Spotlight on Aia de Leon

Aia de Leon Photo by Bubuy Balangue

Indeed, everything has a beginning and an end. As for Aia de Leon, ever since she parted ways last year with her longtime band, Imago, she has been on a voyage discovering other creative outlets that will give more expression to her artistic inclinations.

In this my latest installment of “Spotlight on…”, this interview piece will not only update fans on Aia de Leon and what she has been up to lately but more importantly, it will tell people that she now has her eyes set on achieving “big things”.

Stepping out of the shadow of her former band is her first big step toward that goal. This is her time to be known not only as an artist but also as an individual following a destiny she chooses to carve for herself.

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What/who first inspired you to get into music? 

Early on my natural gifts were not exactly encouraged by my father. I believe my father had sincere intentions on having me focus on the heavier academic subjects like math and science, out of his desire to make sure I had the strongest chance of rising up to the world’s opportunities. Securing my future security was his top priority and I honor him for that. It wasn’t until college when I met Barbie Almalbis and a different set of amazing lady friends who encouraged me to sing and write songs.

In high school I became acquainted with different genres of music (jazz standards were the staple records at home), and I was immediately drawn to pop and rock. When ‘alternative’ music broke out in college, I was so taken by it and by the time I had met people who had shared this interest there was no time wasted in forming a college band. We dubbed ourselves Butterfly Juice and had one or two gigs playing songs from No Doubt, Moonpools and Caterpillars, Alanis Morrissette and Garbage.

Do you remember the very first time that you performed in front of a live audience?  How was that experience for you? 

What I will never forget, and will always be reminded of, is the great nervousness I feel before a gig. The intensity of that never changed.

What creative outlets have you been exploring ever since you became a solo artist?

With everything on slow mode, I have just been busy with church. And just writing,writing,writing.

What differences have you found in performing as a solo artist rather than when you were in a band?

I haven’t been gigging frequently, nor have I aggressively come out. I appreciate the ground zero level in which I can reset things and explore other options and other avenues of expression. I have a lot of songs that don’t exactly meet the musical impressions people have of me. I feel this season is about enjoying a certain creative process and pace. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with different talented musicians every now and then.

You write all of your songs; that being the case, where do you draw inspiration?

I am a voyeur. My mind is in a constant state of wondering and figuring out other people’s experiences; scrubbing beneath layers of cliches it’s hitched on. After I gain my own understanding by ‘being’ them, then I start writing. But that was before.

Now, I don’t necessarily have to put myself in their shoes. I have a ground in which I stand on, and that is the kick off point that frames every idea and story. I find it easier now that I have completely surrendered and found my identity in Jesus Christ.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you are not writing, recording, or performing?

Reading. Studying. Reading. Studying.

If you could change one thing now in the local scene, what would that be?

Perhaps a message to the audience? Pay your artists. :)

What role does your faith play when it comes to your music?

Now? VERY VERY VITAL. It is the air that sustains me. It is the very life in me. It is the truth that governs and filters any untruths that I might in my selfishness, pass on to the listener. My faith is what helps me serve the listening public, or to those who would want songs that speak life to them.

Was there an unforgettable/funny experience you have encountered while performing?

The thing I will always remember is the many times I regret having to drink a carbonated drink before a set. I always burp while singing.

If you could choose to perform with any artist, living or dead in their prime, who would it be?

Ella Fitzgerald. Oh my. Am I even worth it?

Aia de Leon Photo by Bubuy Balangue

What is the philosophy you live by as an individual?

Jesus before me, the world behind me.

Complete this phrase: “Ten years from now, I will be ______?

A Jesus Christ follower.

Who is Aia de Leon in a nutshell? 

A Jesus Christ follower.