LEO, who first showcased his songwriting and composition skills with “Move On” released on SoundCloud back in 2021, is now officially a solo artist managed by 131 LABEL. 

“One Look” serves as a glimpse into LEO’s emerging journey as an artist, where he is keen to reveal the musical essence and artistry he has meticulously been working on over the past years. Notably, the artist is credited as one of the song’s lyricists. “To see people's reactions, it's been very rewarding,” said LEO.

In an exclusive interview with allkpop, LEO sat down to discuss his solo single, musical inspirations, hopes for the future, and more. You can watch the full interview below or scroll down further to read the full interview!

allkpop: First and foremost, congratulations on your debut! How has it been? It's been 2 months since your solo debut with "One Look," are you happy and satisfied reading and hearing all the reactions to your debut?

LEO: There's definitely a sense of relief because it's something I've been working on for the past few years. And to see people's reactions, it's been very rewarding. But I'd be lying if I said I'm 100% satisfied. I’m just very excited because there's so much more for me to show. 

allkpop: Could you tell us a bit more about "One Look"? You're credited as one of the lyricists! Tell us the concept and meaning behind the track as well as your experience working with other writers and producers. 

LEO: I think it's a song about love at first sight in a sense. It also has this hint of youthfulness to it, which is what I feel like the song's charm is. It was actually my first time working with other producers and writers, and that itself was a very new experience, and I learned a lot from it.

allkpop: Could you share with us what it's like recording a song and filming the music video all by yourself? Were there any difficulties? If so, how did you overcome them? 

LEO: I was a bit worried at first because I've never done anything by myself, but I think it turned out okay. I feel like I was able to get in the zone a bit better. It can get lonely at times, but just to have an amazing crew with me and, you know, being able to make so many precious memories with new people was an amazing experience.

allkpop: Do you have any musical styles or genres in mind that you think will best fit you as a solo artist? I read in an interview that you're inspired mostly by artists in the R&B and hip-hop genre... maybe we'll be able to see more of LEO in that, too?

LEO: I think it's exactly as you mentioned. I hope to show more of that side in the near future, and I'm also working on my album as well. So, stay tuned for that!

allkpop: In your interview with Billboard, you named Drake, PARTNEXTDOOR, and Bryson Tiller as one of your few favorite artists. And one of the reasons you moved from Australia to Korea is your love for K-Pop. How about K-Pop artists — who do you look up to the most? 

LEO: I think the rise of BTS in the United States definitely shifted my attention to K-Pop and just the Korean entertainment scene in general. I think they were huge influences on me, and I think that's what got me started and got me into this place in the first place.

allkpop: How were you feeling the moment you stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist? 

LEO: Well, at first there were worries. Being alone can be a bit of a scary thing, but it's also fun. And the fact that I have a lot of creative control over the music I make, the visuals, and whatnot, I think it's a very special thing to have, and I'm really relishing the opportunity.

allkpop: Immediately after making your debut, you already performed solo at KCON LA! I was wondering what rituals or routines you do before taking the stage, particularly when you graced the stage at KCON.

LEO: I actually don't really do anything. I didn't really do anything before the [KCON LA] stage just because I didn't really want to overthink and get nervous. I think it worked because I wasn't too nervous on the show day.

allkpop: You moved to South Korea on your own at the age of 17. What made you decide to push through with this choice of yours? Did your family happily and wholeheartedly support you with your decision? 

LEO: I always wanted to pursue music, but obviously, growing up in Australia wasn't really a possibility for me at the time. But because K-Pop and other media are thriving in the Western world, I decided that coming here might definitely be the best option for me. And of course, my family didn't really approve at first because I wasn't really good at anything. I wasn't really talented, and I, myself, didn't really believe in myself at one stage. I had doubts about myself, too, and it was hard to overcome that. But I’m glad I did it. I'm now performing in front of everyone.

allkpop: Aside from holding solo shows, what else do you have on your bucket list? 

LEO: Releasing an album is my biggest goal for 2024. I can't wait to show everyone what music I've been working on and my identity as a musician. I think everything else will kind of fall in line after that. I just really want to put the album out. 

allkpop: Lastly, is there anything else you would like to say to allkpop readers and your fans?

LEO: Thank you for checking out this interview! I hope it gave more of an insight into myself. I'll be back with more music in the near future. Thank you!

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