Leo Walrus Speaks On His Sophomore Album ‘Moontime’ And More

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London’s Leo Walrus sits down with us to delve into his new record ‘Moontime’, influences and more

The London artist Leo Walrus recently dropped his shimmering sophomore album ‘Moontime’, bringing forward a 60’s sensibility with heartfelt songwriting that resonates with the modern ear. It’s a record that feels like a time capsule from another time with velvety harmonies and a certain positivity throughout.

Off the back of this release we caught up with Leo to discuss his latest release, how the LP was recorded and more.

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Kieran: Hey Leo, thank you for taking the time to chat with us.. how’s album release week been? 

Leo: Always. This week has been such a trip, my feet still haven’t returned to the ground since the album launch. It’s such a freeing feeling displaying these insular songs to a crowded room. 

Kieran: Speaking of, you dropped your sophomore album ‘Moontime’ on the 10th April, how does it feel to have that body of work out there? 

Leo: It’s always such an exhilarating yet odd feeling sharing a body of work, no time feels like the right time. I’ve been very precious about this album for a long time, we finished making it over a year ago. I had a lot of notions and images of what the album release should look like which took me a little while to capture. I’ve realised that I often have to reserve control to be creative and move forward freely, I can’t hold things very still. Releasing the album that taught me that lesson feels wonderful. 

Kieran: Now that the album is out and you’ve had some time to reflect on (and maybe overthink) the release, are there any songs that hit harder for you now? 

Leo: ‘Seek You Out’ has always meant the world to me, but hearing people’s experience with ‘The Widest Shoes (Don’t Be Strange)’ has given that song new life for me. As the oldest song on the record, I’d always see it as a little juvenile, unlived. But, there’s something magical about the first idea. 

Kieran: Can you talk us through the writing and recording process of this release? 

Leo: At the time of writing, I was very adamant that I didn’t know what these songs were about, that they should inspire many different interpretations. This outlook definitely inspired the airy, winding nature of the recording, with many of the instruments being played myself (apart from the wonders Sebastian Bloom and JJ Denham added on drums, and the beautiful keys from Jacqui Wheeler and Dave Dulake). And while I still welcome every interpretation, in hindsight I know what every song means to me. 

Kieran: It’s safe to say that the McCartney-Lennon influence is clear and something you’ve mentioned, but are there any other influences on this record? 

Leo: So many! The arrangements of the singer-songwriter scene in Brazil in the 70s, from Milton Nascimento to Gal Costa, opened my ears unendingly. The landscape Allegra Krieger seems to create with her words and chords really amazed me too. I was obsessed with her record ‘The Art of the Unseen Infinity Machine’ at the time, I still am actually.

Kieran: How do you feel the new music translates into a live setting? 

Leo: We got to explore that at the George Tavern last week for the album launch! My band and I played the entire album. I’m very grateful to be surrounded by a band (Seb Bloom on drums, Samuel Hollis on bass, Felipe Perez on Guitar, Jacquin Wheeler on keys) who understand my songs in ways that maybe even I don’t, so I think it translated very well. It felt very important to capture the essence of the songs while still leaving some room for fluidity if the band and I wanted to be reactive for a little while. That was one of the most special nights of my life.

Kieran: Lastly, what else can we expect from Leo Walrus this year?

Leo: We’re supporting The Boo Radleys on their UK Tour in May! As well as recording the next album this year. 

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