An Interview with Leo XIV
From grunge jams in his grandma’s basement to genre-bending productions that blur the lines between trip-hop, R&B, and alternative electronica, Leo XIV’s journey has been anything but ordinary. The longtime Chicago-based artist, with roots in Cincinnati and a deep love for the metaphysical, has weathered mental health struggles, addiction, and a years-long creative hiatus to emerge in what he calls a spiritual awakening. Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, gratitude, and determination, Leo XIV is stepping back into the spotlight—using music as both medicine and message. We caught up with him to talk about his story, his inspirations, and the new chapter of life he’s writing.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a longtime Chicagoan with roots in Cincinnati. I love animals, nature, and all things paranormal and metaphysical. I’ve been making music in some capacity for most of my life, but due to several mental health issues and challenging life events, I’ve only recently regained the strength, confidence, and determination needed to end a long hiatus and get back to doing what I love most.
I’ve undergone many significant changes in recent years and have largely accepted this current chapter of my life as somewhat of a spiritual awakening, because frankly, there’s no better explanation (believe me; I’ve searched!). I’m eternally grateful for everything I have, especially my family, friends, and general well-being. I believe life is far too short to pursue anything other than love and happiness. Music heals me — it’s my lifeblood and always has been, and it’s the truest, most genuine expression of myself. I have a ton of creative juice left in the tank and am so excited for what lies ahead.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And, when did you start?
My best friend and I started a two-piece grunge “band” in my grandma’s basement (much to her chagrin, probably… that lady was a saint!) and made some of the most ridiculous recordings you could imagine on an old 4-track tape recorder. We evolved into a four-piece and later reformed as a progressive rock/psychedelic funk outfit. I eventually got into DJ’ing and promoting EDM shows around the Midwest and then found myself producing hip-hop/trip-hop and R&B tracks for friends, which ultimately laid the foundation for what is now Leo XIV.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Definitely my perfectionism and not always having the discipline to let things go. As my voice coach once told me, “don’t let great be the enemy of good.”
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
Probably “Midas” — there’s just something so organic and pure about it, and I was so obsessed when the idea came to me that I was up all night working on it.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
Oh, goodness… too many to name and across so many genres, but Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Thievery Corporation, Dredg, Deftones, Thrice, The Mars Volta, Sleep Token, The Weeknd, Justin Timberlake, and The Roots, for starters.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
Most of my songs start with a central theme/motif that forms the foundation for everything else. It’s hard to explain, but my song ideas tend to just suddenly materialize in my head, often in their entirety with a specific key, tempo, instrumentation, vocals, etc. It then becomes my job to translate it as best I can to get it into a tangible, audible representation that I can build upon.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
“Feel” is particularly significant to me as it was the one that effectively ended a decade-long moratorium on creativity and confidence — some of the darkest ages of my life and marred by depression, anxiety, and addiction. When the idea first came to me, I was so compelled that I got into a flow state almost immediately and felt inspired for the first time in a long time. It was a stark reminder of why I believe I arrived on this planet in the first place — to create and consume art as a conduit to others through difficult times.
What are your plans for 2025 and 2026?
I’ll be releasing the music video for “Feel” and a biopic-style short film – both on my YouTube channel – as well as a (surprise) cover song before the end of the year. Then, I plan to release my debut album “Cold Open” in March 2026.
As Leo XIV looks ahead to the release of the “Feel” music video, a biopic-style short film, a surprise cover, and his debut album Cold Open in March 2026, it’s clear that this comeback is about more than just new music—it’s about reclaiming a calling. His work channels years of lived experience, healing, and hard-won perspective into songs that remind listeners they’re not alone in their darkest moments. Whether you discovered him through the ethereal pull of “Midas” or the emotional catharsis of “Feel,” now is the perfect time to follow Leo XIV’s journey as he turns pain to art and intention to sound.