Leonie Persch
German-born, Los Angeles-based pop artist Leonie Persch is back with her second single entitled “Code Blue”. Co-written with Noah Nevarez and produced by Simon Jay, the new single is about the things you’re forced to leave behind when you outgrow something you’re still fighting for, but know deep down it’s not worth it.
No stranger to the European EDM music scene, the artist released successful records under the stage names Bonny Lauren and EVIE.
After releasing a promising debut single, Persch is continuing to make waves in the pop music world with this brilliant second release.
“Code Blue” is now available worldwide.
Hi Leonie, how are you? What's your story?
Hi! I’m great, thanks for asking! I feel like I’m in the middle of writing my story, but this is it so far: I grew up in Germany and developed a passion for reading poetry, creative writing, philosophy, and singing from a very early age (about 5 years old). I regularly sang in front of my parents' friends when my parents hosted dinners at our home (hosting dinners became another passion of mine - more about that later). After I graduated from high school, I moved to Berlin and studied Music. During my last year of my Bachelor’s degree, an artist manager discovered me on Instagram through the many, many cover songs I recorded and posted back then (when I was still really shy about writing and publishing my own music). The manager encouraged me to attend my first professional songwriting studio sessions and introduced me to the people that I signed my first publishing deal with. Fast forward, I participated in a lot of songwriting camps across Europe, mainly wrote lyrics and recorded vocals in the Electronic Dance Music genre. I collaborated with many DJs, released those collaborations under different aliases, worked with major labels, and got my first sync deal with Disney US - until one day I decided I needed a change. The reason why I fell in love with music so much was that it made it possible for me to express myself in a way I could not without music. So I knew I had to become an artist myself, release music under my real name, and move to a new place - Los Angeles. I’ve been dreaming of moving to LA since I was little, and applying for an artist visa finally made that dream come true. I moved here this year in March and have just been nominated for my first music award (The Hollywood Independent Music Awards) in three categories with the first two singles (‘Blindfolded’ and ‘Code Blue’ which I released under this new, fully independent solo artist project. Being nominated in three categories showed me that I am on the right path - being recognized in this way, that early on after starting this new artist project, means everything to me, especially because being fully independent has been a non-negotiable for me this time. I am currently preparing my third release and my first live show in LA, and can not wait for everything that's about to come.
"Code Blue" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this single?
This song is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever put out. I love everything about it, the rhythm, the lyrics, the melodies, and its bittersweet message. It’s about holding onto people, things, goals, visions, or environments that are still very dear to your heart but don’t belong in your life anymore. We grow out of certain situations or relationships by evolving into a new version of ourselves. And while many goodbyes cause pain in the heart and struggle in our minds, change and letting go are necessary to become who we are really supposed to be. I have lived many versions of myself already, especially in music - starting as a vocalist before mainly working as a songwriter for the past 6 years, to becoming the most authentic version of myself yet by being a fully independent artist. Leaving my home country, moving across the world, and starting this artist project from scratch. And while such intense change can be quite scary, I always try to embrace it. This is exactly what ‘Code Blue’ is about.
What made you want to release "Code Blue" as a single? How's it like to get to release this brand new song?
Since I just started this project, it simply makes more sense for me to release singles right now - I will definitely work on an album one day, but in terms of growth as an artist, it is nice to be able to give each song the proper attention it deserves, in those early stages. It feels great to finally release music that truly feels like me.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
I honestly tried so many different cover art ideas. I even booked a professional shoot and ended up not feeling confident with the results, as they did not really feel like me. So I picked up my own camera, started dancing to the song in my apartment, and took the photo myself while having a lot of fun!
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
I’m not sure if there were certain records, but there are definitely artists I listen to a lot and whose sounds influence my music a lot, including Mazzy Star.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
I’d say the hardest part is learning who you can trust, especially when you're new to the industry and just starting out. My number one advice is - study the contracts, question everything! There are people with good intentions, but there are also a lot of people with bad ones. I know it can be hard to learn to trust your intuition, but it’s always right. Stop ignoring your inner voice and start trusting yourself. The best part, in my opinion, is realizing the growth you made when looking back. It’s easy to forget where you started and how far you’ve come when you have huge goals and you’re caught in a daily hustle. But you should always find time to pause for a second and look at the wonderful art you’ve made come to life.
How do you stay sane in this crazy music industry?
I can’t lie, even after 6 years in, it can be very tough to negotiate my way through it. I don’t think it ever gets easier; you just learn how to get over certain obstacles faster, especially emotionally, and how to navigate differently if certain things don’t work for you.
How did your life change since your move to Los Angeles?
I think the city made me much more outgoing than I naturally am. The energy of Los Angeles is very motivating and humbling at the same time! You learn a lot from the many, many overly talented people in this city, but cutting through the noise, an artist out here certainly isn’t easier than back home. Being so far away from home also somehow makes me feel more like my own person than ever before. And as much as I miss my family, it is an extraordinary experience to just be on your own, in a new world, getting taught so many new things (sometimes the very hard way) and inspired by so many new people.
As an artist, what biggest lessons have you learned so far?
Be cautious who to trust and who you let be part of your team. I got to connect with amazing people who I’ve been working with for years and who became friends of mine, but I’ve also had a few really bad experiences with old team members who stabbed my back. I guess I am just much more selective now about who I am working with and building this musical world of mine with. Music is all about collaboration! Which is why I founded my own networking event series ‘Indie Table LA’ a few months ago to help other independent artists build a community they can learn from and grow with!
What can we expect to hear/see next?
I can’t wait to play my first live shows in LA very soon, to release a lot of music, and to host more networking events to grow my creative community at ‘Indie Table LA’! Socials: @leonie.persch, @indietable.la (Instagram and TikTok).
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