Interview: Leon of Athens (Coffee House Sessions)

Image Credits: Press Pack

London-based Greek indie-pop star Leon of Athens will be releasing his forthcoming album Xenos, produced by David Kosten (Bat For Lashes, Marina & The Diamonds) on 9th February. Channelling a similar widescreen pop sensibility as Bastille, James Bay and M83 alongside the flamboyant beauty of Sufjan Stevens, Bright Eyes, Perfume Genius and Tame Impala, the album Xenos is a beautiful, thoughtful piece of work. It showcases just why he has become a huge live draw in Greece – where he plays to audiences in their thousands – his ever-growing fan base across Europe and his rising profile in the USA where he has just been confirmed to appear at Okeechobee Festival and South By South West in March. From the uplifting indie-pop of the singles ‘Aeroplane’ and ‘Fire Inside You’, to the dark creeping electronics of the title track and ‘Xenos’, Leon Of Athens proves himself an intriguing and exciting force.

This interview is part of a series of syndicated interviews with the artists that will take part in the Coffee House Sessions at The Courtyard, University of York, during this term.

You’d describe your music as…

Indie-pop

You’re currently listening to…

Tame Impala, Kimbra, Kendrick Lamar, Sufjan Stevens

When you’re not making music you’re…

I watch movies.

You’d like to duet with…

Florence and FKA Twigs

Who’s your guilty pleasure?

No shame, no guilt, Bee Gees and ABBA.

Dead or alive, who would you most like to grab a coffee with?

David Bowie and Bob Marley

You’re an artist because…

It’s the most magical way to connect with yourself and other people.

Vinyl, CD or Streaming…

Vinyl, no doubt!

Your party trick is…

-blank-

Your hometown is… and we should visit because…

Originally, I’m from Athens but now I live in London. You should definitely visit Athens, it’s an amazing city, sleepless at night and sunny in the morning. Not to mention the history and vibe.