LENI - 'CHASING STARS' (PREMIERE)
Ahead of the release of his new EP ‘Greenlights’, released September 8, The Note was lucky enough to have a first listen of the lead single ‘Chasing Stars’ and a quick chat with the artist, Leni.
LENI - ‘CHASING STARS’
Describe your new EP in 5 words.
Chilled late night good vibes
Are there any artists or specific songs that inspired the sound of this EP?
Absolutely. Big inspo from Kevin Parker, James Blake, Drake, Boniver and Frank Ocean. Listening to Boniver's self titled Album (especially Holocene) and Frank Ocean's Channel Orange inspired me alot in the way I approached thinking about, arranging and colouring some of my songs.
How did the creative process behind ‘Greenlights’ differ from your previous works?
It was very organic, experimental and most of it was done over zoom and bedroom recording sessions. I was in control of the whole process from recording the demos, and arranging the songs, to co-producing the final tracks. Most of it was recorded and written in isolation during COVID. I set up a studio in my spare bedroom and went in there every night for a few months just emptying out my thoughts, and emotions, making beats and crafting song ideas, trying to make sense of what I was feeling at the time and trying to be as honest as possible like a daily diary entry. I borrowed recording equipment from friends, recorded vocals in my bedroom wardrobe, later had friends come over to record BVs and bass, did some Zoom recording sessions, and even got some of the horns recorded on an iPhone for What's On Your Mind. I couldn't have gotten there without the invaluable assistance and guidance of Gareth Thomson who helped me take those bedroom demo recordings to the next level over many Zoom chats, co-production & extra online studio recording sessions with other session musicians. It took a village and it took some good internet! (thank god the internet was invented in my lifetime). It was always a dream of mine to be able to release music that I had recorded in my room from beats I made myself or songs I had demo recorded. And I finally did it!
What is the inspiration behind the song ‘Chasing Stars’? Is there a story you would like to share?
‘Chasing Stars’ came to me after a sort of trainwreck NYE. We caught up with friends at this beach club where I had a pre-NYE performance. I was all hyped up for New Year because and also because it was my birthday at midnight. Then somehow before Midnight we all got separated, our good friend went missing, his phone went flat so me & my gf decided to drive home after looking everywhere for him. Everyone was kind of bummed, worried, and annoyed. As we drove down the freeway we saw all the NYE fireworks going off all across the city skyline from up on the hill. It was impressive and there was this weird mixed feeling of being sad, but also appreciative of the moment. When we got home our mate, who we lost, was waiting for us at our house like nothing had happened. We were pissed off but also grateful to all be together again. That was the spark to ‘Chasing Stars’.
Are there any messages or emotions you are hoping to convey to your listeners through this song?
I'm a very deep thinker. To me, it's all about coming back to that feeling of gratitude and finding greater meaning and purpose in life. Sometimes our worries or troubles take over and we forget how small and insignificant they actually are, especially in the perspective of this huge incredible universe.
It's a reminder to be thankful for this life, appreciate the people you love, take in the present moment, and be grateful for what you already have no matter what else might be going on in your life. "Life is sweeter than this. I know that it can coz I have been blessed!"
What do you hope listeners take away from this EP?
Healing. I know most of us have gone through some challenging moments over these last few years. I hope this EP connects on a deeper level and reminds people that they are not alone on this journey. If it's just one lyric, one line, or one song that connects and offers some healing good energy to that listener to take away into their day then I am happy and if it doesn't that's ok too. I have no control over that. I definitely know writing this EP gave me some healing x.
Leni’s EP ‘Greenlights’ is out September 8
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