by Vpower
The Band: Leather
Country: USA
Answers by:
Leather Leone
No need to introduce Leather Leone, it’s great
to have her back with her solo project LEATHER, as it’s great to have a few words
with one of the icons of Heavy Metal of all time. She began her singing career
by joining up with guitar wunderkind David T. Chastain and listening to
Leather’s new album seems time has totally frozen, her voice still rules.
Hi Leone, next April you are presenting your
second album under the project Leather, it seems you are in full activity mode?
I am back
in the game slowly but surely. I have
found my band I am banging down every door.
Your first solo effort was Shock Waves in 1989.
What did you make resurrect this project after so many years
The loss of
Ronnie Dio changed my life’s course. It
made me reevaluate everything about my musical life. It didn’t happen right away, but 6 years
later a door opened. I marched in.
The musicians involved in this new record have
nothing to do with those almost 30 years ago, except for yourself of course.
How did you recruit the people? Satisfied with their job?
Rodrigo
Scelza (management), Vinnie Tex, Thiago Velasquez, Braulio Drumond
are my family, my band. I met Rodrigo in 2014 when he had asked
Chastain to tour Brasil. He said no,
but I was introduced to him. Our
relationship started then. I was lucky enough to be part of the Rob Rock tour
in Spring 2016. That is where I found them. We were using the same band with
the exception of guitar player Vinnie Tex.
After listening to them one night, I told Rodrigo this was my new
chapter. He agreed....We began. And
yes. I am more than satisfied.
“II” is the title of your new solo album, it
means it is in some way musically related with Shock Waves
It just
made sense. It is the 2nd real record I
have done under my name . And when I
think about it, I am # 2 in a lot of my life stories. I am extremely
comfortable there...lol
You have chosen the path of a classic sound for
your new album “II”, but at the same time it sounds powerful and modern
Thank you.
I strive to always make powerful music, and this band is my force. We didn’t necessarily plan the sound. Although Rodrigo did have an idea of what he
wanted me to do, but honestly it just happened. Vinnie, Rodrigo and I really just had a great
working relationship which took off once we found our wings.
Although “II” can be described as heavy metal I
like that every song has something different, some of there more speed
oriented, others more heavy or mid paced…
I agree. I
enjoy that aspect of" Leather II " also. Again we just let it happen naturally. Our stars were definitely
aligned....
What is a constant throughout the album is that
Leather Leone’s voice seems almost the same as 30 years ago. How do you keep
the voice stream? Healthy customs? A good DNA?
I have to work at it. I drink a lot of water, I run. I try to
sleep.... And as my mother says to me god has blessed you!!!! I am also so inspired by "the boys" which is
what you are hearing.
How long did you work in the album? The songs
are all brand new or had something in reserve from years ago
We started
working on it this past summer. All the
material is brand new.
All in all, this a very consistent album, far
from the typical one that can be named an “all for the money”, this is an
honest work
Lol, if I
did music for money I would stopped before I began. This is a
record of love and the passion we have to express ourselves along with
the Metal family around the world. This band thrives on playing music together.
The album cover artwork is also the classic
picture from the 80s showing who is in charge here hehe
The artwork
was done by Jobert Mello at Sledgehammer Graphix. The photos done by Luciana Pereira dos
Santos in Brasil. They did a great job conveying our vision.
Leather Leone is a name that has grown together
with Chastain’s career, I could not understand one without the other
Its
time. I am grateful for all the great
music Chastain wrote that led me here, but I can and will stand on my own. It
was inevitable when I met Rodrigo I would get back in the game.
Do you miss something from the 80s? Any story
you would like to rescue from the old days?
It was a
great time. I worked my ass off to be part of the Metal scene.. So decadent and
loud!! But I don't live in the past. My
future with the Leather band is much
more interesting...
After many years out of Chastain you recorded
Surrender to No one in 2013, what happened in the middle?
I got into
animal medicine and Pit Bull rescue. I
am still involved on both. I have been
blessed to do the 2 passions in my life.
Music and animals.
In 2015 arrived We Bleed Metal, are you
preparing a new album with David at the moment?
There are
no plans at this moment to do another Chastain record.
You are considered one of the best voices of
heavy metal, that put more pressure on your plans or you do what you prefer at
any moment?
Thank
you! No,
it doesn't put anymore pressure on me than what I put on myself. I strive
to get better with every note I sing. Vinnie Tex,( my guitar player) kicked my ass
recording this record! So I have my work
cut out for me!!!!!!
As the Metal star you are I would like to
address you one question that has been a dabate for many years already: what
will happen with Metal when big names as Leather Leone, David T. Chastain, Rob
Halford, etc retire?
Not sure it
will ever happen for any of the aboved mentioned musicians...lol Metal is alive
and well no matter who it is.
Cheers for that. Are you ready to tour with
your solo project? Any dates confirmed so far?
Yes!!!! We are confirmed for" The Power of the
Night Fest" in July in Cypress. There are many conversations going
on...we will see. We will tour this year... We are so ready.....
Cypress, lucky guys… Thank you very much and congratulations for your career
and great moment
Love and
Dio
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