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Recently releasing his sophomore album "Electric Dusk" to raving reviews, the former Nickelodeon star (who you may recognise from playing André Harris in Victorious) has truly come into his own as an artist in recent months.
Sumptuous beats, smooth melodies and a truly electrifying voice are things that immediately come to mind when describing Leon's music. However, who is the man behind the melody? This Feature Friday on MoveOnUp we have GRAMMY award winner Leon Thomas.
One favourite in particular from the album comes from its penultimate single & final track, "Breaking Point"; a track that really encapsulates what R&B can do to the soul, break your heart whilst also fixing it at the same time. A perfect soundtrack to the blissful sadness of a relationship falling apart (or I should say reaching its 'breaking point' rather), whereby you know its over but the heart break is only beginning.
A craftsman with the pen, Leon frequently writes with & for a number of artists including the illustrious Drake (inc Certified Lover Boy), former co-star Ariana Grande, SZA, Post Malone and many more. In the songwriting process, Leon forefronts his lyrics in the songwriting process, choosing to write his narratives first before he co-creates a surrounding soundscape to them.
Even though he does this, he's not your classic lyric writer that leaves the rest to producers to figure out, like many of the greats before him, 'Electric Dusk' is produced by Leon himself so each element of that immersive soundscape that engulfs the soul is his own doing. From each guitar track to each lyric to the background synths, everything has been carefully thought out and moulded by Leon himself.
Although he may be a true Jack of All Trades, like the true 21st Century multitalented artist celebrity he is, when asked how to describe all his work in three words he simply said he's just a "vivid story teller". Throughout his discography, we truly see this in action, with 'Crash N Burn' being a particular strongpoint with its candid approach to describing the draining search for love in the modern age.
"just a vivid story teller"
Despite his work speaking for itself & the visualisations adding another element to the heart sorrow, Leon did have some struggles breaking into the industry. A whole ordeal with getting signed & various label deals falling through meant that this recent project has been in the works for a number of years, explaining its five year gap with his debut album "Genesis".
Nevertheless, he finally found his home in May 2022 with MoTown Records, specifically with Ty Dolla $ign's branch "Ez MnY"; of whom features on this recent project on the fourth track 'Love Jones'. Unlike the rap & soul combo on 'X Rated' with Benny the Butcher feature (which still works tremendously), Ty's and Leon's similar style on the track combines effortlessly to really showcase the potential Leon has now he's finally settled label wise. Despite just getting 'Electric Dusk', it only goes to show his potential, which we cannot wait to see fulfilled, especially with another potential track with Ariana soon to be in the works (potentially, maybe, allegedly)...
Listen to the new album 'Electric Dusk' on all streaming platforms (Spotify linked below); and stay tuned for some big names coming up on MoveOnUp.
We are SO back.
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