Ready for a new week?
We’re here with a dose of new music to help you get going this morning. With her NeoSoul/RnB sound, Nicole Leaskk’s latest release ‘Tough Love’ is mellow and perfect to ease yourself into Monday.
Take a listen and find out more about her inspiration behind the track.
What was your inspiration when you began writing the track?
The song focuses heavily on addiction and how we view and respond to it as a society. We are growing each day in recognising mental health issues and supporting those who suffer, but we forget that addiction isn’t a choice and many suffer with it throughout their lifetime, I wanted to address a taboo subject and teach people about it in a subtle way.
I knew I wanted something different rather than a love song; I wanted something deeper than that. My producer Ross Bousfield sent the beat over and I instantly fell in love with it.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
My inspirations change most days and depending on the song type, but currently, Mahalia, Joy Crooks and Grace Carter are really inspiring me through the cleverness of their lyrics and melodies. I’ve always taken inspiration from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Amy Winehouse.
What is key to your sound and how do you make your music stand out?
I think the production is always very unique – the lo-fi instrumental with modern beats ensure that. Then to add Jazz vocals over the top is something I don’t think we’re hearing much of in the industry.
Lyrically, I also try to be clever and speak metaphorically throughout. I also think my stories and experiences make my music stand out. No one is you and that’s your advantage.
How does your songwriting process work?
Every song is different. It can start with either the melody, instrumental or lyrics. It just depends. I always have one-liners typed up in my notes, or voice notes of melodies. With ‘Tough Love’, I scrolled through them and found ‘Im done with the way you love and I’m tired of the games you teach me’ and then the song wrote itself really, I was really lucky.
Describe your sound in 3 words…
Raw, Unique and Soulful.
How has studying at BIMM helped you develop as an artist?
BIMM has helped me massively – from gaining confidence, developing my networking skills and understanding the business. Once you understand yourself as a musician, then you can understand the music industry and BIMM has really helped me to achieve that.
What’s next for you?
Next, I will be releasing more music over the next few months. When lockdown is over, I plan to get out there gigging a lot more. I eventually want to work up towards releasing an EP/album and going on tour.
