On the label’s latest, Boyanza welcomes back global cosmonaut Leo Leonski into the fold, who brings his signature blend of charming melodies, late-night driving progressions, and overall effervescence with full effect….

Leonski has always prided himself on curating a sound that skips to the beat of his travels, and that is very much reflected in the breadth and diversity contained within his discography. Originally hailing from Switzerland but now based in Mexico City, Leonski is a devotee of the iconic fusion between dance music and a myriad of playful music styles, with great emphasis placed upon live instrumentation to convey rhythm and mood – think House paired with Afro-Funk, Latin rhythms, New Wave/proto-disco synths and vocal performances. 

‘After Dark’ is the newest addition to his captivating body of work, continuing his exploration of bold 80s-style synth and drum work. Inspired heavily by cruising around the city of Los Angeles, the track embodies the city’s incessant hum and captivating ambience, with an intoxicating array of pinks and purples providing the backdrop to a night of adventure. 

Following the release, Leo stopped by for a chat about his Mexican influences, the new EP, his next projects, and more!

WWD: Hey Leo, How are you today? What’s happening in your world at the moment?

Right now I’m sitting in Berlin, life is good, it’s pretty hot outside and summer is full on fire. Dinner and drinks around town outside, long summer nights 🙂

WWD: You just released ‘After Dark’ on Boyanza…What was it that attracted you to the label and how did the collaboration come about?

I guess when I recorded the song a while ago, it came with a certain ambience of my own experiences in Los Angeles, California back then. For me it was clear that I wanna release this song on a non-european label, somehow. More towards the west, where the feeling of the sound would be more reflected, as I describe in the song, pink and purple sundowns. The Mexican label Boyanza felt pretty much a fit with it then, as they have a lot of underground and independent music on top.

WWD: Where was the record made? Can you expand on some of the notable gear/plugins you used on this?

The synth I used for some elements was in the studio in Switzerland, and some of the vocals I first started in Mexico with a pretty crappy microphone, basically on the road, just to catch the idea. I had to re-record those then as well in the studio eventually.

But, the lyrics were written all over the place, in airplanes or back at home one day as they were an inspiration from LA trips back then 🙂

WWD: Can you describe the connection between your music and your Mexican roots, and how they continue to influence your music today?‍

Oh yea, for sure. Mexico has, of course, a lot of latin sounds and elements, which I adore and reflect in many songs of mine. But also it’s interesting, they have a big dark disco and indie dance movement all over, which for sure was influential for me as well over the years being based there.

In general, I would say musicwise you have a huge range especially in cities like Mexico City, where there is so much happening. From disco nights to cumbia parties or techno raves.

WWD: As a producer, what message do you hope to convey through your music? What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to again and again in your work?

Especially now with my last release ‘After Dark’ I think it was important to me to show people diversity in music. Don’t stick to just one vibe or sound over and over. This song really came from my heart, reflecting experiences and then on top working with my own voice.

I think it’s important nowadays to do your own unique stuff, and play around with it, instead of just downloading the same sample packs online like everyone else and do the same stuff.

WWD: Give us some other producers we should be listening to right now?

I think the guys from Maccabi House make really fun stuff right now, bouncy and funky house music. Definitely something worth listening to!

WWD: What’s next for you? Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works? Are there any new directions or sounds you’re exploring in your music right now?

I have a new release coming soon late Fall/Winter on Anims Records from Barcelona. This one will be more pushy and dancefloor sound, but I’m super excited.

Also, mid September I’ll probably release a new EP as well on my own label Night Heat, some latin house stuff and Brazilian favela funk elements in it 🙂

WWD: Finally, which are the three records that you’ve been putting in your bag recently without hesitating?

Honestly, as much as I try to dig for new things around the globe, I catch myself a lot as well strolling through my old folders and looking for fun underground classics that I haven’t played in ages. Always brings back good memories and people love to hear… let’s say new old stuff?

WWD: Oldies but goodies, as they say! Thanks for the chat 🙂

The ‘After Dark’ EP is available here