behind the music with

Leo Walrus

'Music seems to occupy most of my days'

by Giovanna - June 27, 2023

Hallo and welcome to Hashbrandnew's BEHIND THE MUSIC: Exclusive Interviews With Your Next Favourite New Bands! Today you get acquainted with the super-talented singer-songwriter LEO WALRUS.

Hailing from Southend, Essex, but currently based in South-West London, 21-year old Leo Walrus has been writing songs since the age of 13. Absorbing music far and wide - from King Krule to the Clash, Steve Lacy to Arthur Lee - he has cultivated a distinctive flair for indie, dream-folk and neo-soul.

He has already gained support from the likes of Hard of Hearing, Wax, The Most Radicalist, Vocal Girls Weekly, BBC Radio London and Amazing Radio and has performed at iconic venues such as The Troubadour, The Cavendish Arms and Paper Dress Vintage.

His debut album, ‘I May Need Some Silence’, due 30th June via Evil Tree No.3 Records, arrives hot on the heels of singles ‘Up Somewhere’, ‘Angel Angel’ and 'Can You Swim?'.

Welcome Leo! To break the ice, could you introduce yourselves to our readers?

Hey I’m Leo Walrus, I’m an artist looking to write beautiful songs. I started out on sax when I was 8 until I realised the need the world had for another long-haired, singing-songwriting man.
Photos by @pauljhousdenphotos
Why do you make music? What would you like to achieve as an artist?

I make music to give myself joy and understand certain things a little better. I’m hoping my next achievement as an artist will be writing the greatest song ever created in the entire world.
Tell us about a song or album that has had a big impact on your life.

Joe Strummer’s lyrics and performance on Yalla Yalla has inspired me infinitely. I’ve always aspired to the way he can embody such meaning just in the tone of his voice.
Photos by @alx_irv_photo
Which track of yours should a first-time listener start with?

Hmmmm if you’re looking for something a bit louder, go for ‘Creeper Star’. If you want something a bit more mysterious, I’d recommend ‘Angel Angel’.
You have just announced your debut album ‘I May Need Some Silence’. Can you tell us more about how the record came about? Favourite tracks

Most of the album was written during a time where I was able to be quite insular. I think the warmth and the self exploration in the songwriting reflects that. The songs that stick in my mind most often would be ‘Who’s Been Well’ and ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ which are yet to be judged by the world.
Leo Walrus' debut album 'I May Need Some Silence' is due 30th June via indie label Evil Tree No.3 Records
Cover photo by @pauljhousdenphotos
We want to know you better: what do you love to do when you’re not making music?

Music seems to occupy most of my days haha, though I do enjoy people watching on trains!
What’s next for Leo Walrus? We’ve heard that you have enough material for a second album…

Your ears do not deceive you! I plan to get recording for my second album as soon as the first comes out!