Leon Thomas is Keeping R&B Alive
Leon Thomas’ “Electric Dusk” Cover Art
Leon Thomas’ debut album, “Electric Dusk” is the perfect reminder that R&B is still alive. The singer-songwriter released his highly anticipated 12-track album last month including lead singles like “Breaking Point” which seamlessly blends melody with emotion by offering listeners an immersive experience into the intricacies of love, heartbreak and vulnerability. Each note feels like a paintbrush stroke, as Thomas creates a mural with his melodies.
Prior to the release of “Electric Dusk,” Thomas made a name for himself as a prominent songwriter and producer, working with artists like Drake, SZA, Ariana Grande, Snoh Alegra, Post Malone, Ella Mai, Kehlani, Giveon, 6LACK, and Coco Jones. In 2014, the artist won his first Grammy for writing credits on BabyFace and Toni Braxton’s joint album, “Love, Marriage & Divorce.” Most recently, Thomas’ producing and songwriting skills gained attention through his work on Drake’s 2021 album, “Certified Lover Boy” and “Snooze” on SZA’s album, “SOS,” which reached #1 on Billboard R&B song charts.
The truth is, Leon Thomas has been that guy, and his album “Electric Dusk” is just what he needs to finally get the recognition he deserves. In a press conference hosted by Universal Music Group and °1824, Thomas spoke to FOCUS Magazine on the timing of the album saying, “After working on “Certified Lover Boy,” I knew here’s another shot for me. It was a really good momentous moment. I knew that there were gonna be a lot of eyes on my page and on what I’m doing next.” Thomas went on to share what can be referred to as the “Drake effect” within the music industry and suddenly getting calls from “labels who had pretended like I wasn’t who I am.” In 2022, Thomas signed a deal with Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records in partnership with Motown Records as their first signee. “It took a minute, but we made it happen,” said Thomas.
There’s no better way for the “Breaking Point” singer to reintroduce himself than through this album, which he not only wrote but also produced. Thomas shared that his writing process allows him to share his deepest emotions to include in a track. He said, “I think when it’s for myself I need to really dig deep and find some of those uncomfortable things I wouldn't say on a first date but I’d have to sing for the whole world.” Listening to the album, you can hear how much thought and detail was put into every aspect of each song. It is blissfully intentional and frank unlike any other music out right now and marks a significant milestone in his career. From ballads like “Crash and Burn” to sultry tracks like “Sneak,” Thomas encapsulates his dynamic soundscape and showcases his versatility. “Electric Dusk,” named after the iconic LA drive-in theater, has created the type of music R&B has been yearning for. He’s somehow created a song for every feeling and every scenario.
This fall, he joins Ty Dolla $ign on the “MORE MOTION LESS EMOTION” tour and fans will have an opportunity to hear his music live. As the opening act, Thomas is looking forward to connecting with fans in a new way. He said, “I want it to be intimate in a way. I’m not gonna have all the bells and whistles so I really want them to just understand what these songs mean to me.” Thomas’ advice to up and coming R&B artists is to “write their life. Share a story about what’s going on in your life, who are you dating, what’s wrong, what’s right.” He adds, “Those are the things every human being can relate to.”
The Brooklyn native has done much more than just add a breath of fresh air into the new age of R&B; this album reintroduces Thomas to the world and reminds everyone why we need to stop sleeping on him. Thomas calls himself “a vivid storyteller in every field” and wants fans to use “Electric Dusk” as a way to understand him better. He believes that music is an exchange of energy and a way to connect. Whether you're cruising in your car, crushing real bad, or recovering from a tough breakup, this album has a song for you. This album has no skips, but here are a few of our favorites: