patch in my relationship and I decided I’d write about it. In that same week, I wrote a few different songs concerning the same issue but this one stuck out. Mike Green, the producer of Right Now, and I had been cooking up tracks for months beforehand. We planned on putting out a project and we were in the process of compiling tracks. I brought this song to him as a voice note originally and he literally brought the idea to life.

After that, it was history. It’s been through so many different versions and so many ideas were added to it. But, I’m more than pleased with its final product.

You are working with Mike Green. How did that collaboration happen? What does he bring to the party in terms of guidance and music?

So. Mike and I met through another producer/engineer, EQ IIIrdeye, who executive produced my first project, Soul[o]. Mike came through to EQ’s studio one day and that’s how we met. Mike laid down guitar on a few of the tracks on Soul[o] and, shortly after that we started working together on our own stuff. Mike has definitely been one of the most challenging people to work with in terms of my growth as an artist. He’s brought me out of my comfort zone with songwriting and has helped me a great deal with it.

Along with Mike being an amazing guitarist, he’s an even better producer. So, being in sessions with him and picking his head, I’ve learned so much about production and song formatting as well.

Did he give you a push to record music and take your songs in new directions?

For sure. Without Mike, lots of the new music you hear; this year and for the rest of my life wouldn’t be the same. Like I said: he’s taught me a lot. That was just a matter of a year too, really: 2017.

Don’t Tell Me What to Do is out next month. What sort of themes influenced the E.P.?

Love, definitely. I was never one to make love songs like that. Soul[o] was filled with a bunch of stories and deep analysis of my home life. With this E.P., it’s more care-free and fun. I use the word ‘baby’ a lot (laughs). It’s way more commercial and open than any music I’ve ever made or been used to.

Did you grow up around a lot of music? How important were those early years?

Music has always been my life and I’ve been involved in plenty, sports, dancing etc. It always circled back to music. I was on choirs all my life in church and later became a worship leader (and still am). One of my earliest memories of music is taking my older brother’s iPod when I was very young and listening to a bunch of Chris Brown. He was basically my idol. My mom always used to play cassette tapes and C.D.s in the house and the car (Alicia Keys and India Arie). I used to memorize so much of it. I’d say, without that kind of stuff, my interest in music wouldn’t be where it’s at today. I’ve always appreciated music.

Where are you heading on tour? Where can we catch you?

I’m not too sure yet. Hopefully, we can book some shows soon. Nothing is set in stone as of right now.

Might we see you in the U.K. at any point?

I’d love to head out to the U.K. and perform. A bunch of random people always hit me up and show love from there all the time. When the timing permits, I’ll definitely be out there.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

I’m trying to tour by the end of this year. I know, in 2019, I want to headline. This year, I’d love to support an artist on a tour: East Coast, West Coast; national, any. I’ve literally been itching to do so since the end of 2017. So, I definitely want to add that on my resume by the end of this year.

I also want to release, on top of Don’t Tell Me What to Do, another E.P. entitled Wake Up which is executive produced and performed by me. I want to place myself on the map, live off my music; maybe sell out a bigger venue in N.Y.C. and L.A.; if not by the end of this year, definitely the beginning of 2019. I’ve got myself on a timeline right now.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Definitely, one would be opening up for Xavier Omar and Avalon Young at the end of 2016 at Rough Trade in Brooklyn. I was hit up about the show a week prior; Xavier put the word in for me. That’s my brother. I’d never performed original stuff in front of a crowd that big and they were super-inviting, so much love. One of the best nights of my life thus far. I just wish to repeat that kind of experience with my name being the headliner.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Kendrick Lamar, Saba and Jon Bellion.

I’m really not that picky. As long as they have some water, tea (peppermint or ginger) and some honey lemon cough drops, I think I’m good. I also love sour candy but that’s terrible for your voice and your face - so maybe I should hold off on that (laughs).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I say this all the time but never give up. If you have a dream, chase after it. I never imagined I’d be in this position and I know this is only a small fraction of all God has for me. Know yourself and know whose advice you’ll be taking into consideration. Not everyone wants to see you win or is looking out for your best interest so always stick to your vision and stay true to yourself.

If you spend too much time listening to everyone else or worrying about what they think, you’ll lose yourself in the process and that’s EXACTLY what you want to avoid here.

IN THIS PHOTO: Sylo Nozra

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Sylo Nozra, Mac Ayres; Xavier Omär and Nakesake.

IN THIS PHOTO: Marc Ayres

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Sometimes. I spend a lot of time with my girlfriend. I connect most AND best with her. When I’m not working, I’m most likely either making music or hanging out with her.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Forever Always by Peter CottonTale