Daily Discovery is a feature that will highlight a new or recently discovered artist that we’re excited about. See the rest of our Daily Discoveries here.
Leks (pronounced “lakes”) Rivers is a 20-year-old producer/singer from London. He started off rapping when he got into grime at a young age, and eventually he learned how to sing, play guitar and piano, and produce. “I still drop bars from time to time,” he says. “I try not to box myself in with labels because music shouldn’t be like that, you feel me? I should be allowed to do whatever the fuck I want. That’s the whole point of art.”
His song “When I’m High” is mostly driven by an upbeat, retro R&B vibe and melody, but there’s a hint of dancehall bounce, and the seriously catchy chorus kicks in like a Fat Al song. It’s clear that Leks Rivers knows how to write a hit, but it’s not totally polished, and it’s hard to say if it’s going to resonate in today’s soundscape. “I think it’s good to be misunderstood sometimes,” he says. “That usually means you’re being true to yourself, and I’m fine with that.”
Leks’ eclecticism makes a little more sense when he explains his taste in music. “I’m a huge fan of folk music,” he explains. “I think Ben Howard’s a G. I grew up listening to a lot of funk, soul, and movie soundtracks. My mum has these ottomans filled with vinyls from Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix, Otis, The Supremes, Phillipé Wynne, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin, ELO, Don Blackman… I could go on forever.”
The music he grew up on helped shape what he is today, but part of the reason he doesn’t sound like many modern artists is probably because he’s not listening to much new music. “Nowadays, my taste is kind of the same. I don’t actually listen to a lot of the music out today, because I feel like it’s so easy to unconsciously start sounding like everyone else. I literally have four songs on my iPod.”
“I’m not unaware of the really cool artists. I fucking love Azealia Banks. She is so underrated. Jai Paul is a genius. I like Jacob Lutrell, Years & Years, and Skepta. Oh, and forever Missy Elliot. She’s the G.O.A.T.”
Right now, he’s completely independent and produces all his own music, but he’s open to expansion. “My dream label has always been XL Recordings. I love the way they work over there. But deep down even if I made a grand a month and it was doing what I love with music then I’d be happy. I dream big and I’d love to be a big star doing sold out shows, arenas, tours, and I honestly think with the right team and support system, I can. I love a challenge and I’m not afraid of hard work. I’ve been working hard all my life.”
