Inspired #0056 - Leo Cosmos
The summer might have come to an end but Leo Cosmos has treated us to the last bit of sunshine with his new track ‘Alibis’. He chats to us about what inspired the track and his love for cyberpunk films.
Who are you top three musical inspirations?
John Frusciante - Early (George Clinton) produced Red Hot Chili Peppers incorporations of Funk, Soul, Hip-Hop, Rock blew my teenage mind. John’s Hendrix influenced guitar playing have always inspired. His backing vocals remind me of Fleetwood Mac and are always inspiring to hear.
John Frusciante gentle production on By The Way will always have a heavy place in my soul. I have been listening to ‘Breaking The Girl’s’ instrumental very recently and it gives me feelings of ecstasy. I’m not saying its just Frusciante’s input but listening back to RHCP’s back catalogue – I have reminded myself how important he was. A beautiful energy.
Squarepusher - I have a strong love for jazz and experimental Electronic music. Squarepusher is an artist that I have admired for many years. So much is to be respected by his art and I really enjoy his bass playing. Much in same respect as Thundercat – the musicianship and compositions are so strong. “Feed Me Weird Thing’s” will always be a favourite album for me and the fact he produced it all himself which was very inspiring for me.
A special mention to his Warp Records compatriot Flying Lotus and the Los Angeles Beat Scene he helped to make. Hearing FlyLo and Shlohmo made me want to makes beats like them and the plan was to sing over the tracks I produced. I loved the fact they did it all themselves. Also to Madlib – what a career.
Prince- Just like the Sly, Curtis Mayfield and Stevie Wonder that came before him. Prince was so rich in harmony, musicality and composition. He incorporated so many styles of music into his own. His discography speaks for itself and I love his production on his records. The self-titled ‘Prince’ album is a favourite and its incredible that he played every instrument on that record.
The huge impact he has had on so many contemporary musicians I vibe with such as Jai Paul, Steve Lacy, Nick Hakim, D’Angelo plus many more who have inspired me hugely also.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
‘Akira’ is a film that sticks out for me. I’m really into film noir, neo noir and the cyberpunk genre. The fantasy element and the beautiful animation is so inspiring. Special mention to Satoshi Kon too.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
Leeds is the city that is the home of my musical journey so far. The musicians I encounter and have the pleasure of collaborating with constantly inspire me. They have elevated my own ability and music to another level. The great nights/collectives such as ‘Stretchy Dance Supply’, ‘Cosmic Slop’, ‘Tight Lines’, ‘Nice People Magazine’ are always a pleasure to experience. Bands such as ‘Necktr’, ‘Tetes De Pois’, ‘Skwid Ink’, ‘Shaku’ have always inspired me to practice my craft as the level play is ridiculous.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
A producer and good friend of mine - who goes under the alias 'MOEGLI'. I have learnt so much from him from production technique, discipline and life values. Striving to be the best version of yourself and really leave your positive and kind mark on this world.
I really feel you have to live and breath the music lifestyle and I don't know anyone better than Will Lakin of Tight Lines, Skwid Ink, Hev. Had the pleasure to work alongside him in my last project. His work ethic, professionalism and enthusiasm for promoting culture, art and events in Leeds is second to none.
What were your inspirations when writing the track?
The track for me is about exploring guilt and how long do you have to feel guilty for? Even if you aren’t that same person who made mistakes or ‘alibis’ anymore. Writing this track was therapeutic and I find that alot with making music.
How would you like to inspire people?
I can't help but move when I hear music. If I can make people half as happy as certain music makes me then I have succeeded. I would like to inspire people who haven’t had any musical background that it can be done – I started at 20 with no production/musical knowledge – it has taken so much work and time to get to where I am today.