Who is Leo XIV?

If you’re just now discovering Leo XIV because of his new single “Feel,” you’re catching an artist at a pivotal moment: the start of a new chapter that’s equal parts creative rebirth and emotional release. Leo XIV is the alternative pop/R&B project of Chicago-based singer, songwriter, and producer Dylan Leo Azadi, building a sound that lives between late-night confession and widescreen electronic glow. It’s melodic and modern, but driven by the kind of honesty that makes the music feel personal on first listen.

Leo XIV’s identity is rooted in atmosphere and emotion. The music leans into sleek, immersive production—where synth textures and rhythmic momentum act like a backdrop for vulnerability. It’s a lane that makes sense for listeners who want pop structure and immediacy, but also crave depth: songs that move, shimmer, and linger after the hook is over.

Part of what makes Leo XIV stand out is that he doesn’t treat genre like a box. His releases land in a space where alternative pop, R&B phrasing, and electronic elements can coexist without feeling forced. The result is a sound that’s intimate enough for headphones and expansive enough to feel cinematic.

While “Leo XIV” might read like a persona, the project is fundamentally a vehicle for self-expression. From interviews surrounding “Feel,” it’s clear that this era isn’t just about releasing music—it’s about returning to it. Leo has described “Feel” as a track that effectively ended a long period of stalled creativity and confidence, making it a major emotional and artistic turning point. That context matters, because it frames Leo XIV less as a “new artist” and more as an artist re-emerging—with sharpened intent, a clearer voice, and something to say.

Leo XIV’s newest single, “Feel,” plays like a signal flare: a statement record that sets the tone for what’s next. The track blends glossy electronic polish with human vulnerability—balancing forward motion with introspection. It’s the kind of song that can soundtrack a night drive, a late-hour spiral, or the quiet moment after you’ve decided you’re done living on autopilot.

The appeal of “Feel” is that it doesn’t posture. It doesn’t try to “win” the listener with loudness. Instead, it pulls you in with mood and intention—building a space where emotional weight and sonic lift can live together. If you’ve ever needed a song that makes you feel understood without spelling everything out, “Feel” lands in that pocket.

“Feel” also matters because it’s part of a growing, early-stage run that’s already creating momentum. It follows “Midas,” an earlier release that introduced Leo XIV’s aesthetic and helped set expectations for what this project could become: emotionally direct writing paired with modern, atmospheric production choices. This two-release foundation suggests a clear creative direction: music that’s equal parts healing, self-interrogation, and forward movement—made for people who want pop that doesn’t talk down to them.

Based on how Leo XIV speaks about the project—and how the music is being received—this feels like the beginning of a more consistent release cycle and a broader push to reach new listeners. The branding, the sound, and the emotional narrative are aligned: Leo XIV is building a world that’s immersive, human, and intentionally modern. If you’re the type of listener who follows artists early, Leo XIV is worth keeping on your radar. “Feel” isn’t just a new single; it’s a reintroduction, and it points toward a project with real staying power.