Leo Vance

DOMINATION

words by: james johnson

Leo Vance is no stranger here at U.G.D., as we talked in great length with the budding superstar just over a year ago as he was launching his career. He’s done some pretty amazing things since our last conversation, and he’s back to talk with us about it. Plus, he’s prepping for a soul-stirring performance at this year’s TDOT Fest, which by all means is going to be LIT. Check out the exclusive below!

U.G. Digital Mag: It’s awesome to reconnect man. I appreciate the time today. 

Leo Vance: Thank you very much for having me. I really appreciate it as well.

U.G. Digital Mag: Definitely. What’s been happening since we last talked a year ago?

Leo Vance: Yea, it’s been a journey. It’s been a good journey, I’d have to say. We’ve made progression, and done a lot of performances. We’ve traveled to the states, Detroit specifically. 

U.G. Digital Mag: How was that?

Leo Vance: It was a different kind of crowd, and I loved it. I loved the energy from the crowd. It was a great experience. From there, I developed ideas on my music for the future and how I’ll position myself as an artist. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Talk a little more about that. You’ve been out a while and released a few projects. What do you want to do differently?

Leo Vance: I want to release all different kinds of music. I want to do R&B, trap music, and so on. I want to do separate EPs for each genre. I want people to be able to have my music for whatever mood they’re in. If they feel like they want to hear some R&B from me, then they can throw that in, or if they’re in the mood for some party music, then they can throw that in too. 

U.G. Digital Mag: So in terms of putting new music together, where has the inspiration come from?

Leo Vance: I guess it’s the happiness and knowledge that I can record and mix my own stuff. I have my own studio now. My best friend helped me build the booth, shout out to my friend Matt! He’s the reason I can do that. My EP, “Too Lit”, was recorded and mixed in my studio. 

U.G. Digital Mag: So tell me more about “Too Lit”.. 

Leo Vance: There’s five tracks. Actually, each EP will have five tracks. This one is very trap and party inspired. It’s more for having fun, partying. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Are there any guests at all?

Leo Vance: No, it’s just me. The next will be the same. 

U.G. Digital Mag: When will the next come?

Leo Vance: We’re shooting for end of August with there first one, which is “The Interlude”, and then “Too Lit” will come next. I’m actually in the studio now, and I’ll be finishing the last two songs. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Gotcha. So what does your work process look like?

Leo Vance: Honestly, I just hit the studio and tell myself it’s time to kill it. It’s really that simple. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Have you pre-written at all?

Leo Vance: I usually pick out my beats and figure out the mood I’m going for, and then I write to it. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Dope man. Super dope. It’s good to see you doing your thing, and striving with your career. I know the EP will drop soon. Have you kinda worked out timeline for other stuff?

Leo Vance: I want to do something with one of my close friends musically. We recently reconnected, and I want to do a track with him. I’ll drop that collaboration in September, and then possibly another mixtape. 

U.G. Digital Mag: So you’re clearly working man. I love it. What else should everyone know about that you’re doing now?

Leo Vance: Production…

U.G. Digital Mag: Right, How is it for you to be producing now? How does that feel?

Leo Vance: It’s crazy, because I started doing it as a way of not needing to find a producer. I always wanted more though, and I wanted to rap. I shoved production to the side for a bit, but then began to take it seriously again. It saved my life for this EP. One of the producers fell through, and I was able to do it myself. It’s a blessing to really have that un Der my belt.

U.G. Digital Mag: Have you been performing and touring?

Leo Vance: No tours, but I’m definitely out there. I just did a festival, and I opened for DJ Pauly D. I did the No Safe Artist Showcase, and I’ve been doing a couple performances. I’m definitely trying to do more. 

U.G. Digital Mag: So cool man. I like that you’re working so hard and tapping into different areas. What else can we look out for from you?

Leo Vance: Great content. I’ll have a couple of videos. We’ll have a few things for the ‘The Interlude” EP, and for “Too Lit”. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Where can they find you online?

Leo Vance: @LeoVanceMusic on all social music. And just Leo Vance on  Music and Spotify. 

U.G. Digital Mag: Dope man. I’m looking forward to the EPs man. I appreciate you so much. Any final words at all?

Leo Vance: Honestly, I just want to thank you for having me.