Leila- Jazz infused Indie Pop // Spellbinding New Single
Interview conducted on September 15, 2020
Leila couldn’t be further from your typical indie artist. Hailing from Neverheardofit Pennsylvania, her sound and lyrics carry their humble roots. A little Jazz, a little soul, a hint of strange and three shots of romance will keep this spellbinding cocktail of uncanny ballads in your head forever.
What is your upbringing?
I was born and raised in Downingtown, Pennsylvania by my parents, both of whom emigrated to the U.S. from Iran in their late teens.
How did you discover music?
At a young age through opera tapes of my momâs. I have memories as early as 4 watching the opera Carmen on VHS.
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How did you start to write music?
Songwriting was a natural progression from the poems that I wrote sporadically while growing up. A tumultuous breakup supplemented an albumâs worth of material to write about.
What makes a good songwriter?
If I were to wager a guess, probably someone who writes a song that makes you feel something.
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Why did it take you two year to make âBy You Nowâ?
We went down rabbit holes during production that sadly turned sour. We sped up the song, but that ruined certain parts, so we had to slow it down and start over. We had to rewrite the intro a few times because we started to get sick of it as we continued to hear it. The tone and delivery of the vocals were hard to get right as well, things like that.
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How does a software engineer decide to record an album?
Like anyone else decides! Itâs a gradual process of accumulating original songs and then deciding to produce and release them.
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Why did you decide to do the documentary âPain for Pleasureâ?
While living in San Francisco I was experimenting with filmmaking and also intrigued by Kink.comâs armory and live shows. Thatâs when I decided I had to make a documentary about it!
How was it to record in the Abbey Road Studio?
That same day I found out my dear grandmother passed away, so it was a welcome distraction to say the least.
What is California Soul?
I reckon its soul with a Beach Boys vibe.
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Tell me about your upcoming album âGlass Highwaysâ which comes out this Fall?
Glass Highways is a ten-track debut breakup album thatâll wrap you in the highs and lows of heartbreak.
Did you ever read The Glass Highway (Amos Walker #4) by Loren D. Estleman?
I have not, but now Iâm curious!
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You did all the artwork, music, and video yourself. What training did you have besides software-based?
I grew up singing, playing piano, dancing, and performing all my life. While living in San Francisco I briefly studied filmmaking and acquired skills in film as well. This has proven helpful for directing, producing, and editing music videos. And then thereâs software, which pays my bills. My life is very much split between engineering and the arts!
What is your favorite track on the album?
This changes day to day, but probably âToo Much Womanâ.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Working on my album release and writing new music!
The video for âGone for Longâ is one a lot of people can relate to. Did you have the idea for the video while you were writing the song?
The idea for the âGone For Longâ video came as COVID19 was taking over everyoneâs life. Given the constraints at hand, making a quarantine-themed music video made the most sense.
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The song was written a few years ago about my Grandmotherâs passing.
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Anything you would like to say in closing?
Thank you for taking the time for this interview as I really enjoyed these questions! This album was made with blood, sweat, and tears so I hope you like it when itâs out!
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