Suffolk-based indie-folk singer-songwriter Leon O’Leary has unveiled his hotly anticipated debut EP, Pretend (To Be Saviours), marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning music career. Known for his emotive songwriting and inventive instrumentation, O’Leary has been steadily gaining recognition on the UK music scene, having performed at renowned festivals such as Latitude, Wild Paths, and Lakefest. His growing reputation has been further cemented by his inclusion in BBC Introducing East’s ‘Artists to Watch’ list, making this release a highly anticipated event for fans and critics alike.
Influenced by artists such as Ben Howard, Bruce Springsteen, The War On Drugs, and Hozier, O’Leary’s debut EP showcases a distinctive blend of folk-inspired storytelling with a rich tapestry of alternative-indie instrumentation. The five-track collection is a testament to his ability to weave together a variety of musical styles, creating a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly unique.
The EP’s title track, Pretend (To Be Saviours), serves as a powerful introduction to O’Leary’s style. With its vibrant indie backdrop and poetic lyricism, the song captures the essence of folk while infusing it with the high-octane energy of indie rock. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, O’Leary shares, “The song is written about virtue signalling and saviour complexes in society—blindly following philosophies and ideologies with a shallow understanding in the hopes of appearing ‘righteous’ or morally superior rather than for the greater good.”
The creation of this track was a collaborative effort, sparked by a chord progression idea sent to O’Leary by his friend and bandmate Tom Dixon. The pair exchanged voice notes back and forth, refining the song’s structure before O’Leary added lyrics he had stored in his notes. After crafting a demo, O’Leary and drummer Ryan Meyers took the track to North Acre Studios, where they completed the instrumentals in a single day. Due to a scheduling mishap, the vocals were later recorded in O’Leary’s bedroom, with his sister Issy O’Leary contributing harmonies, adding a personal touch to the recording process.
Reflecting on the EP as a whole, O’Leary explains that Pretend (To Be Saviours) represents the culmination of years of musical exploration. “The five tracks on the EP are a collection of works that reflect the sound and energy I’ve been searching for since I got my first electric guitar,” he says. While the songs differ in theme and style, they are united by O’Leary’s desire to blend the poetic nature of folk with the anthemic energy of rock, the twang of Americana, and even elements of pop. The result is what he affectionately calls his “genre casserole.”
In addition to the title track, the EP features songs recorded across various locations, from O’Leary’s old college studio to his bedroom and lounge, giving the project a distinctly homemade feel. The EP was completed in August 2023, with the final track, Got This Love For You, added as a last-minute inclusion.
With the release of Pretend (To Be Saviours), Leon O’Leary has firmly established himself as a rising talent in the indie-folk scene. This debut EP not only highlights his versatility as a songwriter and musician but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting career ahead. As O’Leary continues to carve out his unique sound, fans can look forward to more innovative and heartfelt music from this Suffolk-based artist.
Listen below:
