SOURCE – The latest album for Leather is We Are the Chosen, the third studio record for the band. How do you feel the songwriting and recording sessions went for this set of material? And do you believe the extra downtime off the road due to the pandemic allowed the band to dig deeper into key details that were beneficial to the final outcome?
Leather Leone (Vocals) – It’s actually the first record with me and my new song writing partner Vinnie Tex. I did use Braulio Drumond from Leather II. Other than that it was just us.
Everything changed of course during Covid… So this record was all myself and Vinnie. We had plenty of time to develop the material. I am not a patient person so it was a blessing as far as songwriting.
SOURCE – How did your Brazilian members Braulio Azambuja and Vinnie Tex come to join the band?
Leather Leone (Vocals) – I met the guys in 2016 on the Rob Rock tour. I knew I would work with them as I watched their talent every night.
SOURCE – How do you feel about the work of Steamhammer and their promotional team in spreading the works of We Are the Chosen on a global scale?
Leather Leone (Vocals) – It has been a blessing to join the Steamhammer family. They have reached the masses which I have not been able to do on my own.
SOURCE – You chose to work with artist Marcelo Vasco for the cover art this time around – tell us about the development of this piece, and your thoughts on the importance of imagery/cover art to set the right mood, atmosphere, and scenery as people take in Leather’s material?
Leather Leone (Vocals) – I had met Marcelo through Vinnie. I sent him the photo and gave him my ideas. He created my perfect vision. It’s my most dramatic cover, he understood what came from inside me. It’s incredible.
SOURCE – What sort of goals or expectations do you set for the band at this point? Is it a balancing act between satisfying your own creative visions against what the fans/followers expect from Leather?
Leather Leone (Vocals) – Everyone who knows my music knows I am straight ahead Metal. No fancy stuff, just kick you in your face Metal. With my new song writing partner… I have found my hallowed.
SOURCE – You released three singles in 2022 – how did the recording sessions go for these tracks, and were you satisfied with the reach, response, and feedback you’ve received for this material?
Leather Leone (Vocals) – The recording was amazing and brutal. It has taken so much time to get there. I was ready. I was surrounded by so much respect and support from Hertz studio and Vinnie… I was ready. Of course, the studio is always crazy and unpredictable… but it went well.
SOURCE – Can you discuss the importance of assembling the right team behind you as far as management, booking agents, road crew, etc. to make thing easier for the band to concentrate more on music-related activities?
Leather Leone (Vocals) – For me it’s a constant struggle to find people who seriously have your back But I assembling them slowly but surely. It means everything to have a tribe that believes in you…
SOURCE – Thank you for your time, hope to see you live in Brazil someday.
Leather Leone (Vocals) – Love and Dio. Thank you.
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