Bio
The 2007 X-Factor winner has recently divided his time between, Glasgow, London and LA writing and developing a new acoustic driven sound. Working with producers and song-writers on the LA music scene whilst incorporating a Scottish folk twist, a nod to his roots, has really opened Leon’s eyes to the potential sound he can now craft.
Jackson has won recognition for his warm, evocative vocals and unique charisma. With his distinctive voice and this new sound Leon is embarking on something fresh, this time it’s original, acoustic and full of honest soul.
Crafting songs that uncover the last few years’ life, love and dreams Leon hopes to make music that ‘speaks’ to people. Selling out his recent ‘Live and Acoustic’ tour confirms that his fans and the music public are loving his latest offerings.
“I’ve needed time to consolidate and make sense of everything I’ve experienced. I needed to fall in love with music again, this process has been slow and wrenching at times but I’m now feeling liberated and fulfilled for the first time with my work. Music is a conversation between the singer and the listener, and to that end the fans are the foundation of everything I do.”
Leon is an avid supporter of 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. “As far as team Leon is concerned music is about life not the other way round. It’s a privilege to be able use your gifting to bring joy to people, travelling and paying the bills is a bonus.”
Question & Answer
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!
