Leandra McNair is an alternative R&B/Soul singer- songwriter from Metro New York. Leandra’s music has been described as contemporary, soulful and vibey. Her music sets her apart from other musicians of the same genre because of her silky, effortless and powerful voice. Leandra McNair’s music is one of a kind and timeless.
In this interview feature, we chat with Leandra about her influences, the new project Lucky, navigating this digitized music age and much more.
Q&A along with links and streams can be found below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Hi there! J I’m born and raised New Yorker. More specifically I was raised in Long Island. I describe my music as alternative soul music. Because from a first listeners perspective you will hear the soulfulness of my voice and my style. But I have a ton of other influences! Like R&B, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pop, Rock, and Folk.
My music is feel good, chill, vibey music to soothe your soul and break your heart at the same time.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
Music has always been the most important thing in my life. From as far as I can remember my life and my schedule has always circled around music. The course to being a successful musician is a rough one but what keeps me motivated is the indescribable feeling that music gives me. Also that there are no rules when it comes to music! Like so many other art forms it’s completely free.
Who or what are your biggest influences when it comes to your creativity?
My biggest creative influences are greats like Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye and Sade. Other people that have a huge impact on my creativity are my closest friends and band mates. My husband, Solrey is a r&b/soul singer/songwriter as well! He is constantly inspiring me with new music and melodies. It’s great because we have a really similar style and taste in music.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
My EP Lucky is different from the last project I released because I feel like it’s cohesive and complete. I feel like I’m constantly growing as an artist, singer, musician and songwriter. Lucky is my baby! I put everything I have into this project and I’m honestly really proud of it. I tried to create something that if I wasn’t me and I heard this project I would be obsessed with it.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
I imagine that being an indie artist at any point in history has been challenging. As an indie artist in a digital age I think the biggest challenge is face is being seen by the masses. Not having the large budget like other similar artists have to showcase everything I have to offer musically. On the flip side! Social media is constantly helping me reach new fans all around the world through hash tags. It’s pretty cool how even with a small budget or no budget at all you can create a platform for yourself.
How do you feel about streaming services? Any romantic attachments to the physical formats: vinyl, 8-track, cassettes, CDs?
I’m totally here for streaming services! I use Spotify almost everyday! For me it’s the most clutch way to listen to music. I wouldn’t go so far to say that I have romantic connections to physical format. In my opinion 8 – track and cassettes are obsolete. Vinyl is cool as fuck but I only buy a vinyl if it’s something really obscure/timeless or if it’s an artist that I really love. Cd’s are still relevant to me. J
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
You can find me at:
- http://instagram.com/leandramcnair
- http://soundcloud.com/leandramcnair
- https://www.facebook.com/leandramcnair15
Anything else before we sign off?
Middle Tennessee Music thank you for having me! Please keep up with me online and follow my journey to spread love and music with the world.
