Q&A: Rachel Leo
Photo Credit: Benny Joy Photography
Making an impressive entrance into the music scene, new pop artist Rachel Leo is here with her debut single “Conversation”, written with & produced by Joseph Corban-Banks (Niko Walters, Foley, LA Women) & Em Basa (Aloe Blacc, Teeks). Dripping in glittery 80’s-inspired pop production, this vibrant dance track hits DIFFERENT, with Rachel’s glossy vocals perfectly mixed with addictive melodies and groovy basslines.
Check out the music video below, as well as our convo about the track and more!
Co-Directed by Amelia Jacobson and Calum Lyall | Producer & 1st AD - Amelia Jacobson | Director of Photography - Calum Lyall | Choreographer - Emily Dobbs | 1st AC - Lukas Faulkner Grip - Jack Briden Gaffer - Benjamin Donaldson | Post Production - Calum Lyall | Photography and Production Stills - Benny Joy Smith | Wardrobe and Makeup - Rachel Cammell and Emily Dobbs | Dancers - Emily Dobbs, Stephanie Khoo, Danya Rae Malate and Jazzelle Rowell | Jumpsuit - Pera May | Nail Technician - Sophia Sakura/Magic by Soph
We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey from when you first started singing and creating music!
My whole family is musical so I started writing songs and playing piano pretty early on! Growing up I always dreamed of being a singer but lacked confidence and had pretty bad stage fright. When it came to deciding what I wanted to do at uni, my Dad convinced me to apply for the Popular Music programme at UoA and it was only when I began my degree that I started pursuing it seriously. We had to be writing and performing constantly so that quickly got rid of any shyness on stage and helped heaps with my development as an artist. Now it's my first year out and I’m so excited to put everything I learnt into practice!
Huge congrats on your debut single “Conversation” - we’re obsessed with the 80s-inspired disco-pop vibes! Can you tell us a little bit about the meaning behind this song and what inspired you to write it?
Thank you! A while before this song was written I had come out of a toxic relationship and was pretty pessimistic about love. I was committed to staying single for a while but then this amazing guy came along and challenged that. This song basically follows the internal conflict that went on in that time.
What was your main highlight working on this track?
The highlight was definitely the creation of it. Sometimes writing sessions can feel like a chore but this song came together super fast and we had lots of fun writing it.
Plus, we’re in love with the music video (#womenpower)! What was it like filming it?
Glad you like it! It was the best experience! My friends Amelia Jacobson and Calum Lyall co-directed it and they did such an amazing job. Most of the cast and crew were friends of mine so the shoot was a blast! The video had a tight budget and we relied heavily on volunteers so I feel super grateful that everyone was so generous with their time and skills. I had decided earlier on that I wanted to challenge myself to dance in it (not a dancer) so I hit up my friend Emily Dobbs to do the choreography and we rounded up a few of our friends (Danya, Jazelle & Steph) to join. It was difficult keeping up with the girls but so rewarding seeing the final result.
Can we expect more music from you soon? 👀
Soon! I’m currently working on my next singles.
Who are your biggest inspirations in music?
Maggie Rogers, Mark Ronson, Stella Donelly, Taylor Swift, Valley and LÉON are all artists who have had a major impact on me.
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love or connect with?
Honeybee are an indie-pop band from East Auckland and I love their style. “Bank” is definitely my fave tune from them. Lévyne crafts these incredible songs full of intricate detail and has this amazing ability to convey emotion. Her song “If You Want” never fails to get me in my feels. Drax Project are my favourite artists to watch live, I love how they have created this unique blend of jazz and pop and their performances are always amazing. “Sidebit” is my jam.
What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?
I love that you can live in the middle of the city but be 20 minutes away from a beach! My favourite place in NZ is definitely the Coromandel, I spend as much time there as I can in summer.
Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
I would say to never set limits on your potential or capabilities. When you stop confining yourself to who you have been, you will be surprised at the things you can do.
Thanks so much Rachel! Make sure to keep up with her on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.
