Music Star Leon Else: “Get used to feeling burnt out, because that’s what it takes; If it was easy, everyone would be doing it”
If you are somebody that is trying to follow their dreams, it’s inevitable that you will feel burnt out. It’s a part of success in the beginning to get it off the ground. Later on you can find ways to chill, but in the beginning, get used to feeling burnt out, because that’s what it takes. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. I would almost say if you haven’t experienced feeling burnt out, then you’re not working hard enough.
I had the pleasure to interview Leon Else. Leon is a pop singer/songwriter from the UK. He began writing and recording music at the age of 12 to serve as an escape from his rocky upbringing. Interested in all of the arts, Leon saved his money to attend dance school, and over the years has performed in Kenneth MacMillan’s ballet “Winter Dreams” and musicals, including “Sinatra” and “Oklahoma!” Leon decided to leave the dance world to pursue music. After releasing a series of songs online, Leon was catapulted into the music industry and in 2018, was featured on the soundtrack for Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why.” After struggling in silence for 27 years of his life with his mental health, Leon sought help. He is now reclaiming his independence as an artist and individual, and creating music he feels is authentically himself. Leon released his first song of 2019 “Change Up” in April, along with “Signs” in early May. His new song “Beautiful World” premiered on Billboard Pride. Leon has been featured in Billboard, PAPER Magazine, People Magazine, VH1 and Galore and is managed by First Access Entertainment.
Thank you so much for joining us Leon! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I was always drawn to performing and creating since I can remember. At first, performing was an escape from my childhood. It became a safe place for me to dream about the day I could leave. It gave me hope. I felt free whilst performing. I was told I was talented, and that made me feel so special. Something I never felt at home. I wanted to be special to someone so bad.
Can you share the most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your music career?
Once I thought Sophia Loren was an extra on set for the movie Nine, that I was shooting as a dancer. She entertained me, then it was a joke because I realized she was this legendary Italian film actress. She found it funny. I’m just happy I was nice to her. Obviously im nice to everyone but ya know…..
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I’m excited to be releasing new music, creating visuals and showing audiences my journey in the “Beautiful World” video. All the pain and hurt I’ve overcome, has turned into something positive. I can finally share my work and my message and do it my way.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Queen Silvia of Sweden has to be the most interesting to me. I performed at an event in NY for her charity World Childhood Foundation, which works to prevent abuse and exploitation of children.
Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?
Queen Elizabeth 1st. because she was a bad b***h.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
I’m still working on the success part, but when I get there, I would like to bring awareness to mental health and play a part in saving our planet.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Global warming and the environment. If the world dies. We die, so all other things would be pointless in doing. I would start there.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
I wish I knew the answer because maybe I wouldn’t be burnt out. If you are somebody that is trying to follow their dreams, it’s inevitable that you will feel burnt out. It’s a part of success in the beginning to get it off the ground. Later on you can find ways to chill, but in the beginning, get used to feeling burnt out, because that’s what it takes. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. I would almost say if you haven’t experienced feeling burnt out, then you’re not working hard enough.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- Your patience will be pushed beyond the max.
- Don’t expect anything. Accept everything.
- Embrace the word no.
- Be prepared to sacrifice everything.
- The only thing that will be constant is change.
- The job is never done.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to interview and be in touch with some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this, especially if we tag them 🙂
Max Martin. He’s one of the best songwriter/producers to ever do it. An absolute pop genius. He’s remained dominant the whole time he has been active and still to this day having massive success. That is so rare. In fact almost unheard of. I would love to learn from him.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
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