Today we’d like to introduce you to Leo Von Sol
Hi Leo Von Sol, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sure, I’d love to walk you through my journey. Music has always been a part of my life, even from a young age. One of my earliest musical memories, or at least the one my family loves to tell, is sitting in my booster seat in my family’s van at maybe two years old, singing my heart out to Color Me Badd’s “I Wanna Sex You Up.” My parents were probably like, “Great, this is his first song he wants to sing?” I’m sure they had a good laugh and ultimately found it endearing. I’ve been singing and dancing ever since.
For about seven years, I performed under the stage name Jxckson. Over time, I realized I wasn’t being authentic and was subconsciously chasing an image that wasn’t really me. This realization truly took hold in early 2024 when I participated in Austin’s Spring 2024 Songwriting series, SongCraft. About halfway through the program, I discovered my true songwriting voice, which led me to start again as Leo Von Sol.
I chose Leo Von Sol because, as a Leo, I feel connected to confidence, creativity, and passion. “Von” honors my German and Black roots, a German word that nods to nobility and is also meant to honor the Kings and Queens of my people. Sol stands for the sun, symbolizing warmth and brightness. I had a Tarot reading during a pivotal time, and The Sun card kept reappearing. It signifies self-confidence and positive outcomes.
My debut single, “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom,” captures my journey of personal growth and finding light in dark times. This song gave me clarity about the artist I am and could be. It’s a folk-inspired bedroom pop track with acoustic guitar, bass, and drums, and my vocals bring out themes of longing, adding a romantic and uplifting touch. My songwriting style is relatable but not heavy, often with a tongue-in-cheek, clever twist.
Participating in SongCraft was transformative, helping me dig deep and find my true voice. This experience and the decision to be authentic in my music are things I’ll never forget. Now, I’m working on my debut album, with multiple singles dropping throughout the summer.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been plenty of moments of self-doubt and second-guessing. As an independent artist, I’ve faced my share of challenges. Balancing the financial and logistical aspects of producing and promoting my music can be tricky. There were times when I didn’t have the time or resources to create, and it felt like I was taking two steps back for every step forward.
One major struggle was realizing that I was chasing a vision that didn’t align with who I am, leading to internal conflict and doubt. Participating in the SongCraft program was a turning point, but it required me to confront my vulnerabilities and dig deep. I’m still very much processing and discovering more about myself as an artist.
Despite these hurdles, each challenge has taught me something and made me more resilient. The support from my community and the personal growth I’ve experienced have made the journey worthwhile. The struggles are part of the process, and they’ve shaped me into the artist I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an artist, I create music that blends Indie Pop, Bedroom Pop, and Folk with heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. I specialize in crafting songs that are relatable, often storytelling with a clever twist. My debut single, “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom,” captures the more poetic side of my storytelling and marks a significant milestone in my journey.
I’m most proud of my ability to connect with people through my music and offer them a sense of comfort and understanding. My music reflects my own experiences and emotions, which I believe resonate deeply with my listeners.
I also take pride in my versatility. Whether it’s performing live, writing lyrics, or experimenting with new sounds, I’m always pushing myself to grow and evolve as an artist.
Creating an inclusive and supportive community is important to me. I strive to make my shows accessible and engaging for everyone, ensuring that all fans feel welcome and valued. This approach, combined with my genuine passion for music and storytelling, defines my work and what you can expect from in the indie music scene.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
To collaborate, you can contact me through Instagram, email, or even by running into me at a local event. I’m tall and hard to miss, haha. I’m excited to work with local producers, guitarists, photographers, videographers, and other creatives. Whether it’s co-writing a song, creating visuals, or brainstorming new ideas, I’m eager to connect and collaborate.
For support, you can start by streaming and listening to my music. Every play counts and helps get my music out there. Coming out to shows is another fantastic way to support me. Live performances are a huge part of my artistic expression, and seeing familiar faces in the crowd makes it all the more special. I’m currently planning my first set of shows and working on my first complete set.
Following me on social media is another great way to support me. Not only will you stay updated on all the latest news, releases, and shows, but your engagement also helps spread the word. Share my music with friends, add my songs to your playlists, and feel free to tag me in your posts. Every bit of support means the world to me and helps keep the music alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leovonsol.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leovonsol/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/leovonsol
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEc6WITfQkWPIrTqdmkh6g
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1eX0j8FyVM0WsOMw3WpKG7
Image Credits
All photos taken by Michaela aka Flash Photazzi (IG: flashphotazzi)
