Q&A: Leo Waters Dances with Rhythm and Rhyme in "Smoke + Mirrors"
LEO WATERS STANDS OUT as a rising star with a journey as dynamic as his beats. Originating from Tampa, Florida, Waters initially stepped into the limelight as a professional dancer at the age of 15. A quick ascent saw him sharing stages with heavyweights like Da Baby and Coi Leray, showcasing his prowess even among performers a decade his senior.
However, his story took an unexpected turn. The dance floor wasn't the final destination; it was a stepping stone. Waters discovered a latent passion for songwriting and singing while immersed in the world of touring artists. Armed with a portable setup, he began crafting his musical narrative, using dance as an entry point to a broader realm of creative expression.
Navigating the turbulent waters of the music industry, Waters faced setbacks and empty promises. Just as the curtain was about to fall, a serendipitous journey to Los Angeles in 2023 changed the narrative. Enter Donn Robb, a legendary Chicago executive producer with credits that read like a who's who of contemporary music.
Under Robb's mentorship, Waters found his artistic anchor. The duo worked on projects that organically found a home on TikTok, solidifying their bond. The culmination of this collaboration led to Waters becoming the flagship artist on Robb's newly minted label, The Groove Garden.
As 2024 unfolds, Leo Waters stands on the brink of a musical revelation. His latest track, "Smoke + Mirrors," teases a sonic experience that has already left an indelible mark with millions of impressions. Co-signed by industry titans like SZA, Waters is set to carve his space in the R&B realm. With three mixtapes and an album in the pipeline, Leo Waters is not just making music; he's choreographing a rhythmic journey into the heart of his artistry.
LUNA: Congrats on your new track “Smoke + Mirrors”! Can you share a bit about the inspiration behind the song?
LEO WATERS: Thank you! I wrote the song about that nostalgic feeling you get every once and awhile when you've been dating your partner for awhile and reminisce about the first time you met, kissed, etc.
LUNA: Your journey into the music industry took an unexpected turn from professional dancing to singing and songwriting. How did this transition happen, and how has your background in dance influenced your approach to music?
LEO WATERS: I've always been a performer and did a bit of everything, For me, it was what is going to get me the furthest to my goal first and that just happened to be the order it happened in. I will say, I've listened to so much music through dance. It's given me a better idea of how I like to write and where I want my style to go.
LUNA: Having worked with artists like Da Baby and Coi Leray, what are some key lessons you've learned from your experiences as a backup dancer that you're now applying to your music career?
LEO WATERS: Confidence. More than anything the people I've worked with in a dance capacity at this level, etc - they know what they want and what have a sonic and brand identity. It's made me realize and if I keep working hard and continue operating doing what I believe in - things will start to click.
LUNA: You've faced challenges with false starts in the industry before finding a mentor in Donn Robb. How has this partnership impacted your creative process, and what insights has Donn Robb shared that have been crucial for your development as an artist?
LEO WATERS: Being with Donn Robb in this short amount of time I’ve learned a lot, but one thing that he said really stuck with me he said “You have to be ready and willing to sacrifice for what you want and put in the work because talent just isn’t enough.”
LUNA: Being the first signing to The Groove Garden, how do you feel this label supports your artistic vision, and what sets it apart from other labels in the industry?
LEO WATERS: Donn Robb is someone who has worked with some of the biggest artists and has been with them from the beginning, crafting their sound, building their story, watering their vision. I want someone working with me that sees the big picture and is in it for the long game. I want to be a career artist, not someone that comes and goes. I know building takes time and I'm in it for the long run.
LUNA: Your music has gained traction on platforms like TikTok. How do you navigate the intersection of social media and music creation?
LEO WATERS: I don't think social media is everything, and I never, ever want to be seen as a Tik Tok artist. Tik Tok is a tool and an amazing marketing platform that can be used to help with storytelling. I use it as that, and I'm down to continue using it for that purpose.
LUNA: You've gotten co-signs from industry heavyweights. How does such recognition and support influence your confidence and approach to your upcoming projects?
LEO WATERS: I'm so humbled by it. I'm grateful that people see what I'm building and most importantly - are fans of the music. I hope someday I can be at the level where I can work with these people as well. All of this makes me want to work harder.
LUNA: With multiple mixtapes and an album in the works, how would you describe the overall theme or journey that listeners can expect from your upcoming releases?
LEO WATERS: I think the overall theme of what I'm talking about is the journey of trying to find myself coming out of Tampa. Tampa is a city - but it feels small and very few people leave Tampa and have successful careers in music.
LUNA: What are you most looking forward to in 2024?
LEO WATERS: Showing the world who I am and establishing myself as an artist that's here to stay.
