COLUMBIA SIGNED ARTIST, LEON, MEETS GOLD HAND GIRLS
It was a typical day. I woke up, went to work, checked my email.. and bam. whoop. there. it. is.
for those who are in PR/who have shot shows before, you know how absolutely thrilling it is to be in contact with an artist you deeply admire. For me, LEON had been an inspiration for about two years now. She's from Sweden, and as she also mentions, the first place she got her start and where I discovered her was SoundCloud.
The emailed had stated that Gold Hand Girls was approved as press for LEON'S show in Dallas October 4th, 2017.
As Averi and I approached the House of Blues, we had no idea what we were in for. The both of us photographed the first three songs, enjoyed the performance, and got in the car ready to drive back to Oklahoma. Though, swiftly before our departure I had noticed yet another email stating that LEON was backstage and prepared to meet us for a couple of head shots and an interview.
We're then escorted backstage and into The House of Blues green rooms. LEON sat, fresh off the stage and as gorgeous as ever. It was definitely a "holy shit is this really happening" moment.
Before you read the interview, I'd like to first say how humble Lotta (LEON) was. Her energy was as pure as it gets (especially in comparison to my shaken nerves). Lotta was composed, sat with posture and spoke with us as if we were old friends.
Here are three girls- two of them in which hoping to be in the music industry, and one on an international tour signed by Columbia.
If you ever get the chance to see LEON in person, do not dismiss this opportunity. I truly have not walked away from a conversation this inspiring in months. Nonetheless, watched a performance as raw and full of creativity as Lotta's.
Obsessed is an understatement.
Here are bits of our conversation- <3
When we spoke last week in person you mentioned that your biggest musical influences are Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse! Who would you say you look up to that's still living and making music? Who are your current top five artists?
Where do I start.. The ones I look up to are artists that never seem to compromise their artistry. Like Adele, Stevie Nicks, Erykah Badu, Robyn, Lauryn Hill, Beyonce, Lykke Li. Okey I mentioned more than five but there are so many talented women out there.
I'd love to know more about your first time on tour! I think you said you were 21 or 22. Given you're now 24, what can you say you have learned within your first years of touring? Best and worst memories.. go!
I did these small tours back then, so I can barely call it a tour. But my first real one was when I was 23. We had such a good time on the road. It feels like being on a summer camp in a way. Even if it was winter during that tour.. But I think I learned to be a little more calm and to relax a little bit after that tour. I'm really trying to be present and take in what I can, cause time is moving so fast. I don't want to miss anything.
It's really hard to choose from memories, but I had the best birthday on tour when we were in New Orleans during mardigras (i think Thats How it's spelled?!). The band and crew brought me a cake up on stage and then i got to wear a hat that looked like a fish... It was a good night.
So far I don't have a very bad memory from being on tour.. knock on Wood.
“Don’t put yourself down and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and share ideas.”
What advice do you have for women wanting to pursue music?
Don't put yourself down and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and share ideas. I think it's a common thing for women to excuse ourselves a lot. But if you think that you're doing something good, try to stick to that feeling.
Favorite Quote?
I don't have a specific one to be honest. But I really like this quote by Oscar Wilde, and it may be a little cheesy but "be yourself cause everybody else is already taken". It's so true..
How did you first gain attention as an artist? I know this is a broad question, and the answer is obviously because you're amazing, but were there certain tactics such as social media marketing, touring, etc that you feel really helped to put you on the map?
Thank you so much for the compliment!
I put out a song called Tired of Talking on soundcloud 2015. And at that time i probably had about 20 followers or so on instagram, and I really did it more for myself than thinking that people would hear it. And then when blogs started picking it up and started writing about my music I got really overwhelmed. That's when I realized the power of the internet!
Could you tell our audience a little about your upbringing? You mentioned your sister also being in musically inclined, how do you two differ in styles? Did she inspire you to being writing, or vice versa? Were your parents into music?
My parents are musicians, so that had a really big impact on me. My dad is a composer and my mom is playing the cello. They showed me that it's possible do be whatever if I just work really hard and Believe in myself. And my sister and I always shared interests. She'll send me new music while I'm on the road or if she's traveling. Cool articles and documentaries and stuff. The music she makes is very different than the music I make, which is fun. She's a part of this Amazing collective of female musicians that is helping women to come forward in the music world. I think that we've always inspired each other in many different ways, I'm really lucky to have her.
Tell us both your biggest goal in life, and biggest fear.
Oh, big questions. I'd say that my goal is to keep doing what I do. That I'll still get to play shows for people in 20 years from now and to travel the world while doing it. I'd Love to tour in south america, Asia, Australia, there's so many places I want to see. And to have a family to share all of it with. My biggest fear is to lose my parents or my sister, and people that are close to me.
What are you reading right now?
Right now I'm reading a book called "Sapiens". The history about us humans.
What can your audience expect from you within the next year? Will there be more touring, collaborations, new EP maybe? <3
I'm very excited about the music that I'm working on for my album. So definitely new tunes! And touring is the best thing i know so I'll be out there doing shows. There's so much that I'm excited about but some of it has to remain a secret for now..
WHERE did you get your green romper that you wore during the Dallas show? 'Cause girl we're loving it x
Haha! It's a little secret that I'll never tell... I'm happy you liked it!
PRESS, Alexa Ace
Alexa is the Co-Founder and CEO of Gold Hand Girls. You can read more about who she is and what she loves on our "About Us"page!
PRESS, Averi Campbell
Averi is our Creative Director and a member of the Gold Hand Creative Team
Averi Campbell is an art student, multi-musician, and all around music enthusiast. Any indie garage band or badass girl band puts her in a daze, and that sound has carried over into the music she creates herself. Music and art have played a huge role in her life and she is very fortunate to have encountered so many fearless and driven women, both in the arts and music industry, all which have impacted the woman and artist she is today.
Instagram: @avepcam
