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leo hc, welcome to VENTS! It was a pleasure to discover you through your debut release, the shades EP. What’s the story behind the EP?
For the EP and the majority of the music I was writing around that time my main inspiration was different types of relationships and how people interact with one another within them. I tried my very best to capture the emotions that can be brought out and I really hope that emotion comes across in the EP.
How long was the EP in the making?
Lovers hilltop was the catalyst for the EP really, the first iteration I have of that song is from February 2023 so it had been in the works for around a year and a half. During that time it definitely took many different forms but I am super satisfied with the finished result.
What was the most gratifying part of bringing the shades EP to fruition?
I think the fact that I can say I did it all by myself is probably the most gratifying part of the process. Everything from recording to production was done in my uni dorm. In the least arrogant way possible it felt like I had a point to prove and I am glad that I managed to do it alone, makes it feel that little bit more special looking back on it.
What do you hope your listeners take from it?
I would honestly just like people to feel something (literally anything) when listening to my music. I sort of hope that the fact that I am a bit of an amateur in most aspects of music production has served to emphasise the human element of my music which, in turn, hopefully allows people to connect with it more.
Which artist do you pull the most inspiration from?
There are so many artists I admire for so many different reasons. One who I especially admire, though, is Naima Bock. I think the music she has and is making is so boundary pushing and serene and my love for her music was only strengthened after I had the pleasure of getting to chat with her after her gig. She was playing alongside Porridge Radio at Sidney and Matilda, Sheffield, back in May. I think many of us tend to dehumanise artists in the way we idolise their music when we are fans so being able to talk to the person behind the music was such a gratifying experience I will never forget.
Aside from other artists, what inspires you to write?
I think, especially with this EP, just observing all these different relationships and taking note of the nuances of each one I came across really inspired me to try and translate my observation into music, it was quite therapeutic in a way.
Does it feel daunting to make your debut in 2024 when the indie scene is more saturated than ever?
It absolutely does. In all honesty, although it has been such an incredible and fulfilling experience pushing my way into the Sheffield music scene since I arrived here in September and I am so grateful for the amazing opportunities I have been given, I have found it super hard to find gigs outside of the steel city. I think, because every city has its own unique music scene and its own roster of super talented artists, it’s really difficult to make your way into those spaces as an outsider, although I have had some joy recently, having just played a gig in my home city of Manchester. I never let it put me off, though, because I love sharing my music with audiences so I will never stop looking for new places to do that.
What’s next for leo hc?
Well, the shades EP is really a taster for what’s next, the story doesn’t end there! I really wanted the EP to set up the concept and vibe of the album I have written, and give people a sneak peek of what’s to come. Other than that, though, the next steps I envision for myself are doing plenty more live performances and hopefully meeting many more incredible people through those opportunities, as I have already had the joy of doing so far in my musical journey.
