The Interview: First Draft

Leanna Rees has fast become a worldwide superstar. Three years ago she was almost unheard of, yet since the release of her first album White Lightning – she’s now known as a household name, spawning Number 1 hits around the globe and selling over 6 million records worldwide. The entire universe have been patiently waiting for it’s sophomore, and now the wait is over, as Simplify hits the stores next month. We met up with Leanna at our headquarters to chat about all things important…

Finally, a new record! How would you describe the sound, as compared to your debut White Lightning?

I would say Simplify is pretty different to whatever people are expecting. White Lightning was all perfect and clean-cut, which was cool. But I wanted to go a different route the second time around, and make something more raw and real, hence the album’s title. I’d say it sounds a lot unlike anything else around today, maybe less vibrant than the previous, but still with the old Leanna touch. There are some really personal songs on there. I felt I had to prove myself as an artist, and I am definitely pleased with the outcome.

We bet you are. Why did you choose Sharks as the lead single from the album?

Sharks was one of the tracks that stood out to me from the start, and probably best represents the whole feel to Simplify. The moment I’d written it, I was literally straight on the phone to Vince [better known as Frankmusik to us], demanding immediate time in the studio! I was just so eager to get it down on disc, so ended staying up until nearly half three in the morning, just playing about with this track. Then once we heard the finished result, I instantly knew it had to be the first single.

One of your proudest moments, hey?

Haha, definitely a contender! I’ll admit I was rather chuffed with it once I had the lyrics done. And it make’s things all the better to know that it was my own work and effort, not just some demo I was sent and decided to do my own version of… yes, certainly a glorious moment for me.

So, are you against the whole “manufactured” process?

Not necessarily against, but it’s not the way I’d do things myself. Some artists just release tracks where they’ve not really had any input at all, just recorded their vocals over the top, whereas I would much rather create my own songs and just really do whatever I like. If I wasn’t able to write music, I’m honestly not sure how I’d survive. However I do feel the “manufactured” label is over used a little too much now, so many artists are being unfairly stuck with these silly tags. It’s kind of uncalled for at times. Just because you sing pop and are a part of a major label, doesn’t make you a puppet.

After the success of your debut, are you worried about how the public will react to its follow-up?

I’d say I am a lot more relaxed with this one than I was the first. Back in 2007 I was under constant pressure, there was all this apparent hype around me and I was just afraid I’d disappoint. My name was everywhere before I had even released anything, so there were times where I just thought – “I can’t do this, the industry's not for me! I give up!” But with this record I could work at my own pace, and not worry about sounding mainstream or cool enough. Now I’m able to do things my way.

There seem to be plenty of comparisons between you and rising-star Ellie Goulding. Do you approve?

Indeed, Under The Sheets was my anthem of last year. I’ve loved everything I’ve heard of her so far, she sure has the potential to be big, although to be honest I don’t think we are all that similar musically. Her stuff is quite electronic-folky orientated, whereas mine is more indie. They are almost completely opposite genres. However we are both blonde and living in West London, so perhaps that’s what everyone is hinting at!

You recorded over thirty songs for the latest record. What will happen to the songs that didn’t make the final tracklist? May we have another album sooner than expected?

Jesus, this one isn’t even out yet! I seriously have no clue, to be frank I’ve not even thought that far ahead. Thee;s obviously this record to promote first, so am literally travelling all over the place for that. Then I’ve got a sort of mini-tour planned across Europe which should be pretty amazing, I’m sure. So yeah, I’m just living day by day for now. Although I don’t intend on staying quiet for as long as I did the last time. If things go how I want to, there should be another record out by the end of next year.

Result! Lastly, where do you see yourself being five years from now?

Old and grey, living peacefully out in the country I expect. Haha no, I hope to still be bashing out the tunes of course! I don’t intend on quitting music until I’m about 30, at least. There will be time for babies and all that jazz later on. I’m still only 21 after all... so you’ll all have to put up with me for a while longer yet!