After an extensive and varied journey through various facets of the entertainment industry, Leon Thomas is on the rise as a global R&B sensation. He began as a child star on Nickelodeon and later performed on Broadway as Simba in The Lion King. Transitioning into production, he collaborated with artists from Rick Ross to Ariana Grande, earning a Grammy in the process.
This diverse background has contributed to a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. His 2023 release, ‘Treasure In The Hills’, showcased Thomas’s growing talent, but he has truly come into his own with his latest album, ‘MUTT’, presenting himself to a global audience.
Following two sold-out shows in London, CLASH spoke with Leon about his unique career path, how production has influenced his music, and the various meanings of dogs as symbols in music.
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Having been raised in a musical family, could you share a bit about your parents and their influence on your early career?
Growing up surrounded by music definitely created a joyful and playful atmosphere and never felt burdensome. My stepfather was a producer with a recording studio in our home, and he encouraged me to explore the equipment as a form of rebellion.
The playful activities we engaged in and having instruments readily available made it a constant source of enjoyment. I still view music today as a medium of expression, fun, and happiness.
From there, you transitioned to starring in Nickelodeon shows and Broadway. Did you feel a career in music was almost preordained?
Absolutely. Throughout my career, even as a child actor, I was involved in films, television shows, and Broadway productions that highlighted my musical abilities. I always knew that my musical talent was a unique aspect of who I am. It’s been quite the journey, signing with various labels and collaborating with diverse teams, all aimed at building my career over the years. But I’m thrilled that this is my time to truly make it all come together. It has been a lifelong journey to achieve what may appear to be an overnight success.
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What have you learned from those experiences that have shaped your career, and is there anything you've had to let go of?
Definitely. The most significant thing I had to unlearn was the concept of perfection. When you’re on Nickelodeon, you undergo media training that emphasizes tidiness and forming a public persona to achieve success. However, what I focus on most in my music is vulnerability, which is something I embraced later on. This has allowed me to be authentic about both my strengths and my weaknesses.
You then moved into production and collaborated with prominent names like SZA and Drake. What skills from that experience have you applied to your solo career?
Production was an immensely enjoyable experience for me. It allowed me to experiment in the studio, explore different instruments, learn about plugins, and improve my mixing skills. It became a new venture where I honed my craft. Over time, my proficiency in that realm greatly contributed to my independence while creating my first EP, 'Genesis', which was mostly self-produced.
Since then, I’ve collaborated with other producers, but honestly, if I hadn’t pursued production back then, I don’t think I would’ve been able to release music independently. It’s a skill I’ll carry with me for a lifetime, and being inspired by artists like Prince and Stevie Wonder, who excel at both producing and performing, motivated me to master that skill to unlock my potential.
Production is a distinct discipline. Do you prefer working solo, or do you miss the collaborative aspect of production?
Collaborating with someone I admire and creating a song from scratch is an exhilarating experience. It’s highly addictive. I’m immensely grateful for the chance to work alongside incredible icons and the wisdom they've imparted over the years. I feel like I’ve graduated from the Ivy League of the music industry, and I’m still applying those lessons today.
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You mentioned your first project, 'Genesis'. How does your artistry differ from that time to now?
I’m still discovering myself. I was still learning to embrace vulnerability and, during that period, I was focused on pleasing others. The desire to make everyone happy was strong. Nowadays, I’ve become a bit more self-centered musically. This shift has resulted in some fascinating music, as I’m creating from a place of what I love, rather than just what I think others will enjoy.
Regarding your latest project, 'MUTT', what led you to choose that title for the album?
The title is quite versatile. I got a dog during a relationship a few years back, and after we split, my ex left me with the dog. He’s my first pet—a rambunctious German Shepherd/Husky mix. One day, I saw a reflection of myself in him, which was a peculiar realization.
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After navigating a lengthy and varied journey through different facets of the entertainment industry, Leon Thomas is rising as an international R&B sensation. Beginning his career as a child star on the