In an era of Idols and America’s Got Talent, it is increasingly rare to find a singer who puts her voice before anything else. Olivia Leisk does just that.
She has had accolades from all corners of the music industry … when she sang at Glastonbury last year Chris Martin from Coldplay was the first to clap and ran over to congratulate her. She has just finished touring Australia and the Far East with Jessie J, and recently left Durban to go to the UK for the Festival Season.
Before she left for Reading, Ibiza Live and the European circuit, we grabbed her to chat about her plans. Listen out for her new single Taking me Over being played on East Coast Radio. Not many singers in their early 20s divide their time between the Ridge, the States and London – we find out why.
What are your plans when you get back to London?
To catch up with my dad and friends. My father lives in South London and I love going to spend time with him. My mum lives on the Estate at Mount Edgecombe which is so relaxing after being on tour, I can just chill by the pool, and my sisters Philippa and Cassie have been out with me so it has been such a laid back time. I love being in Durban and I am coming back after my next lot of concerts to tour. It was a real blast to hear my song on the radio this morning.
Where do you consider home?
I’m a nomad really, I go where the music is. Last year I recorded with Devlin, went to Philadelphia seven times, played Glastonbury, Ibiza, Mallorca, Australia, Singapore, Jakarta and did a showcase in Los Angeles with Gary Sinise introducing me. I have had the most amazing year, I’m a real perfectionist about what I am prepared to put out there. I love working with different artists, and have sung with Devlin, an amazing rapper and toured the UK with him, then sang with Ed Sheeran, and Jessie J’s tour was the icing on the cake.
How did you get into the music industry?
I have sung all day and all night since I can remember. I am really just a music maker, I went to LIPA which is Paul McCartney’s Performing Arts College and part of Liverpool University, so my music degree is from there and I have been gigging ever since, and my reputation has just grown gradually.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I think it has to be Glastonbury, although I am going back to do the concert for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, so that might top it. I was pretty amazed to be vocalist with Jessie J in Sydney as well and when I got back to my suite and trying to decide which bath I would choose off the bath menu, surreal! Singing with Devlin led me to Jessie J, Jessie led me to management, so it is all building blocks. This year is all about getting a record deal and my solo work.
Who are your main musical influences?
They are so diverse, Ella Fitzgerald, John Legend, my big love Michael Jackson.
What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?
Honestly, for me the music is everything, if I’m not singing I’m writing, if I’m not writing I’m travelling, and I love hanging out with my family. My brother is very into music as well so we are a good fit, and I miss him as he lives here, so I come often and have the best of lots of worlds, it keeps me inspired.
What do you do for your fans to try and give back?
I interact with them online, do Facebook chats, and if I meet them at gigs that is always a real buzz. I was playing the Albert Hall recently with Devlin and went home on the tube with my dad and got a bit mobbed, but I usually love meeting people and hearing what they think of what I’m doing.
What do you think of South Africa generally?
I really love it, and regard it as my second home. I have so many friends here, and we are lining up gigs for later in the year so I am hoping that will give me the opportunity to spend lots more time here. I would love to do some in the townships, I think they would love my stuff and I really enjoy the whole African vibe, so am keen to get kids involved in music and reach across barriers.
Do you have a message in your music, particularly the songs you write yourself, and what style would you say you sing in?
I am an R&B girl, with a bit of soul thrown in there. My message is usually about men, and life, and angst but that is maturing into a more mellow appreciation of life! Maybe it’s South Africa’s influence, I am even learning to surf.
Have a listen….you won’t be disappointed, and you will be able to say you discovered her before you had to queue to get a ticket.
Olivia’s new single can be heard on East Coast Radio and on Soundcloud – http://soundcloud.com/olivialeisk
Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/olivialeiskofficial