The keen reader might remember London-based bohemian troubadour Leo Walrus by a feature we published last autumn, celebrating ‘What’s In Store’ as “heartwarming, reflective folk with hints of psychedelia”. At the time, we were truly impressed with the nostalgic, retro-coded allure championed by the young creative, as well as with his songwriting tenderness and evocative flair. Imagine getting a whole album of it… That’s exactly the effect ‘Moontime’ had on us.
Packed with ten crepuscular, hazy episodes, ‘Moontime’ unfolds a timeless journey through Americana and Folk influences, never forgetting the touch of soulful charisma and psychedelic escapism that arise to the surface, from time to time. It’s a triumph, the mark of an artist that’s fiercely developing his own scene; truly walking an authentic, expressive path. An honourable mention must go to Walrus’ vocals, here delivered with gentle confidence and sweet, rounded melodies.
Intrigued by the Leo, we caught up with him to learn more about his artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hi Leo, thanks for chatting with us! Back in October, we published an article about ‘What’s In Store’, also teasing your upcoming album, ‘Moontime’, which has now been released. Before we dive into all the details surrounding the record, I’d love to know how you are experiencing this new record. Are you proud of how it turned out? Do you feel like it represents your current artistic aura?
Lovely to speak to you. This album definitely gives a voice to the more inward side of me, which will always be current, even when side by side with more extroverted notions. It brings me so much joy to know that side of me has a place in my work, that It’ll always be there even when I move on.
How long has ‘Moontime’ been in the making? Take us through its creative process: do you usually write alone or with others? What about the production, do you take a hands-on approach to it?
The recording took shape within one month over a year ago. With writing, while I’ve had some experiences with co-writing a song, the act of writing alone is very sacred to me. I see creation as a means of finding what I feel, which can be more of a solo venture! With production, I worked very closely with producers George Hawk and Rees Broomfield, with much of the instrumentation being performed myself (apart from the rhythmic wonders of Sebastian Bloom and JJ Denham, and the keys of Jacqui Wheeler and Dave Dulake).
Do you have a favourite track in it? Does ‘Moontime’ have an underlying lyrical theme?
‘Seek You Out’ keeps on presenting itself to me, often with new people in mind I’m seeking out! I’m not sure if ‘me’ counts as a lyrical theme, but ‘me’ and an array of faces who continue to poke themselves into my words serve as the greatest inspiration for ‘Moontime’.
I’d love to know more about your upbringing; where does your musical flair come from? Is there anything or anyone that played a pivotal role in your artistic education?
Reading poetry my mum has written impacted me deeply as a child, to realise we all have a mystical corner we can nurture. Since the start of my teenage years, I’ve been finding my own corner.
I am genuinely intrigued by your overall bohemian aesthetic, so to speak, a general push towards nostalgia that also carries keen folk and Americana influences. What inspired you to embrace such a retro allure? Do you relate to that culture?
I’ve always tried to explore what is most natural to me, which has led me to write songs using acoustic instruments I’ve always had to hand. This has given a warmth to my songs which is very connected to the songwriters of the 60s and 70s; however, my listening habits aren’t stuck in the past. My work wouldn’t be the same without the outside influence of Smerz, Jessica Pratt, or Allegra Krieger.
Your press release mentions a like-minded scene in South London; I lived in Camberwell for a bit back in 2019-2020, so I get what you are referring to. I’d love to know if there are any particular places (venues, neighbourhoods) you are drawn to?
I love Big Jon’s Biltong Bar! I love Dash The Henge! I love Waiting Room!
Tell us about your listening habits; is there anything in particular you are listening to right now? Do you prefer listening to the classics or discovering new music? Is there anyone from South London that you’d like to recommend?
Hannah Frances’ last two albums have given me endless feelings recently, as well as main staples who are always with me: Curtis Mayfield and Joe Strummer. In terms of South London, Lex Vervain and Louis Gardner are two of my favourite songwriters.
Lastly, I’d like to let readers know about your upcoming live shows: you’ll be performing across the UK over the next few months. Do you usually perform with a band or solo? Is there any other long-term plan we should know about?
I’ve been playing with my band (Seb Bloom, Felipe Perez, Samuel Hollis, Jacqui Wheeler) for about 5 years, and I’ll be going on a UK Tour with them in May! We are also currently recording the next album!