Brighton-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Leo Aram-Downs recently came out with a four-track EP titled, “We All Have Our Place, Pt.2” – a follow up to his 2021 EP with the same name. Featuring a blend of instruments and sounds that range from fingerstyle guitar to hip-hop and even progressive electro, Leo showcases his experimental style of making music in his vast discography. He’s influenced by jazz, acoustic, and tech metal, and has been touring, gigging and writing for over 5 years. His latest release is another amazing addition to his ever-growing discography, so let’s dive right in!
EP Tracklist
We All Have Our Place, Pt.2 begins with a ukulele-driven, melancholic track called “Dashcam”. This song takes the listener on an emotional journey that explores the feeling of isolation. Leo sings a heartfelt tune supported by a deep bass and a melodic electric guitar. His motivating lyrics keep the three-minute-long track going smoothly along with some colourful chord changes that further emphasise the emotive feel of the track. With such a lovely introduction to the EP, it sure seems like us listeners are in for a treat.
– “..and when the road ascends we’ll scale the mountains / In a fraction of the time it takes to say goodbye”.
“If We’re Being Honest” begins with Leo’s soothing voice over an excellently played and recorded acoustic guitar. As the track progresses, harmonies create a lush soundscape around the soft instrumentation. He carries the expressive feel of the previous track and delivers a moving performance. Over soft pads and strings, Leo sings a song inspired by his own introspective journey of searching for answers. It’s really beautiful how his lyrics are relatable and moving, adds to the emotion of the track.
- Q– On “If We’re Being Honest”, the guitar performance is truly captivating! Which artists/guitarists do you look up to when it comes to melodic compositions like this?
Guitar wise, I was listening to a lot of Mike Dawes when I wrote this. I think he’s a great example of someone who plays very linguistically, and that’s something I’m always aiming for. There’s a great quote by saxophonist Bob Reynolds, he says that when he’s on stage, he wants the saxophone to “disappear”, and I feel totally the same with my approach to guitar.
- Q– The EP has a very soothing, acoustic-centric sound that’s a pleasure to listen to! What inspired you to write these four tracks?
In terms of the sound palette, I wanted it to be pretty drastically different from Part 1. I think they have similar identity in terms of the songwriting, but texturally they’re very different.
Track three “Within Dreams” features a more neo-soul-inspired sound that is centred around a warm electric guitar progression. Leo’s reverb-drenched vocals here create a dreamy atmosphere that is further enhanced by the subtle vocal filler elements; a nice dose of ear candy with a soothing change of tone. The way the vocals follow the chord changes is very satisfying to the ears, and hearing that in Leo’s voice is another feeling altogether!
- Q– The reverb-drenched vocals and instrumentation in the tracks create a very dreamy and somewhat hypnotising space. When you produce a piece, do the lyrics come first or the instruments? How do you usually start writing a song?
It can be either, honestly! The thing that’s more important than any individual songwriting element is the concept. I want to have a reason to make something, and that reason can be just as easily expressed in the instrumentation as the vocal if I know what I want to say
The EP ends with another mellow track aptly titled “Forever”. Leo introduces the four-minute-long track with a monologue about loss and hope over spacey textures. The mix of guitars and keys play with the luxurious soundscapes and accompany his voice extravagantly. Leo bids farewell singing light melodies and a bit of nostalgia; a soothing end to an excellently written EP.
– “I don’t believe you when you say forever”.
- Q– It’s great how each track has a distinct tone to it, owing to the instrumentation – ukulele, acoustic guitar and electric. As a veteran guitarist, what tips could you share with musicians just starting out in the scene
Guitar wise, I was listening to a lot of Mike Dawes when I wrote this. I think he’s a great example of someone who plays very linguistically, and that’s something I’m always aiming for. There’s a great quote by saxophonist Bob Reynolds, he says that when he’s on stage, he wants the saxophone to “disappear”, and I feel totally the same with my approach to guitar.
- Q– If you had the chance to collaborate with any artist in the world on a collaborative version of “We All Have Our Place, Pt. 2”, who would it be and why?
It’s a dream to make a record with Adam Bulley and Chaz Mackenzie. They’re a Scottish guitar duo who have been hugely influential to me over the years. I’d love for them to come in and put their own take on some of my tunes.
Listen to “We All Have Our Place, Pt.2” on Spotify!
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Discovered via http://musosoup.com
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