We Speak Music
Leon O’Leary Unleashes New Single ‘Pretend (To Be Saviours)’
Photo by Tom Taylor
Prepare to be mesmerized by the evocative melodies and poignant lyricism of Suffolk-based indie-folk singer-songwriter Leon O’Leary as he unveils his latest single, ‘Pretend (To Be Saviours)’. Released on May 24th, this captivating track paves the way for the eponymous EP to be released on June 13, 2024.
Hailing from Suffolk, O’Leary has already made waves in the music scene, having played at major festivals like Latitude, Wild Paths, and Lakefest. Named among BBC Introducing East’s ‘Artists to Watch’, O’Leary is now ready to showcase his emotive songwriting and inventive indie-folk instrumentation with the release of his upcoming debut EP, ‘Pretend (To Be Saviours)’.
Influenced by artists like Ben Howard, Bruce Springsteen, and Hozier, O’Leary’s music is a captivating blend of folk tendencies and alternative-indie instrumentation. Led by the vibrant title track ‘Pretend (To Be Saviours)’, this single is a high-octane indie anthem that captures the essence of folk within O’Leary’s signature style.
Speaking about the single, Leon explains: “I started writing Pretend (To Be Saviours) after my friend, Tom Dixon, (who was part of the band) was sending me some chord progression ideas through Instagram voice notes. We were both messing with this one progression sending voice messages back and forth until we got it right. The song is written about virtue signalling and saviour complexes in society, blindly following philosophies and ideologies with a shallow understanding in the hopes of appearing ‘righteous’ or morally superior rather than for the greater good.”
So, get ready to be captivated by Leon O’Leary’s enchanting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. With ‘Pretend (To Be Saviours)’, O’Leary invites listeners on a musical journey they won’t soon forget.
Songwriters often draw from personal experience, but what makes Just a Daydream stand out is the way AMBER reshapes those experiences through imagination. Instead of presenting events exactly as they happened, she builds scenes that feel colourful, expressive and full of possibility, giving the songs a distinctive identity from the very beginning.
That approach reflects the idea behind the EP’s title. What begins as a passing thought or a hopeful fantasy gradually develops into something more tangible, carrying listeners through romance, longing, disappointment and, ultimately, self-acceptance. The songs remain connected by that thread, making the EP feel like one continuous conversation rather than a collection of separate ideas.
Musically, AMBER blends soul, jazz, funk and pop touches without allowing any one influence to dominate. The lively pulse of “Say What” explores the confusion that can grow from crossed wires, while “Aromatherapy” offers a gentler close, bringing the emotional journey to a place of calm reflection.
Working with producer Kipper Eldridge, AMBER has created a debut that places storytelling at its heart. Every musical choice supports the atmosphere of the songs, allowing the lyrics and performances to take centre stage. Out now through Now Listen, Just a Daydream is more than a collection of well-made tracks. It is an invitation into a creative world where imagination gives everyday emotions a fresh perspective and where even the smallest moments have a story worth telling.
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