At just 21 years old, the Chicago-based singer-songwriter exudes a wisdom far beyond her years. Leezy is unable to remember a time when she wasn’t singing — she recalls a musical childhood, surrounded by theater and the arts. She’s kept a daily journal since she was ten years old, always ready to be in touch with her internal dialogue.
At first, Leezy was resistant to the idea of pursuing music seriously, considering it a refreshing hobby. In a role reversal not experienced by many young creatives, it was actually her mother who encouraged her to consider a professional route, even buying her an electric keyboard. Leezy continued writing and recorded her first song upon arriving in Chicago at age 18.
Following her youth in the Bay Area, Leezy faced (and overcame) a new challenge. Young adulthood proved to be a battlefield of depression and addiction for the artist, and she made the decision to admit herself into treatment. Her time there was healing in more ways than one: not only was Leezy able to receive professional help, she also began to see her music in a new light.
From a talent show among other patients to times of introspection during outpatient treatment, Leezy realized that music was, in fact, her calling. Becoming sober at nineteen is a victory in and of itself, and Leezy was ready to dive into the next chapter of her life with enthusiasm.
What’s your story as an artist?
I’ve had a great love for music my whole life, and writing has always been my favorite creative outlet; I’ve kept a daily journal since I was 10 years old. Both of my parents are artists, and I grew up around great music and art. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more passionate about self expression, and though I have been writing music for as long as I can remember, only in the last year have I decided to pursue my passion as a career.
What do you want your music to communicate?
My hope is that my music will allow listeners to feel less alone in their experiences. I’ve found that the more open and vulnerable I am, the deeper connections I’m able to make, and I think the same can be said about music. I want people to feel connected to me when they hear my lyrics— to feel seen and understood. I know that in my darkest times, I personally gravitated towards lyricists like Elliott Smith and Beth Gibbons, because the stories they told made me feel like they understood what I was going through. I hope to be that person for my listeners.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
My music is created out of my own personal experiences. Therefore, I am inspired by my inner child, toxic relationships, disturbing dreams, drug abuse, rock bottom, heartbreak, love, perfectionism, rebellion, suburbia, magic mushroom trips… My journal entries tell all— my deepest secrets and my darkest sentiments. I am constantly re-reading them to gain new insights and inspiration. It’s so cool to be able to pull from my story and write about it from a new perspective.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
I’ve been really obsessed with Radiohead recently. I absolutely love Thom Yorke’s storytelling and I’ve always felt inspired by their sound.
What’s the record or artist that made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an artist. I specifically remember Selena Gomez’s release of “Naturally” in 2009… I had a karaoke machine, and it was my favorite song to perform for my mom.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
I struggled with substance abuse in my early teens and after some heavy self reflection, I sought treatment. I wrote this “Sierra” on the piano in the cafeteria of my rehab facility, about two weeks into my stay. I was beginning to feel more hopeful about my recovery. The idea behind the song was that it would reflect my journey to sobriety. Although the song is about my own personal experience of overcoming substance abuse, I think everyone can relate to the feeling of wanting to “get well…” I hope that my story will resonate with anyone who may be struggling or feeling like they’re at rock bottom, and inspire them to know that there is a way out.
What inspires your sound?
I am inspired by any lyricist who tells gritty and authentic stories– who makes you feel as though you are seen and understood in your experience. I love honest poetry. I hate songs that feel disingenuous. Sonically, I am inspired by many different styles, from Radiohead’s “In Rainbows,” to Portishead’s “Dummy,” King Krule’s “The Ooz,” Lana Del Rey’s “Ultraviolence,” Deftones’ “Around the Fur”— anything that feels heavy. I appreciate an epic, dramatic, cinematic sound.
What’s your favorite tune of yours?
That’s such a hard question. I could never choose one favorite, but the song I currently have on repeat is “It Could Be Sweet” by Portishead.
Where are some things you really want to accomplish as an artist?
I can’t wait to tour. I love performing and connecting with my audience, so that’s something I’m looking forward to. I’ll feel really accomplished when I have an audience full of people singing my lyrics with me.
Favorite lyric you ever wrote?
This is such a good question. I would say it’s probably a lyric from a song that’s on my upcoming album—it’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. The song itself is a conversation between me and my inner child, and in it I say “Oh Camilia, why am I not near you?” Camilia is my birth name, and I haven’t gone by it since I was like 6 or 7 years old. So, to me, it represents the disconnect I was feeling from myself… It will all make more sense once you hear the song. I don’t want to spoil too much.
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
Yes!!! There have been many. I’ve dealt with a lot of toxic people in my life who have told me that I’m not talented enough to be successful.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
My manager once reminded me that I’m never going to be able to please everybody. When I was just starting out, it was really difficult for me to ignore negative comments. I took each one as something I needed to change about myself or my music— whether it be my hairstyle, or the tempo of my songs… I wanted everyone to like me, and began to compromise my own artistic integrity because of that. I’ve since realized that art is subjective, and that I’m better off creating what I like, rather than attempting to make music based on the many voices in my ears.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
It has been really interesting to watch as social media has become really prevalent in the industry. We are exposed to so many artists, and I think that because we are cycling through trends at such a high rate, anyone who has a new and unique sound could change the game and make a name for themselves. Maybe even me!
