We sat down with DJ and producer Leo, a globetrotting artist whose music is deeply influenced by his experiences in Europe, Mexico, and beyond. From humble beginnings in the vibrant nightlife of Berlin to founding his own label, Night Heat Records, Leo has carved a unique path in the electronic music scene. His sound blends house, tropical, and indie dance influences, shaped by a passion for eclectic music and a commitment to supporting new talent. We dive into his journey, the moments that defined his career, and what’s next for him as he continues to push boundaries in the world of music.
Hey Leo, great to meet you!! How has your summer been? Any highlights?
A good summer, thank you. Nice to meet you guys too! It’s been a ride around Europe with a lot of new people and places. Very nice to explore this but also, what was pretty precious for me was seeing my family a lot this year. I took myself some time in between and really hung out more with my family and friends.
What was the moment or party that made you first want to have the desire to be a DJ/Producer?
Some years back in Berlin, I used to work at a small and pretty wild bar called King Size. I saw all those djs coming in and playing very eclectic stuff. I guess that’s where I had my first dj gigs myself and really started digging into it.
Can you tell us more about the evolution of your sound?
I was drawn to indie, blues, psychedelic rock and stuff like this, way more back then. The way I started making music was actually with a project called “The Holy Future”. Blues Rock and indie stuff.
But I always had a thing for electronic and house music, so at some point it just really took over and I completely focused on house, disco, techno and other stuff, especially in Berlin where I started djing back then.
It’s a trip I guess, for anyone. And it should be. Inspiration comes from old and new stuff.
You blend house, tropical, and indie dance influences. How did your time in Berlin and Mexico shape your music style?
Probably exactly the way you described it there, a blend of house, tropical/latin vibes and more indie techno coming together at some point, hehe.
Being early influenced through the sounds of Berlin and then coming to the Caribbean parts of Mexico for sure had an impact. But in the end it’s amazing because it just really makes you more versatile!
As the founder of Night Heat Records, what vision do you have for the label?
Giving young or new talents a chance to also just go out there and release their own stuff, not always just trying to hustle to find a “big” label to release their songs which mostly doesn’t even bring much in the end. I’m always happy and open if anyone sends me stuff and just wants to have their music on platforms.
You’ve mentioned wanting to give new artists a platform. What qualities do you look for in an artist before signing them to your label?
Be versatile, don’t just do things because you think you have to do it that way like everyone else. Talent does not define you by just downloading sample packs of sounds that are all the same over and over again and then just somehow put them together.
You’ve played at various new venues and explored new cities this year. What has been the most unexpected experience?
I guess the Mezcal Amores event in Oaxaca, Mexico was definitely one of the best. The people really come to listen to new music and talents. Actually, the talents aren’t even announced upfront, which makes it even more special because it’s about coming together and focusing on having a good time and seeing familiar and new faces.
What inspires your sets and how do you keep them fresh?
Play for the crowd, always. I never just come up and play whatever I am in a mood for. I think it’s important that you bring a good vibe. I want people to dance and be happy. Because in the end that’s the energy that fills the room!
How do you balance touring with time in the studio?
Not so easy to do. I feel like many times on the road I get inspired and then somehow catch those vibes and bring them to my laptop, to start production. But yeah in the end you definitely finish the stuff in a proper way at home with time, sitting down and focusing or in a studio. There is one track that I did once completely on a flight in a plane, the track is called “Big Bluff” for that reason 🙂
What’s next for you in terms of music releases?
I have one EP coming up now at the end of October on Zissou Records from Hamburg, Germany. And then I am pitching some new tracks that I just finished to other labels, let’s see where it goes!
But also, there will be 2-3 new songs that I just started for my own label for 2025.
Pre-order “The Thrill” EP Here
Follow:
https://www.instagram.com/leo.leonski/
https://soundcloud.com/leoleonski
