Awir Leon releases the experimental, multifaceted new album Love You, Drink Water.
Carving his own space somewhere between electronica, alternative hip hop and indie, the French, now Amsterdam based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and producer possesses a unique sound. Topped with philosophical, soulful and emotionally raw lyricism, the solo artist showcases a multifaceted, striking and impactful identity as an artist.
Across the album, Awir Leon moves between alternative-electronic soundscapes – from tender, personal heartfelt moments to others of euphoric, synth heavy bliss. Vocally demonstrating a range from his bouncing, expressive flow to a more considered, ultra chilled and yet always strikingly emotive, honest and impactful. Often likened to James Blake, Frank Ocean, Jai Paul or Thom Yorke, Awir Leon’s otherworldly, complex, rich and moving sonic expression shines across the album’s shimmering 12 tracks.
Speaking about the album, Awir Leon explains: “My third studio LP, Love You, Drink Water is an album grounded in personal chaos, in one of these moments in life where you act impulsively, outside of the social norms, and blind to the consequences in order to find your feet. This moment that some call ‘the path of the fool’.
The title Love You, Drink Water is something my 3 year old niece told me during this period. It came out of nowhere and felt like the most caring thing anyone had ever said. This story is not why I chose this title, but it echoed like something I needed to tell myself. It’s a perfect title for this album because when I listen to these songs now, this is what I want to say to the guy singing.
Musically and lyrically I think it is my most direct album, and I think that plays off the personal also. In order to stop being destructive, I had to slow down, and peel off some layers to actually look at myself with no decoration, no armour, no excuses but also had to find a way to look at myself with some love.”
About the lead single single Neelam Stone, he continues:
“The Neelam Stone is a dark blue stone, also known as blue sapphire. It is considered one of the most powerful gemstones, thought to be able to either flourish or destroy the wearer’s life.
This song is about ambition, it’s about the grind. It’s about what gets “my eyes open like a daylight” when there’s none, and how, like the stone, ambition can better or destroy your life. It’s a nocturnal anthem to the hard workers, and a warning to do it in the right way too.”
Not only a musician but also a talented dancer, Awir toured for a decade with several international dance companies, such as Emanuel Gat Dance, before feeling the need to focus more on music. Having now toured Europe and picked up a whole host of acclaim from the likes of NOWNESS, Notion, Wonderland and The House Magazine, gaining over 1 million streams on Spotify alone, Awir Leon’s new material once again pushes boundaries, showcasing his musical maturity and cementing his place as an exciting, interesting up and comer.
The new album ‘Love You, Drink Water’ is released March 24th
Upcoming Live Dates:
Paris Philharmonie (with Amala Dianor) on July 7th and 8th 2023
Follow Awir Leon
https://www.facebook.com/awirleon