You Should Know
Live Your Life
Interview and Photographs By Michelle LoBianco
Brooklyn based artist Leone opens up about honoring their father, self love, and the story behind their latest video, “You Should Know”.
Brooklyn, USA
What made you want to be a musician?
My first time singing in front of people was at 14 years old at a karaoke party. I don’t even think I knew that I could sing until I saw the reaction from my father and the people at the party. That day my dad took me to the store and bought me a karaoke machine. I set it up in my parents bathroom (because of the acoustics... obvi) and would spend HOURS just singing into the mic and recording little cassettes that I would then listen back to with my father in the car.
A week after that party my dad took me to see a live band & surprised me by having the band pull me on stage to perform a song. The feeling that I had was so intense that when I came off from the stage I had a visceral reaction and hysterically started crying and had chills all over my body. My father asked why, and I said, “this is what I’m meant to do.”
How did you decide on the name “Leone”?
Originally when I started this project, I wanted to do something that didn’t have any EGO. I wanted to do something that spoke on things and emotions I feel behind closed doors when no one is around. AND I wanted to dedicate this project to my father who passed away 6 years ago. So I chose LEONE & in many ways I view it as my way of honoring him and all that he did for me.
There are a lot of raw moments in your music, how did you process what should be expressed and what to hold back, if anything?
Oh god, honestly, I am probably STILL processing what came/comes out of me. I feel like songs are gifted to me. My process is to let go and not judge anything that comes out.
The theme of freedom by sharing stories through music is striking in your songs, can you highlight the power of that philosophy?
I don't usually like saying things like this because I really do feel like I have been blessed with a really beautiful like. However, I have had some pretty intense/eye opening life events. The death of my father humbled me in a way where there is literally NO OTHER OPTION but to live free. I want my stories to inspire you & light a fucking fire under your ass. Get the fuck up and LIVE YOUR LIFE.
What were some of the biggest challenges you’ve overcome when writing?
I mean, the fact that I taught myself on a righty guitar although I'm a lefty. Definitely my biggest challenge and definitely one that I am still struggling with
You’ve Recently added two wonderful musicians - Brian Del Guercio (Drums) and TariK Merzouk (Bass) to the project, how did they come to be a part of the music?
My boys. Some of my greatest gifts. When I started this project it was just me. But I asked the universe to bring in the musicians that resonated with this music. I didn't want to ask anyone. Brian & Tarik joined in a really organic way.
How did you come up for the visual storying telling for the new music video “You Should Know”?
I just wanted to paint the picture of what happened. I wrote "You Should Know" after I found out my ex was cheating. So the video starts with the exact moment I found out. The second half of the song was written literally after I had a night with two friends where we did MDMA and I had an epiphany moment when I realized the power of friendship & the power of self love. I just wanted the music video to literally relive that.
What is next for Project Leone? Upcoming shows?
LEONE has just signed with Pinkline Management & label. So plans for touring & another album within the next year are in the works. Also, we have a few shows coming up this month. SEPTEMBER 14TH at The Sultan Room is our next one. We will see you there!
