If you’re into soulful music, then you have to get to know Kyron Leslie. Born in Tennessee but residing in one of the most musically diverse cities, Atlanta, Kyron is on the rise. He is not only a captivating singer, he’s also a composer and promising songwriter. He has worked on projects with Britney Spears and other notables. His new album, The Weight of the World, is out now. He stopped by to talk to rolling out about how he knew music was for him, inspiration for his material, artists with whom he would like to collaborate and more. –tammie reed
When did you know singing would be your everything?
Last year, after I wrote “Reverse” and performed it for the first time. Being able to express what I was going through, accompanied by the arrangement, just felt good. So, I made a commitment to myself to make music that I wanted to hear and pursue it wholeheartedly.
Where did you get your inspiration for your album, Weight of the World?
I didn’t want to just record a typical five-song demo. I wanted to make a body of work that would tell a complete story on one album. As I looked at a few of the life experiences I was having last year — coming to terms with losing someone I loved, my challenges with learning to become a man, etc.— the music was just inspired from that.
Did you have any favorite artists growing up? If you could work with any artist who would it be, past or present?
I used to mimic my older cousins. One listened to Prince, and the other listened to a lot of hip-hop. So, the artists they listened to became my favorites. Prince, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Billy Joel, Nirvana, Lauryn Hill, Alanis Morrisette, Tribe Called Quest, Outkast, etc.
I’d love to work with past artists like Marvin Gaye or Paul McCartney. Great melodic songwriters. I’d actually think it would be dope to work with D’Angelo. I really would like to capture that raw essence of soul and artistry he was able to capture on his Voodoo album. Presently, I think a collaboration with a band called Iron and Wine would be interesting.
My favorite song so far is “Reverse.” It’s very soothing. How did you come up with the concept of the video?
Thank you. The concept was actually created by the director, Mike Cooke, of Mike Designs. When I approached him, the only idea I had was of a dramatic reveal ending with an interruption in the music.
You’re very handsome. You look like you would be a ladies’ man. Do you sing to women you date?
[Laughing aloud] Thank you. I’ve had my fun, but I’m actually learning what it would take to be a more disciplined, monogamous man. In the past, I really didn’t let women know I sang upfront because I didn’t want it to be a turn off. In Atlanta, women meet many aspiring men that are either a rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, studio or record label owner … I wanted to set myself apart from every other man.
To learn more, please visit www.kyronleslie.com.
