There has always been an easier road to success than others. Those willing to sacrifice their creative identity (in some cases not by too much) have always been able to do so and give themselves a better chance at stardom. In 2015, while many are thirsty for fame, Leon Bridges thirsted for a feeling. A feeling that our generation almost forgot we could feel.
Side Note: Please go sign up to Sofar Sounds. Its a really cool project connecting people to local artists.
I came across Leon Bridges on Jessie J's Instagram earlier this year. She was claiming he was next up. I myself love to claim that of people so I went to take a listen. iTunes only had the song Coming Home.
Raining from Fort Worth, Texas, Leon Bridges tapped into a sound that had almost been forgotten. Using only instruments over 50 years old, Leon Bridges was able to harness the 1950's and 60's in a bottle and give us one of the most beautiful albums of the year. Leon's vibe doesn't live in his sound alone. His entire aesthetic is tied to the 50's feel, from his choice in pants to his Instagram account.
My most listened to artists on Spotify this year happen to be Ray Charles and Leon Bridges. That's what Leon did. He reminded me personally of the emotion that can be felt in someones voice when the soul is authentic. Choosing to bring back this sound was risky. Leon, formerly Todd Bridges, had not even been into soul music. He listened to mostly christian hip hop and R&B while he taught himself to play guitar. It wasn't until he came across Sam Cooke that he found the feeling he was looking for.
Artists beware. Not everyone can do what Leon did. Leon Bridges felt the vibe, recorded and album, and had labels begging to be the company to release it. No changes were ever asked to be made to the album because Leon Bridges had tapped into the soul so well that it sounded like someone found an unreleased record from 1958 in a warehouse. His entire situation gives me faith in the state of the music industry and what they are supporting.
Leon went from a small town guy to a big name. As he appeared on SNL last week there is no doubt that he was thinking about what a big year he had. Cheers to Leon for an unexpected revival of southern soul. Cant wait to here what he comes with next.