It’s as simple as this: it’s Leanna Firestone’s world, and we are just living in it!!
We have been massive Leanna Firestone fans ever since hearing ‘You Just Didn’t Like Me That Much’ on TikTok back in 2022, so getting to dissect her upcoming album with her was truly our greatest pleasure.
Pre-save The Answer here!
Hi Leanna! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! Before we jump in, can you tell our readers a bit about the kind of music you make and who you are as an artist?
Hiiii! I make music for people who have a strong inclination to female friendships, young divorcees (or even chicer, people who called off engagements), cosplayers, those apart of the GSA in high school but were unsure if they were the G or the S, former and current theatre people, fan editors, and girls who are so full of love they can’t help but be a little strange about it. I would call it lyrical, self-assured, indie pop music, and I am a person desperately clawing for connection and understanding- my music is just the medium.
‘Victory Lap,’ which acts as the opening track from your upcoming album, is officially out! Aside from this being fans’ first peek at the new record, it’s also your first song since 2024. When you’re looking at the album track list laid out, what was it about ‘Victory Lap’that made you want this to be fans’ first impressions of this era?
Victory Lap is a very singular song on the album, and in my discography as well. I wanted to make sure that my return to public consciousness was marked by a complete departure from my previous sound. A clear demonstration of the way that not only my music has evolved in the past 2 years, but that I have evolved as well. It’s about winning (because ultimately that’s what’s in store for this next era for me, fingers crossed.)
The Answer is a little over a month away. What emotions go into this last stretch of time before the music is out for everyone to hear?
Mostly anxiety if I’m honest! I am, of course, very excited to finally reveal this album I’ve been frantically working on, but I’ve yet to approach a release without feeling an impending sense of doom. I am just so passionate about this being the best thing I’ve ever made that the idea that it comes out and people are any less enthused about it than I am evokes a little bit of dread! But ultimately, no matter the reception (which always worries me), I know how I feel about this album- it has NO skips.
‘Victory Lap’ feels like a celebration of realization. Like a metaphorical and literal weight lifted. For you, did the writing process evoke any of those emotions?
Totally! I went into the writing for this song with delusion, which I’ve found often makes the best songs. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story. I have never been in a position where I saw a man who broke my heart in public, and he looked distraught, but it was fun to explore the joy that can come with loss. And also to examine how imagining that you are doing better or thriving can lead to actual healing! I feel like, in many ways, creating this song was a confidence boost, even though the story is mostly made up.
You worked with Abby Cates on ‘Victory Lap!’ What has this partnership been like? And is it present on more of The Answer as well?
I cannot sing the praises of my close friend and collaborator Abby Cates enough. I have, until this project, been mostly a lone wolf when it comes to songwriting, too scared to share the ideas that I held secret with another writer- scared they wouldn’t understand the vision or my style. I found that writing with Abby was one of the most fruitful and fulfilling creative periods of my whole career, and it also made room for a lot more fun in the actual process of making these songs. Her influence on this record (and my life) can not be overstated. Abby is all over this record- it wouldn’t exist in this form without her.
With a new album comes a new tour! What song off the new record are you most looking forward to seeing take on a new life on stage?
I really can’t wait to do ‘Town Ain’t Big Enough’ live! I haven’t embraced my country roots in quite a while. For the record, I was born, raised, and currently live in Tennessee, and this song feels like a true return to form, paying homage to the music I grew up listening to with my own girlypop spin!
Taking it back to the beginning, ‘Strawberry Mentos’ came out six (!!!!!) years ago. When you look back at who you were as an artist back then, what do you see as your biggest area of growth?
I honestly can’t believe it’s been that long! How can something feel like a lifetime ago but also yesterday? When I look at who I was then, I still have a lot in common with that girl—striving to ‘make it,’ desperately reaching toward others and begging for their love and understanding. But the main difference is that I’ve matured enough to accept it when I find it and give it to myself when I don’t. My music reflects that. Strawberry Mentos is about desiring the experience of a first real love, and the Answer is about platonic love being just as, if not more, important than any romantic love.
Before we let you go, is there any lyric from the album that you want to leave fans with that you think could be used to sum up what you’re hoping fans take with them after listening?
Trust yourself, girl! The lyric you NEED to hear is: “If I have to ask, then I already know the answer.” Your doubt is answer enough, your intuition (and a girl’s night out to commiserate) is all you really need.
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