Leon Jacques is a fresh new singer/songwriter whose music exudes depth, emotion and passion combining powerful articulate lyrics with soulful vocals, epitomizing original UK talent at it’s prime.
‘Man or Emotion’ is Leon’s debut project and is, what he defines as, a “Social Commentary’; Based upon Gender roles/Stereotypes and their consequences regarding matters of the heart”. This #2SidedL.P will be released in two parts with the first part ‘MAN’ to released this September.
At 23, with many a struggle behind him, Leon has released 3 tracks; “Parallel”, “Therapy”, and “90’s Babies” has released his debut album, and is studying Politics with International relations & Philosophy at Royal Holloway university. We caught up with Leon and got to know more…
How did you get into music?
“When I was three years old, I went on holiday with my parents to Jamaica. While on the long haul flight to deal with my boredom I started singing along to Whitney Houston’s ‘I will always love you’ (imagine a little three year old with headphones on screaming at the top of his voice.) My mum then poked me on the arm, which I assumed was her telling me to be quiet, so I took off my headphones – only to find that I was getting a standing ovation from the other passengers on the plane. Fast forward 17 years I found myself sitting in the Royal Festival Hall (South Bank) with my good friend Ellie, messing around on the piano and by mistake we wrote my first song Parallel.”
What are your inspirations?
“Beyonce (LOL); social norms and conventions; spoken word poetry and water.”
How would you describe your musical style?
“I would call it alternative R&B with the musical substance of soul music combined with the catchiness of popular music.”
What do you feel makes you stand out from other vocalists?
“I am a big guy, I not only sing I dance very well. My voice is soulful, my music is young and my lyrics are reminiscent of an older generation. I don’t just sing – I have something to say. I am going to re brand what it means to be a male singer in the 21st century.”
What do you feel is your biggest achievement to date?
“Performing a solo at Latitude Festival with The House Gospel Choir led by Shezar Mackenzie and Natalie Maddix.”
What fellow UK artists have you worked with and who else would you like to work with?
“Recently I’ve collaborated with Che lingo, west London rapper ‘Lifelines’, North London singer ‘Cardan jayy’. In the near future i’d like to collaborate with artists like Etta Bond or Tiny-man i think they are both super dope and the mixture of our voices and sounds could create something epic!”
What’s in store for you for the rest of the year?
“The release of my project ‘Man or Emotion’ – the first half of which was released in September and the second half is due for release this November. Hopefully some more collaborations and a one night only concert at the end of 2014. Also the release of my YouTube series.”
Tell me about man or emotion ?
“When I wrote man or emotion my aim was to create a social commentary on gender roles and stereotypes. In particular I wanted to look at the gender practice of men and how our idea of what a man is and/ or should be is created and changed by social experiences. I want to make people feel good with great music but also bring about a debate between my peers on what these ideas are and how accurate they are to the 21st century man… can I be a socially acceptable man whilst displaying behaviours and feelings stereotypically associated with femininity? And is it time to rebrand the labels?”
Keep up with Leon on Twitter @Leonjacquesuk and listen on Soundcloud
