Getting To Know... Awir Leon

Having already found huge support for his run of releases over the last few months, progressive artist and producer Awir Leon returns once again to offer up his captivating new effort 'Stars'.

Channelling a brilliantly diverse and adventurous direction from start to finish, 'Stars' makes for a wonderfully inventive listen. With his own mesmerising vocals layered across a bold and innovative production throughout, he is definitely one to keep a firm eye on for the months ahead.

So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

I fell in love with drums first. As a kid it felt like the most fun instrument, and also the one that connected most directly to dancing, I still feel the same way about it! Also my brother needed a drummer to make a band so I didn’t have much choice haha.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I loved what my parents were listening to, which is mostly motown soul, jazz, and a lot of traditional west african music for some reason. When I started to look for my own music it went straight to new-soul, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo and the likes, and also the rappers of that time like Mos Def, Nas… I’m an old head!

What was the first album you remember owning?

First album I ever owned was Mama’s Gun by Erykah Badu, I can still sing every part of every instrument from beginning to end.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

Ah, that keeps changing, there’s a new song I wish I wrote every week. Right now it would be “Purple Hearts” by Kendrick.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Not really no, I haven’t identified a process yet either, still feels like trial and error.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

At the moment I listen a lot to Tems, Kendrick, Khruangbin, the Vernon Spring… this the names that come to mind.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Kendrick, no question.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

For me it’s finding things that sound new, like you haven't heard them before, and knowing this might become part of people’s life soundtracks, it’s amazing.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Being a musician in 2023, social media! Honestly it’s a pain in the ass when you’re not naturally into it.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

That you can’t lie, whatever is happening within you is what will come out, even if you try to bend it to what you wish it was.

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Awir Leon's new single 'Stars' is available to stream now. Check out the new video for it in the player below.