Biography
London-based Leo Kalyan’s dream-like sound is one of a kind. His distinctly soft, soulful vocals & poetic lyricism are infused with training in Indian Classical music, lilting over pulsating R&B beats that he produces himself. An unsigned, indie artist walking the line between art & activism, Leo was one of the first South-Asian musicians in the world to publicly come out as gay, and is fast becoming one of the most unique & important musical voices in Britain today.
The lead track from his Silver Linings EP, ‘Fingertips’, shot to the top of Spotify’s Global Viral Chart before being added to the BBC 1Xtra playlist. The buzz lead to sold-out London gigs, a performance on BBC Introducing’s SXSW stage & headline slot at BBC Asian Network’s 2016 Future Sounds festival.
On his follow-up Outside In EP, Leo grappled with his identity for the first time, with lead single ‘Fucked Up’ exploring how being gay & closeted strained his personal relationships. This new direction saw the Guardian name Leo one of “pop’s real rebels.”
In 2018 came ‘The Edge’, Leo’s most accomplished EP. On its release, Paper Magazine described Leo as an artist “on the edge of glory” who “makes the kind of emotionally resonant pop music that can incite positive change.” Telling personal & politically taboo stories with ferocity, the EP was BBC 1Xtra’s no.1 EP for the month, and created famous new fans including Elton John, Diplo, Ayushmann Khuranna, Maxwell & RuPaul.
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