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#MusicExchange: Leo Burg's new spooky song
13 Oct 2021
South African independent artists collaborate to create the perfect Halloween hit of 2021. Leo Burg is best known in the entertainment industry for his cover song You're Somebody Else which went viral on YouTube and SoundCloud in 2018.
Source: Supplied
Burg brings a new definition to the word polymath and specialises within most creative fields, proving that his art deserves to be centre stage. Close Your Eyes is a haunting yet easy listening song, perfect for the spooky season. The lyrics refer to a haunting taking place in a nightmare.
Burg wrote Close Your Eyes alongside former The Voice star and South African pop sensation Armand Joubert. After recording the first demo, Burg immediately knew he wanted to feature local artist Lara Wattam after hearing her spooky vocals on her debut single. When listening to Close Your Eyes, it is highly advised that you "close your eyes", "feel your pulse stop", and "drift into the dark."
I spoke to Burg last week:
The new decade means:
Freedom of creativity.
Fame is about:
Having influence.
Retirement will happen when:
You’ve tapped into all of your passions and mastered them.
I don't do:
What everybody else does. I like to try my best to remove myself from the typical.
What does music mean to you?
I find my “freedom in the music”.
My music is about:
Feeling and connection.
I would love to co-write with:
The famous Jack Antonoff.
Where do you go for inspiration to create?
To my friends. I am fortunate to be friends with some of my favourite creatives - they inspire me daily!
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
The ability to be able to create without limitation.
The song you must do in every show:
My debut single Not Enough - holds a special place in my heart.
My heroes:
Anyone that speaks up for someone who cannot speak up for themselves.
My Style Icon:
Yahto Kraft - he’s 100% authentic and I thrive to be like him.
Which living person do you admire most and why?
Lady Gaga - I grew up making scrapbooks and dancing to her songs. Being in the queer community, she allowed me to love myself. She was also the first person I came out to - backstage at her concert in Johannesburg.
What is your most treasured possession?
Many crystals that my grandfather (who died before I met him) collected around South Africa.
It’s your round. What are you drinking?
Sparkling water with lemon. Always.
Dream gig to do:
An acoustic set performing with live instruments with my friends.
What makes you stand out?My passion and drive. I don’t give up until something is perfect.
If you were not a musician, what would you do?I like to think of myself as a polymath in the arts. I’m creative at heart and work across various creative fields - art, design, videography, photography, etc.. I would be a full-time artist if I weren’t making music.
Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?
Wow, what a difficult question. I think Troye Sivan would be the only correct answer.
Pick five words to describe yourself:
Polymath, passionate, creative, composed and strong.
Five favourite SA albums of all time:
Armand Joubert - You’re Too Theatrical; Aking - Against All Odds; Spoegwolf - Somer; Elisha James - Journey and Goodluck - The Nature Within.
Greatest movie ever made:
A Star Is Born (2018).
What books are you reading?I love biographies and studying people’s lives. One of my favourite musicians said: “Find someone who has a life that you want and figure out how they got it. Read books, pick your role models wisely. Find out what they did and do it.” - Lana Del Rey
What song changed your life?
There’re so many but one that’s had a significant influence on me recently is “Monument” by Robyn and Röyksopp.
Who do you love?
My partner, family and friends.
What is your favorite word?
Kindness.
Favorite fashion garment:
Anything that looks like it was thrifted.
Give us some real proper slang and what it means.
Sis is the new bro.
Top of your bucket list?
Travel outside of Africa.
Your greatest achievement?
Meeting Lady Gaga.
What do you complain about most often?
Being too cold or hot. I don’t think I ever acclimate.
What is your fear?
Probably what most people would - fear of failure.
Happiness is:
Being content, free and loved.
On stage, I tend to:
Freeze up as I’m not a natural performer. I am working on that and will soon be doing live shows!
The best life lesson you have been taught?
Kindness is cool.
Do you get worked up whilst watching a sports game on TV?
Honestly, I don’t watch sports. I’m here for the halftime performance.
Where would you like to be right now?
At the beach. My answer will forever be at the beach.
Wishes and dreams:
My dream would be for my music and art to inspire.
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