Anna Leone Is Out Of This World
Her EP ‘Wandered Away’ has been streamed over 18 million times, her songs have been played across Radio 1 & 6 Music and she was awarded a much coveted ‘gong’ at the Music Moves Talent awards… but despite all this success, Anna Leone is level headed, attentive and totally humble.
PHOTO BY SAVANNAH SETTEN
Rocking up in a hoodie and cap, the chill vibe is set from the start. We chat about her anxiety, loneliness, life away from the frenzy of city life and - despite being down to Earth - her passion for Space. Anna’s natural openness is reflected in her beautiful music; honest lyrics lying over an understated fusion of folk and soul. For Anna, popularity seems to be purely incidental; the side effect of making beautiful music that millions of people can relate to…
How long have you been living in Stockholm?
My whole life. I’m half French; my father’s from Guadeloupe and after I graduated I went to Paris for a year, to learn the language (which was a bit of a failed mission) and then I came home again, so yeah, I’ve only really lived in Sweden.
I heard you’re really into sci-fi, which is an interesting influence for someone whose music is so human and honest.
What interests me about sci-fi is the existential questions that come up, like what makes us human and how we differ from robots. My interest in sci-fi allows me to escape and also to feel grounded and vulnerable which I try to be in my music.
Have you got any other polar opposites in your life?
I notice it in my day-to-day lifestyle. I’m very isolated out here, I stay in my bubble, and that’s such a contrast to when I go out on tour and I’m being really social. I’m mostly an introvert so I regain my energy from being alone. It’s how I recharge. It’s funny because I was kind of prepared for the lockdown mentality. It wasn’t crazy abnormal, but at the same time it is mentally exhausting to hear and experience what’s going on in the world. A lot to think about.
Your songs feel very open and naturally progressing, sometimes they make me think of a river. How much does your environment have to do with your writing?
It comes naturally for me to write from within and from my own perspective. I write alone in my room so it’s very connected to my home environment and my space.
Would it scare you to do collaborations?
I think a part of me really wants to step into that other community space, but the way I’m writing right now is very personal, exploring what it is I’m feeling. Saying that, it would be nice to be able to sing about things that aren’t necessarily super painful for me to write about!
It sounds like your work is something like a cathartic process for you, but the more that artists do that the more their listeners can relate to their songs. All the comments I see on your videos are just so positive. Do you listen to your fans?
It really warms my heart to read their comments and messages. It moves me that people can feel all those things from my songs. I do it (music and writing) for my own sake but to get that sort of reception also feels like it takes on a higher purpose for others which is really a cool thing.
You have such an amazing energy. How do you deal with negativity?
I’m super grateful to not receive many negative comments, and my team are really positive and supportive, so it’s my own anxiety that gets in the way. I can freak out about stuff and I often put pressure on myself for everything to be perfect and as I planned it, so I guess I’m my own biggest enemy.
PHOTO BY SAVANNAH SETTEN
How do you deal with coming against a block?
I don’t think I’ve found the right way to handle things yet. I tend to blow things way out of proportion, so watching videos about space is a relaxing thing for me. It’s not a long-term solution, but it works to just calm my mind. It reminds me of where we are in the world, and how small problems can be.
What are you working on atm?
Nothing in music, but I just started creating a game with my cousin.
Is it set in space?
I mean the sequel might be, but this one is sort of like Zelda meets Indiana Jones.
Who are listening to right now?
I keep playing Lana Del Rey’s Chemtrails Over the Country Club. Also a bit of Gloria Gaynor. I think I’m kind of alternating between the two.
And finally, imagine you’re on the Last Bus home, who would be playing in your headphones?
Maybe like Elvis ballads. I like Crying in the Chapel. I love his voice and his ballads are very moving. It’s the kind of music where you feel like you have a lot of memories of it, even if you’ve never heard it before.