We had a chat with emerging UK indie-folk artist Leo Walrus following the release of his thoughtful new album Moontime
A captivating and thoughtful rising UK artist who has a distinctive writing style that feels both intimate and melodic, Leo Walrus is somebody who has a deftness for turning his experiences and journeys into reassuring and resonating pieces of work, navigating the world through his sound in potent and memorable fashion.
The artist’s new sophomore LP Moontime is a collection of tracks that sees him continuing to build on his folky allure and bring some more of his stories to life in nostalgic and charming fashion. Alongside celebrated singles like ‘What’s in Store’, ‘Gotta Luv Your Home’ and ‘Matthew’s Line’, the world of the artist gets fleshed out further across the 10 tracks, and we had a chat with Leo to find out a little bit more about the release, how it came together, and his experience as an artist and songwriter that have shaped his sound and style.
Who TF is Leo Walrus?
Hmmm not an elusive character at all, He (me) is often earnest to a fault.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been writing songs since I was around 13, I used to make little GarageBand demos on my phone that I wish I had access to now! Who knows what I could steal from kid-me.
Why do you make music?
To find what I feel. It’s work I must do so I don’t end up shouting at people on buses or anything.
What are your biggest influences?
I hold some impactful people in my head who I’m always singing to, whether that’s my mum or Curtis Mayfield. Normally about five on rotation. Some of these people can be wonderful and perfectly inspiring, whereas some make it much more difficult; some you have to draw so much out of them just to get one line. But I need them all.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Ever? In the last batch of recordings I did with my band, I brought in a song they’d never heard to see if some kind of immediacy would be captured when they play it for the first time. And it turned out to be one of my favourite recordings ever!
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Tender, measured but heartful.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Write the greatest song ever?
We love your new album Moontime, what more can you tell us about it?
Moontime holds some of my most intimate moments musically, but almost all my favourite albums are the dynamic ones; the ones that don’t stay in one feeling too long. It was very important for me to capture that and create something that could be a companion through all emotions.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
We are embarking on a UK tour in May supporting The Boo Radleys! Fun times ahead, I’m sure.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
I wish I knew. They could be reading this right now.
