After releasing her first EP, ‘Exhibit A’, in 2012, Leanne Robinson can count the lovely people at 1Xtra, Rinse FM and SBTV as fans. She has spent 2013 perfecting her funky, soulful sound and has just released new track ‘Not Your Love’.
Fresh from completing her follow up EP, Exhibit B, the Hackney songstress took some time out to chat to us about her latest musical offering and what the year ahead holds…
Hi Leanne! Your new EP, ‘Exhibit B’ is out in January. What do you have planned between then and now?
Until January, I’m just preparing myself physically and mentally for the release. Once it’s out there’s going to be a lot of promoting and live shows. I want to be ready for those and at my best. Also, staying in the spirit of creativity, I’m still writing a lot of new songs and working on my next project.
You made it to the judge’s houses on the X Factor in 2012. The little amount of coverage you received was criticised. At the time, did you feel let down by the show?
I didn’t feel let down because I didn’t go in expecting anything and they don’t owe me anything. I had hoped I would have got more coverage but in all honesty, the little I received helped push me along further. There were thousands and thousands of applicants, some people not shown at all, so I’m just grateful.
You have a big, soulful voice, yet your new track ‘Not Your Love’ is infinitely cooler than your average belting ballad. In retrospect, do you feel leaving the show allowed you to move in your own creative direction?
I was who I was before I got there. Because of the style of my voice and my capabilities, most of the time people do just want to hear me sing a ballad which is exactly what happened on the show. I love singing ballads but I love all styles of music, especially edgy and funky styles so when I create my own music, those elements will always be there. However, I love throwing in a classic ballad now again, as you will see when the EP is out. The thing with writing music is, it is supposed to be a reflection of your feelings. As human beings, we feel different all the time, so every song is going to be different.
Your voice sounds amazing on ‘Not Your Love’ and the track has a very Motown edge. Who would you count as your biggest influences?
Thank you. My biggest influences are Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.
I got very involved watching the video. It was like an episode of Eastenders! What is the story behind the track? Was it inspired by something you have experienced yourself?
That’s fantastic! The track is about having feelings for a friend that develops into something more but that friend already has a partner. This has happened to me, and the song was simply me expressing how I felt at the time. I thought, I can’t wait until you ‘maybe or maybe not’ fall out of love with your girlfriend and I can’t take the, ‘we’re a bit more than just friends’ status. So it was my way of saying, ‘this isn’t working so let’s just be friends, but at a further distance’.
The way the video was shot means it can be interpreted in different ways. I’ve had many people ask, ‘so which one of you two is the side chick?’ I love it! I like when videos and songs allow you to create your own reality. It makes the story and song more relatable.
You’re from East London, the birth place of grime and an area well-known for its musical diversity. Did seeing artists like Dizzee, Wiley, Kano and Skepta coming out of the East end and building successful careers inspire you?
I do remember seeing these guys come up but in all honesty, I didn’t quite fit that category. I was proud because they came from where I grew up but still felt that I would have to work really hard because the door they were breaking down didn’t necessarily match the door I was trying to break through. But, it’s always encouraging to see people who grew up in the same area as you do well.
Having been on the X Factor and attending the Brit School, you have seen more of the music industry than many people your age. You even managed to squeeze university in there somewhere too. What advice would you give to young artists trying to come up?
When young artists ask for my advice my answer is this:
No.1 ‘Work on your craft’ – Be a perfectionist, especially in today’s market because there are so many talented people around. The moment you drop the ball, it gives someone else the opportunity to take your place.
No.2 ‘Take the time to get to know yourself, then BE YOURSELF’ – Know who you are and what you want to do as an artist. It’s the classic saying: ‘If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything’. People will always have opinions on who you should be as an artist, or what they think “will work” but you have to know these things for yourself. It takes time. Some people know from the beginning, others take time to develop. Once you know, and are comfortable with yourself, don’t let anyone change you or make you something you know you’re not. That is the route to unhappiness because you can only fake it for so long. Once the cracks start to show people start to see that actually, this is not who you are, and no one really likes a faker!
It’s coming to the end of 2013. What has been the biggest highlight of your year?
I haven’t had a main highlight because a lot has happened this year that I’m truly grateful for including radio and blog support from the likes of 1xtra and SBTV.
Completing the EP was a great highlight and possibly my biggest achievement of the year. When you’ve been working and slaving over something, to finally finish it is a beautiful feeling.
If you could collaborate with anyone in 2014, who would it be?
I’d love to collaborate with a rapper. I love Wretch 32, his music is conscious, has depth and he is just a genuine artist.
My New Year’s resolution is to stop eating a large bar of Galaxy a day. What’s yours?
I never have one. Sorry… I’m dry! I think this year, I will make one to work even harder and play by NEW PIANO (emphasis on new) every day.
Thanks Leanne! Have an amazing Christmas and good luck in 2014.
And to you, Merry Christmas.
Leanne’s Exhibit B EP is out in January, but here’s the track listing to whet your appetite.
Exhibit B
1) MJ Said (They Don’t Really Care About Us)
2) Not Your Love
3) Heavy
4) Shooting Star
5) Broken Wings
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