Twenty Questions with Russell Leonce

The red hearts are all over. Russell Léonce’s musical spice flavours the gospel arena as his debut project ‘Culture of Love’ takes centre stage.

With his humility and giftedness Russell’s music calls people to a heart of worship. Gospel Globe caught up with Russell and is glad to spend a few moments with him. Here’s what we had to share:  

Russell tell me about yourself? I’ve noticed your cool hats what’s with them?
I'll be really honest with you... I just love hats!! Always have.

So how about the remainder of the stylish gear? How’d you describe your dress code and visual image?
Contrary to popular belief; I'm not the 'trend following' type, I try to look my best at all times while being comfortable. I usually just do what I 'feel'. Sometimes that means setting the trend.

Certainly, I want to learn to sing like you. Is that your natural voice we hear or did you have to do voice training?
LOL! Both my parents are vocalists, so most of what I know comes from them. No formal training... I do intend to someday though; it wouldn’t hurt!

Hmm. You definitely inherited your talents. But Russell, everywhere on Facebook I’m seeing your hearts for the release of your album. What’s in store in the album? Any new tracks to come?
Well, fourteen tracks which depict a range of truths as it relates to the love of God. Songs speak about the faithfulness to the reassuring hope of His steadfastness. I've got one very new track that's going to be available for down load @ www.russellleonce.com

I’m sure many will love to know about downloads can you tell me how many other artistes/ministers are going to be on the album?
Well Amanda basically four others. Vanessa Briggs, ShizE.L.O.N, Antus Keith & Joel Archer. They are all very gifted and humble ministers!

Then how many songs can we expect?
11 songs, 3 interludes, 14 tracks.   

All ministers have a favorite song on their album, Russell which is yours and why?
Wow!! I love them all... I’ll have to say though that 'Troubles Won't Last' has surpassed all expectations. This is a song I wrote and did not like, not one bit!! But the more I listened to it the more I realized that I had written it for me. It spoke to me in a real and profound way and I am grateful to God for all the lives it has touched so far.         

Ministry really begins with you. I’m curious as to what inspired this song?
Whenever I'm asked that I always say jokingly, "troubles"... But that's the truth. It was born out of personal testings.

Testings refine our experiences but I know that sometimes, artistes just sing, and some write their own music. Do you compose as well?
Not in the strict conventional sense Amanda but according to pop-culture, as a songwriter I would be considered a composer.

So, for the young person who is aspiring to this what nuggets can you give about the songwriting process?
It varies from person to person. My songs are drawn mainly from experience with God. Most times a basic melody or hook would come to me in solitude, in worship or walking the streets (a small recording device is critical). Then I’d build around that hook or melody line. I’ll admit that I find it much easier to write to a piece of music. A lot of prayer, meditation and 'sleep-on-it' are a vital part of this process.  

Song writing is clearly a lead by God process. Russell where do you see this album going and is there an international appeal?
The appeal is universal. Not just because of the style or genre but the songs speak to the average man. I recently learnt that there is a small following in Germany and Norway! International... ?Yeah!

Who produced your recording?
This offering was produced by award winning producer Cleon Richardson, as well as the very talented Keith Kirk and yours truly.

Russell have you had any previous print or broadcast media exposure or reviews?
I've had a few 'write ups' locally for various projects that I have been involved in. Media coverage has been lively on this particular project.  

Then who handles your daily business activities? (Bookings, promotions etc.)
My manager, Ms. Erica Ashton... Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !  

Hmm. I’m excited about this and eager to know what your songs are about.
Most of the songs on this album speak about the nearness of God and the Love and compassion that exists for such that may need. The songs deliver life and hope to the weak and weary soul.

Your ministry is definitely God-centered. Tell me who otherwise are your musical influences?
I grew up listening to Jim Reeves (under duress), Evie (mother's music), Nat King Cole (still can't get enough of the King) Comissioned and its bi-products (Marvin Sapp, Keith Staten, etc) Winanns, Take 6, Fred Hammond, I was die hard on Fred at one point (had to wean myself gradually), Stevie Wonder, Mathew & Mark Cashe (Local talent), N.Y.I. Men (local talent).

With all of those genres bubbling inside how do you describe your music to people?

lol... just got that exam room feeling!

It’s healing music... NO! It's more than just music to me Amanda. It’s a means to an end... a vehicle of sorts. As far back as I can remember I've loved people and helping people. Being a Christian Counselor became my dream so much so that psychology became my pursuit and theology my conquest. Its amazing how we can get caught up with our little 'dreams' and loose out on the Plans (Jer. 29:11) that God has for our lives.

I'm in no way saying don't dream, but in your dreaming be open for the move of God. He moved me from a place of not being able to write a single, simple song to a place where something that I wrote can minister to me and so many other people. I’m humbled every time someone says "man that song really helped me through", because I know that it has nothing to do with me or my meager abilities. God used the little talent and passion I had to offer to reveal His purpose for me in this season, 'Write healing music I’ll give you the words, let me help you reach more people than you ever could on your own with your little dream'... So whenever folks ask 'how would you describe your music?' I simply say its healing music!

Hey you asked for it!!

Healing is important. So with this vision what are your immediate music career goals? (Next 1 to 3 years.)
Apart from touring, I have already begun working on my second project; a 'worship' album. This album 'Culture of Love' had a very heavy horizontal (reaching out in love to others) perspective, I would like my next offering to be more vertical (reaching out in Love to God).  

Setting goals are important where do you see God leading you and are you sure this is His direction?
I'm ever mindful of the move of God in and on my life... Most recently I've been noticing Him shifting my thinking as it relates to 'worship'. Most times I can't see where He's leading, but I still follow gladly... the great thing is I know His voice!    

Russell I know we are closing but what are your recommendations for youths looking to release an album?
Be sure that this is what you are called to do and do it for the right reasons- Develop you self holistically, be ever growing- Learn the business side of things- Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God and watch the rest of the scripture come to life- Be Blessed and be a BLESSING!
 
Check out more from Russell Léonce at his site: http://www.russellleonce.com/

Written by :

amanda best

 

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