Leon Thomas' new project, Electric Dusk, honors the past and blazes the future, while shaping his present.
Leon Thomas almost reached his breaking point, waiting for his moment. Now the light is shining through dusk.
Transitioning from one form of entertainment to another can be daunting for even the most talented of people. For vocalist, instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Leon Thomas II, it isn’t challenging as it’s necessary and refreshing. In the years since he’s become a national name, he’s played any role he could, serving as a songwriter for stars like Drake, Ariana Grande, and more, while also earning respect in his own right as a singer. His debut album, Electric Dusk, juxtaposes the lush and calming atmosphere of one of LA’s notable drive-thru theaters with his introspective, expansive, and intense emotional revelation as a man and musician to create magic.
In an exclusive interview prior to his album release, Leon spoke candidly with journalists about the creation, culmination, and inspiration of his album. Sponsored by Universal Music Group’s 1824 branch, the hour-long interview touched on a range of topics from love to industry politics. When asked his thoughts on writing for his debut, Leon’s response was honest and telling.
“Writing for myself can be kinda uncomfortable. Sometimes I have to really dig deep with these uncomfortable moments I wouldn’t share on a first date, but now I have to sing for the entire world.”
Anchored by songs like Breaking Point and Crash and Burn, the album’s energy reflects his heartfelt desire to be heard and also accepted both as a man and musician. “I was putting this pressure on myself to be the best in R&B and Babyface just told me I should try my best to be honest.” Stalled by label disputes, Electric Dusk channels the best emotions of times past and merges them with the energy of today.
Materialism, the glamour of youth, and the trappings of fame are sandwiched all throughout the album especially on the notable Ty Dolla $ign record, “Love Jones”, “Blue Hundreds, and “X Rated” featuring Benny the Butcher. However, the album’s strengths lie in how experimental and inclusive the music is, covering the gamut of sounds and emotions. A proper mix of live music sounds and programmed production, the project’s palette of everything from ballads of breakups and doubt to anthems of joy and jubilation paints this musical canvas and leaves listeners with a fuller picture of who Leon is.
“The emotions I felt creating the album included a lot of frustration over not being heard. I wanted to be heard as myself. It’s taken some time, but the emotion I feel now is pride. I’m proud I was able to pull through so many blocks in the road. “