Leyo Delivers His Debut Album Via Cécille Records This September Featuring Collabs With Toman And Thierry Ganz

Dutch artist LEYO is stepping into the spotlight with his debut album, "HELLO," released under Cécille Records. Based out of Amersfoort in the Netherlands, LEYO's project marks a significant milestone in his career, presenting a unique blend of soulful electro-pop, funk-infused disco, raw house, and sun-drenched lounge cuts. With a full band setup and collaborations with notable artists like Toman and Thierry Ganz, this album showcases LEYO’s depth of musical influences and his journey toward a distinct sound.

Choosing Cécille Records: A Perfect Match

Joining the Cécille Records family was a natural choice for LEYO, who was drawn to the label’s impressive recent releases. "It was actually the first label I pitched this LP/Album to, and they were so excited that I didn’t even consider shopping around," LEYO explains. The support from label heads Marc and Nick was instrumental in shaping the album, pushing LEYO to elevate his music to the next level. "Marc and Nick have been incredibly supportive, providing honest feedback that really pushed the LP to another level. Their enthusiasm and guidance were super motivating," he adds, emphasizing how crucial their input was during the creative process.

Roots and Influences: A Blend of Cultures

LEYO’s music is deeply influenced by his roots, with his mother hailing from Surinam in South America. Although the album doesn’t directly incorporate Latin or African sounds, the essence of these rhythms is woven into LEYO’s approach to music. "The soul and funkyness of Latin and African rhythms run through my veins," LEYO shares. This cultural heritage, combined with his love for Deep House, Chicago House, and Disco, creates a unique sonic palette that defines his sound.

A History of Success: From Yellow Claw to Bizzey

Before launching the LEYO project, he was already making waves in the music scene under different aliases. LEYO started his career with Jim and Nils from Yellow Claw, experiencing massive success and performing at renowned venues and festivals worldwide. "At some point, the sound didn’t inspire me anymore, and around the same time, my son was born. So I wanted to spend more time at home, that’s why I started a solo career in the Netherlands under the name ‘Bizzey,’ which has been going pretty well," LEYO reflects.

The Birth of LEYO: Expanding Musical Horizons

The LEYO project was inspired by a desire to broaden his musical range and a deep admiration for artists like Toman and ANOTR. Their innovative approach to house music resonated with LEYO, encouraging him to explore new dimensions of sound. His debut album, "HELLO," is a testament to this exploration, blending different genres and influences to create a cohesive and captivating body of work.

Collaborations That Shine

“HELLO” features several intriguing collaborations, including the track “That Booty” with Toman and multiple tracks with Thierry Ganz, whose soulful voice adds a distinct flavor to the album. LEYO discovered Thierry through Instagram, and their shared Surinamese roots created an instant connection. "Thierry and I share the same roots (Surinam), which creates a special chemistry both personally and musically," LEYO explains. In the studio, LEYO worked closely with Martijn from Noisia (NSR), guitarist Memru, keyboardist Darin G, and synth specialist 3DDY, bringing a diverse range of talents together to craft the album’s unique sound.

Crafting the Album: A Seven-Month Journey

The production of "HELLO" was a seven-month journey, culminating just a month before its release. LEYO and his team locked themselves in the studio, letting their instincts guide the creative process. "We went on a retreat with all the musicians and started jamming to the songs we had. We used the best material from those sessions and let go of what wasn’t needed," LEYO recalls. The result is a final product that is both refined and authentic, a true reflection of LEYO's artistic vision.

Tracks That Hold Special Meaning

Among the tracks on "HELLO," “Know Your Name” stands out as the foundational song that shaped the direction of the entire album. Another highlight is “That Booty,” a collaboration with Toman that brought validation and confidence to the project. "These moments were key moments for us, because every song was a way for us to express our form of art," LEYO notes, underscoring the personal and artistic significance of these tracks.

The LEYO Sound and Message

LEYO describes his sound as a fusion of Deep House, Chicago House, Disco, and a sprinkle of slap funk. His aim is to communicate a message of creativity, freedom, and cultural contribution through his music. With a goal of playing 90% of his own tracks during performances, LEYO is committed to sharing his unique sound with the world.

Future Aspirations: Leaving a Legacy

Looking ahead, LEYO’s ambitions are clear. "I want to become a household name in the industry, headline major events, and, most importantly, contribute meaningfully to the culture. I want to leave a legacy through my art," he shares. His passion for music and his drive to push boundaries ensure that LEYO is on the path to achieving these goals.

Personal Insights: What Inspires LEYO

In his free time, LEYO enjoys listening to a wide range of music, from Reggae and Disco to Deep House and Reggaeton. His eclectic taste in music influences his sound and keeps his creative juices flowing. One of his all-time favorite releases is Kanye West’s "The Life of Pablo," particularly the track "Waves," which has had a significant impact on his artistic development.

The Perfect Day: Family and Festivals

For LEYO, a perfect day off involves spending quality time with his family and then headlining a vibrant festival in the woods, delivering an electrifying two-hour set. This balance between personal life and professional passion is what drives LEYO to keep creating and performing at the highest level.

A Visionary Artist

As described by his best friend, "Leyo is a visionary in the studio, blending his marketing expertise with a thug passion for music. He can transform what he feels into something you can vibe on in a jiffy. His creative and dance floor energy is contagious—he’s always experimenting with new sounds, pushing boundaries, and finding ways to make each piece unique." With the release of "HELLO," LEYO is set to make a significant impact on the music scene, and this debut album is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.

Get 'Hello' Now On Beatport