Bio
In just a few short years, Leon Jackson has transformed himself from being an 18 year old singer, winning the X Factor, to an artist who is making promising moves towards a career as a dedicated songwriter/musician, now discovering and developing his own unique style.
His warm, evocative vocals and distinctive charisma earned him recognition and a fervent fan following - but this multi-talented singer and self-taught guitarist has now started on a new journey. Experimenting with the piano and ukulele and crafting a new repertoire of songs, which he hopes will gain him critical acclaim.
Leon’s new material includes impassioned, emotionally resonant songs, covering topics like the joys and rigours of love and life. “My plan is to keep things simple - for my songs to sound minimal, more organic, less polished and deliver lyrics that are heartfelt & soulful, and vocal performances that are front and centre. For me it’s about creating an intimate experience for listeners - about simplicity in its purest form.”
Leon’s latest offerings will be sure to unveil untapped depths of ingenuity and optimism for the young Scot. It is deeply personal, laced by a compelling melancholy. “I am putting myself out there in deeply personal ways like never before. I feel like I’ve started to become a real songwriter in the last year through my experiences and I’m trying to share views that are universal”.
Despite an emotionally gruelling year, Leon finds himself happy to be starting over. “I feel, in a strange way, more at peace and happier for having gone through everything because it has helped me understand and learn some things I needed to - I’m feeling liberated and fulfilled for the first time with my work - music is a conversation between the writer/singer and the listener. “The fans are the foundation of everything I do.”
Leon is now a supporter of Great Ormond Street Hospital, a London based medical institution specialising in the care of children, as well as the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) - a Scottish charity established to provide hospice services in Scotland for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
Question & Answer
How was your headline UK tour last-year? What was the highlight?
I thoroughly enjoyed the 2009 ‘Right Now’ UK tour and consider it a success. I got the chance to sell out premier venues across the country playing
songs from my album as well as highlighting a change in direction musically. The highlight was of course performing the stripped back acoustic section.
What did you learn from your experiences on the tour?
During the tour I learned even more so that my fans are the foundation of everything I do. From a performing point of view I learned about how to try and create an intimate experience for my listeners. I also learned that for me music is very much a remedy and release, there is something very healing about that. Whether you’re making it or listening to it, either way it has a way of washing over you and making things seem alright.
What have you been doing since the tour?
Since the tour, I have shunned the spotlight and have been crafting songs that showcase my ever-evolving song writing. I am trying to capture a robust collection of guitar-led, organic-sounding and thought-provoking lyrics, hopefully which will show the depth and breadth of my creative musings. I have also played a handful of intimate live acoustic shows and experiencing life on the road a little.
What’s the next step for Leon Jackson? What’s the dream…
The next few steps for me are to continue developing my craft. I want to build up some good tracks and then hopefully tour later in the year, showcasing the songs I have penned. I am someone who consistently strives to grow and create music that my listeners and I can find both meaningful and entertaining. Ultimately, I would love to add a new chapter to my musical journey.
Who is your most listened to artist / band on your IPod?
Someone who I constantly listen to on my iPod is Gavin DeGraw. First of all he just has this undeniable tone and his phrasing is just unique and mesmerizing. His creative abilities are amazing, I’ve met him and he’s a lovely bloke.
I also love listening to John Mayer, James Morrison, Paolo Nutini, Marc Broussard, (Check this guy’s voice out, seriously) The Script, Sara Bareilles and Corinne Bailey Rae, to name a few. All these artist share the same quality, that being they all have a creative vision and through perseverance have became premier singer-songwriters of today.
Best gig you’ve been to and why?
I have been very fortunate to have had many great experiences whilst going to watch live music. So lets see… a couple of gigs I’ve been to that have stood out; Paolo Nutini, Glasgow Academy (Dec 2006, before I even started singing) first gig ever, brilliant. James Morrison (Feb 2007, started to realise that I wanted to pursue music as a career) Gavin DeGraw, Astoria (Nov 2008, went backstage to meet the man for a 2nd time) Jason Mraz, Hammersmith Apollo, (April 2009, got to meet him for a cheeky pic and signed album. Most recently John Mayer, Hammersmith Apollo, (Jan 2010, amazing show, great sound. All of these occasions could never come close to the two experiences I’ve had when I’ve gone to watch Michael Buble. On both occasions he has been the ultimate gentleman allowing me to duet with him, firstly in Wembley Arena (Dec 2007) and again in Glasgow SECC (July 2008).
What makes you laugh?
I love to laugh and I absolutely love comedy shows, live stand-up and funny movies, all of which make me laugh. Therefore, things that I love are Mock The Week. Lee Evans stand-up, I have the complete box set on DVD and can more or less recite the entire thing. Movies such as Anchorman, (I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch) (I ate a big, red candle) Forgetting Sarah Marshall, (God put our mouths on our head for a reason. No!) (You sound like you’re from London!) I also love watching Flight of the Concords - preferably the live guitar stuff. (I’m not cryin’. It’s just been raining… on my face)(You know what time it is when i’m down to just my socks, its time for business , that’s why they’re called business socks)… Brilliant!
What advice would you give to those starting out in music?
My advice to anyone starting out in music would be firstly, have a passion and energy for it. If you have an affinity for music then embrace it on every level possible, perhaps you may feel most creative when working with another person. Spending time with other musicians means you can bounce ideas off each other and make use of each other’s skills. You have to really actively go out and try and make things happen.
Try and practice as much as you can and try to find a sense of originality. There are loads of ways to get your music heard online for free. Sites like Bebo, Buzznet, MySpace Music, and Last.fm all let you upload tracks for the public to hear. Sending your music to established blogs is a good move. If the people behind them like your stuff and give you a mention it’ll help build interest in your music. Building a buzz around your local area can really help open a few doors. You may find gigging regularly and being seen by as many people as possible helps more. Nothing builds excitement around a new act like a legion of enthusiastic and passionate fans. Grass-roots is where it’s truly at!
