EQUATE Meets Anna Leone
"For me it’s really about being able to move on and letting go of the songs, but in a way it’s nice that I still relate to all of them, some are even more relevant to me now.."
You may or may not have heard about Stockholm native Anna Leone - the multi-talented singer-songwriter has had an exciting journey in the music scene so far. From being one of the winners at the 2020 Music Moves Talent Awards after her highly acclaimed debut EP ‘Wandered Away‘ to amassing over 18m streams, the songstress already accumulated a huge fan base. Yet she is only just getting started.
In the past year, she spent time in Los Angeles writing her album ‘I’ve Felt All These Things’, which is out in September, and much to the joy of her fans, she’s already released a single off the upcoming project. Titled ‘Remember‘, the track “ deals with the promises we make to ourselves and others, and the way it can be a struggle to hold yourself accountable. It’s also about allowing yourself to be hopeful.”, according to the artist, and beautifully showcases her sublime, raw vocals, packed with emotions and pure passion.
For her new single and her upcoming album we speak to her about working with Paul Butler, growing up in Sweden and more.
Read the full interview below…
EQ: Hey Anna Leone, nice to meet you. How did you first get started in music?
AL: Hey Equate Magazine! I started playing guitar and writing songs when I was in high school. There was a bit of a gap between me writing songs and actually thinking I wanted to pursue a career in music but once I committed to that things started falling into place. I’ve worked a lot with Mica Elig who signed me to his label Half Awake, that’s how the first EP came about.
EQ: Born and raised in Stockholm, the city obviously has a rich musical history. Has this shaped you in any way?
AL: I’m not sure if the city itself has shaped me that much cause I’ve mostly been writing songs from my bedroom and I haven’t been a part of the music scene per say. I’m on a French and UK label now so I mostly work outside of Stockholm. But it’s true we have a lot of amazing artists and songwriters from Sweden and that’s inspiring.
EQ: Your new single Remember is out now. Can you tell us more about its lyrical background?
AL: I’d say the word that I think of when I think of that song is “broken promises”. There’s a lot of doubting yourself, wondering if you can get through things or not. But it’s also about being kind to yourself.
EQ: The single follows up your previous singles ‘Once’ and ’Still I Wait’ which were both shot in The Azores. First of all, it must’ve been so amazing to shoot there? What’s your creative process like when planning your videos?
AL: It was! I keep saying this to everyone who asks me about it but there really was a magical feeling to the place. It was historically like the center of the crack when all the continents were one (Gaia) and I think you can really feel that when you’re there. As for the video creative process, it really depends on who I’m working with, not every director has the same process and the key is to find the best way of working together. But normally we’d discuss the treatment back and forth, I like being involved in all of the stages.
EQ: Speaking of your debut album - it is due to be released in September, how exciting! What can you tell us about that already?
AL: It deals a lot with my depression among other things and it’s been really cathartic to write. If you’ve listened to the EP, many themes will be familiar, it’s a kind of extension of those songs, but at the same time a lot has happened between that space so I feel like the songwriting has grown with me. And Paul Butler has produced the album beautifully, it really is something special.
EQ: How was working with Paul Butler on the album? How did you two first meet?
AL: We met through my label and started working together on the album pretty soon after. Paul is great. You’re on an emotional rollercoaster together making a whole album - it’s a very intense journey to be on and I felt very safe going through it with him. I love the result of all we did, how the songs turned out.
“If you’ve listened to the EP many themes will be familiar, it’s a kind of extension of those songs, but at the same time a lot has happened between that space so I feel like the songwriting has grown with me”
- Anna Leone
EQ: What was the experience of recording the project in Los Angeles?
AL: I love Los Angeles so it was really cool for me. I think I want to move there. We were actually a bit all over the place cause we recorded in Santa Rosa first and then in North Hollywood and then in Topanga. There was barely any free time at all, we were in the studio everyday from morning until night but it was very inspiring just to experience the contrast between home and LA, writing the songs in one place and then recording them somewhere in a completely different environment.
EQ: Your debut EP last year saw huge acclaim and support by many - Do you feel the support you’ve gotten has reassured you that it’s the right time to release an album?
AL: For me, the sooner I can release songs after making them, the better. The day after the studio I was like “let’s just release everything now!” But then it takes a long time to prepare things and with all that’s been happening in the world lately it hasn’t always felt like the proper time. For me it’s really about being able to move on and letting go of the songs, but in a way it’s nice that I still relate to all of them, some are even more relevant to me now.
EQ: Who are the most played artists on your playlist right now, and which are your guilty pleasure songs?
AL: It’s really a mix of artists and genres. Nico, Joan Baez, Joy Crookes, The Band, Dinah Washington, Scott Matthews, the list goes on!
EQ: And if you could listen to only one album in your life, which would it be and why?
AL: Something with Cat Stevens cause his songs are so timeless. There’s a bit of everything in there, sadness and hope and joy. Probably Teaser and the Firecat but it’s hard to choose one!
EQ: Last but not least, anything else you are working on right now?
AL: I’m mentally preparing for the album release haha. I’m not sure yet if I’m gonna be able to do any live shows, but otherwise I’ll be playing the songs online or something I’m sure. There’s another video to shoot as well, so that’ll be the main focus before the album releases in September.
Watch the live version of her most recent single ‘Remember’ below!
YouTube/Anna Leone
Stream ‘Remember’ HERE
Keep up with Anna Leone on socials
Instagram: @annaleone
Facebook: @annaleonemusic
Website: http://annaleone-music.com/
Pre-Order her album ‘I’ve Felt All These Things‘ HERE