Artist interview:

Leon Hills - the newly added to EMI’s list of signed legends. We’ve brought him to our headquarters to ask him how he feels about going down an exciting path, initiating the commence of his new career, pairing with different artists around the globe to mark his place in music.

With his most recent album ‘Forty-one’ having been released, he’s already managed to have had the pleasure of performing at London’s O2 arena, featuring R&B artist Hamza Khan, where he brought out his single for the album ‘Neon’.

With being signed to EMI – we know he’s just started and that’s going to boost his career even further,  already hitting 1 million subscribers on YouTube and having thousands of followers on twitter, Leon Hills is the next big hit.

What inspired you to make music?

“When I was younger I’d always be that goofy one in class singing old songs to the pretty girls, music itself is what inspired me to want a career in it. I was fifteen when I realised all I wanted to do was create music. Music is an art and when words fail music speaks. I’ve been through enough things in my 21 years of existence to realise that it’s all I’d like to do in life, it brings me peace and that’s all I’m looking for. That, and to be happy – to make people happy so they enjoy my music as I enjoyed others’ when I was growing up.”

Your single ‘Neon’ has had millions of views and major recognition. What are your thoughts on that?

“When it got just to 1 million views I was amazed. I didn’t know how to react but I know it’s just been one of the best moments of my life. I love all my fans, those who have stuck by me since I started and those who have just started to like my music, so thank you.”

How does it feel to be signed to a major label?

“I could say so many things on how I feel but honestly, what I feel most is proud. I never thought that I’d even have the opportunity to make it to where I am now. I want to thank all my fans for supporting me all the way through and never letting me give up on them or myself.”

What plans do you have for the future? Do you want to collaborate with anyone in particular?

“Ed Sheeran. He’s amazing and produces the same type of music as me, he’s an inspiration to me and it would be such a pleasure to work with him, hopefully I will be soon. I have so many new ideas but I don’t want to say too much so I guess you’ll just have to wait and see!”

 You’re a big inspiration to a wide audience, what advice would you give to those hoping to be like you?

“The thing I say to everyone, whenever anyone asks me this, is take risks and prosper. You aren’t going to get anywhere if you just play safe. I’ve put everything into starting my career and want to continue doing so. I’d say don’t let anyone put you down because they aren’t worth it, but you are. It’s far from easy but they’re just going to want to be your best friend when you do make it, but also just to learn from your own experience, that’s how you truly learn.”

Who’s your favourite artist?

“I guess I have many but my absolute favourite would be Jason Mraz. He’s been a big inspiration to me and I really look up to him and his music. I’ve managed to meet him a couple of times when he preformed and he was just such a nice person to talk to.”

What personal attributes would you say lead to success?

“Be positive, is the first thing I would say. If you have a positive outlook on things then you’ll feel better about yourself. Even if things aren’t going great then just try your best to stay positive because I do believe things will get better. If you fill yourself with negative thought then it does you no good, and everything just becomes unworthy. So stay positive!”