Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I’m a Scottish pop singer-songwriter, disability advocate and event producer. Growing up, I tried really hard to fit in with the crowd, but I think what makes you different in life should be embraced. Since I can remember, I’ve always turned to music to express myself and try to make sense of the world. Life is never linear, as I’ve rediscovered parts of myself, my sound has evolved. Truth is, I often struggle to find a balance, although I have a strong sense of self and what I want to achieve in my career. I think it’s a very normal thing to want to find stability and it’s always important to remember the ‘why’ you do what you do. After the past few years of facing health battles and anxiety, and now being in a place where I’m more consistently releasing music, I’m realizing how important it is for you to be your biggest cheerleader.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Daniel leckerman”?
A: I’m really fortunate to have been able to spend a lot of time in London making connections and gaining loads of industry experience. Now being back in Scotland, I’ve really been reconnecting with my roots and expanding my reach. My music is deeply intertwined with my advocacy and community building, and I have lots of friends in the industry who really support that. I want my music to uplift people and even with the relatively small following I currently have, I’ve been super focused on community and using my platform to bring folk together. I recently joined as a producer with Sofar Sounds Glasgow, and it’s such a pleasure to help curate intimate shows that showcase emerging talent in the city I’m from. It’s also great to be leading The Harmony Dialogue, promoting accessibility in Scotland’s music industry. When it comes to my artistry, I am starting to get louder and more confident with my branding, especially for new music coming out later this year. I am also putting more energy towards performing and creating bolder content. For anyone about to discover me, welcome and I hope you follow along.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: There are lots of amazing artists that inspire me on the daily. I have always been a huge Demi Lovato fan. Julia Michaels is one of my favorite songwriters. A lot of people say I sound like Years and Years and Troye Sivan. I find inspiration mainly through my own lived experience, feeling lost and found, and the TV also, entertainment is crucial for inspiration for me.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Cold Feet.”?
A: Cold Feet is by far the most personal song I’ve written yet. It’s understanding my limits and not letting my thoughts override what my body is trying to tell me. While “cold feet” is often used to describe hesitation or the urge to back out, it also relates to my experience of having health anxiety and a neuromuscular condition, which can cause fluctuations in temperature in the extremities, particularly the feet.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Tasty
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Cold Feet”?
A: I actually did many takes trying to get the vocals right, because the song is vocally testing my range a bit. I’ve never recorded such lower vocals before, in the verse 1. I wrote the song with the intention of having a big and unexpected chorus to reflect the feeling of a release moment. I also didn’t want to directly mention the phrases ‘chronic pain’ and ‘health anxiety’ in the lyrics, but I think the title ‘cold feet’ and it could mean different things to different people. It has physical and mental associations, so I wanted to lean into that, whilst still keeping authentic to my story.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I want my music to help people be proud to be themselves. As an artist, I’ve been getting more recognition across the UK, across all the different roles I have in the industry, and I definitely see that growing and see myself performing on bigger stages. I think I bring a really unique perspective and sound that more and more people are gravitating towards.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Madonna
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Fake it till you make it. You gotta be the change you want to see. And don’t hold back.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: The industry isn’t made easy for someone like you especially, so step into your power and know your worth, there will always be room for you and never give up.
