Spinning lends itself to themes of addiction, bad relationships and growing up, all expressed with wit and sarcasm and a good deal of imagination. Leeds has already seen and done more than most and though these songs on this release are already two years old, Leeds had to get her story out there. “I feel like, for me, my influences in music now feel a lot different,” says Leeds, “It feels like an older version of myself to put out there. I think I can move on from those experiences in a way and express myself by reflecting on them.”
Leeds has brought things through with her and it’s a reflection of a rougher time. To relay her history when she’s in a different place in life, the singer agrees, must come from a place of maturity. “It’s being able to say, ‘That’s who I was two years ago,’ and accept the fact that relationships and experiences have happened.
“I already think about them sarcastically from that perspective. If you’re in that dramatic craziness of life it contrasts musically as well with really dark musical tones.”
Sure, it’s dark stuff that Leeds chooses to address, but she does so with an endearing air of whimsy, brushing all her past issues from her shoulder like a stray hair. The first indication of Leeds’ quick wit and relaxed mantra most certainly comes from the EP’s cover – laying in a ball pit bath, Leeds appears blissfully unaware of the alien in the room with her. Laughing, she says, “That was a lot of fun. I don’t think I ever want to put something out musically and not bring some dramatic imagination to it.
“From an artist’s perspective, I wanted to create a picture of what was in my mind so when people listen, they can apply their imagination to certain singles. I went for a different angle and it was really interesting to see the feedback.”
A work of quirky indie-pop, even on the surface with the title Spinning, it’s both a very dizzying and freeing word but also implies Leeds’ spinning through different emotions. Every definition of the word proves to be a good interpretation of what she’s about – subconscious liberation. “For me it comes from a place of, sort of, spinning out of control, being in that moment where you’re feeling free but a bit all over the place – not fully in control either.
“I think having a bit of indie-alternative, folk, pop, I feel like whenever I’m performing it’s all over the place. It’s energetic and a lot of fun. I don’t see myself as a soloist behind the piano trying to sing dark songs, I’d rather let it all out and let the audience feel my energy and what I’m trying to convey.”
Largely having performed solo around town, Leeds’ EP launch will see her take to the stage with a full band, bringing on board indie-pop trio Almost Otters and rock-folk soloist Damon Langley in support. She has no real criteria when it comes to playing and working with other musicians, only that they are open-minded to new things.
Collaborative efforts, Leeds says, are important to the creative mind. “I think just being open is a big factor – as soon as someone is open to writing, they feel like they can take what you’re offering at the same time. Influences can be fun but also, working with someone different, you can put two things together to create something you wouldn’t think of on your own.
“I’m excited to gig around Melbourne, meet other local musicians, collaborating and seeing how far this thing can go.”
