Q&A with GRAMMY Nominee + “Sam Cooke-worthy crooner” – LEON BRIDGES

Photo by: Rambo

LEON BRIDGES, if you don’t already know, is poised to set the world on fire with his honeyed, Sam Cooke-worthy croon. Here are a few things to know about the talented singer-songwriter…

· Recently collaborated and sings on the new Macklemore x Ryan Lewis song ‪”‎Kevin“‬ which they also just performed at the 2015 American Music Awards.

· His song “So Long” is featured in the new Will Smith movie Concussion.

· Born in Atlanta and grew up in Ft. Worth Texas

· Began as a dancer/choreographer at a local Ft. Worth Community College

· Learned to play the guitar four years ago

· Currently signed to Columbia Records

· Sold out all three debut New York shows

· Began singing over hip-hop beats and was quickly influenced by the sounds of the 40s, 50s, and 60s

· Debut album was produced by Austin Jenkins (White Denim) and Josh Block who also are in his live band on his touring gigs

· Leon’s first two singles off his debut album include: ‘Coming Home’ and ‘Better Man’

Learn more about LEON BRIDGES as he answers a few questions for All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa below:

Hi Leon! Where does this interview find you? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

Today I had a few interviews with Texas monthly and a short live phone interview with BBC. At the moment I’m sipping on some coffee.

For those not as familiar with you and your music, how did you get your start in music? Who or what was the catalyst for you?

One of my friends in college would bring her guitar to school every now and then. One day she asked me to watch it on her way to class and I asked her to show me some chords and she wrote a minor and e minor on a chart. Two years after that I bought a guitar and made the decision to make soul music.

I understand you were recently in the studio with rock band, White Denim. How was that?

Austin Jenkins and Josh Block are great guys! They were very patient and worked their tails off during the recording process. It’s a blessing that I was able to do my record with guys that have been in the game for a while. I needed someone to come along and help polish my vision. I couldn’t have been in a better position.

On the track, “Coming Home,” you instantly transport the listener back to 1962 on this tune as you croon about returning to your beloved. What was the inspiration for that song?

I wrote coming home because I wanted to express the idea of faithfulness that people can easily relate to.

You are receiving a lot of comparisons as the new Sam Cooke. Who are your musical influences?

I can’t hold a candle to Sam Cooke but that is very flattering. Sam Cooke, Bobby Womack and Van Morrison are my favorites. I’m also inspired by the musicians and songwriters in my community.

Do you remember the first album you bought for yourself?

Yes! “The Life” record by Ginuwine.

What was the first song you fell in love with and why?

“When A Woman’s Fed Up” by R. Kelly. I was at a community center “lock in” and a kid was playing that on the piano. I was totally drawn by that sound and I had never seen anyone play an instrument before that moment.

Who would your dream collaboration be with, living or dead?

Miguel and Raphael Saadiq! It would have been great to collaborate with Sam Cooke. On the other hand, I’d be satisfied to have been a fly on the wall.

Who is in your current playlist? Any artists, musicians or genres we might be surprised to find in there?

I’ve been heavy on a compilation of songs Sam Cooke produced under his label called “SAR Records Story”. I have Young Thug, Pretty Ricky, and Sisqo on my other playlist. I might lose some fans now. Haha

What’s on tap next for you, Leon? What are you most excited about in 2015?

Touring our booties off!

To learn more about LEON BRIDGES including upcoming tour dates, visit his website HERE .