Leah Capelle "I'm Not Ready" live at Valley Doll Festival
We got the chance to talk to indie rock artist Leah Capelle & premiere her live performance video “I’m Not Ready” from Valley Doll Festival. Leah graces us with a strong message of body positivity in her new “Settle Down” music video that makes us feel vulnerable and powerful all at the same time.
You recently released a powerful music video for “Settle Down,” did you feel empowered creating it? How did the concept come about?
Shooting that video was one of the most terrifying, vulnerable, and empowering things I've ever done. Nudity was a natural choice for the concept, but I had never done something that bold in a music video before. Also, in the past, I've featured my band and other extras in my visual content – providing an opportunity for the camera to cut away from me for a few seconds at a time and create more dynamics in the story. However, this 4 and a half minute video solely features me on camera with very few cutaways – thus meaning my performance had to be impeccable to portray the emotion of the song. When I saw the first cut, I cried. I was so proud of my team and of myself for being able to pull something that risky off in a way that was sensitive to the subject matter without being exploitive. The concept was developed by myself and my creative team Chisel Pixel. We wanted the video to be very simple but powerful, hence the emphasis on me alone and the single location. We decided the paint cans should each have a custom label with controlling statements that have been said to me at some point in my life, but that could also be applied across the broader female-identifying experience. The plastic sheet, white cyc, and paint meltdown are all meant to represent the confines of my mind, and feeling trapped by the expectations placed on me by others – and ultimately, myself.
You have tons of great new music coming – are you as proud of your old music as you are your new?
I am proud of the older catalogue for different reasons than my new material, but yes of course I am! It's always a trip to go back and listen to my old music. I've had the incredible privilege to work with some amazing producers, musicians, and collaborators over the year that helped shape the artist I am today. It's clear in listening to my catalogue, from my first self-titled EP to my most recently released EP giants, that I have grown exponentially as both a songwriter and musician. That said, every time I write a song, I get a little better. So in general, I think a lot of my new material is stronger song-wise as I get ~older and wiser,~ and as I really refine what my sound is.
You just graduated college... how did you balance creating, releasing and playing with school work?
It was not easy, let me tell you. During my time at USC, I was also working a job in the film industry while pursuing my career in music. Trying to give 100% of myself to three different, very intense paths was difficult. I was told by many people that I would ultimately burn out and my performance would suffer in all three categories. I did experience a good bit of burn out, but was still able to get through my school workload, and my work workload without too much of a meltdown. My career did suffer a bit, though. I wasn't playing as many shows or spending as much time writing as I would have liked, which ultimately contributed to a few existentialist meltdowns along the way. That said, I'm so grateful for all the opportunities that were presented to me while both in school and working, and I wouldn't trade the lessons I've learned over the last few years for anything.
What non-traditional, non-award based career achievements meant the most to you?
When I can touch the core of another human being through my music, I am fulfilled. Whether someone is singing along with me, laughing along with me, or (most often) crying along with me, that's when I know I have chosen the right path. There are little moments when performing live that I can sense the entire audience is along for the ride with me, regardless of who or what I'm singing about, and those moments are by far the most rewarding career achievements I can imagine.
Which period of the history of popular music is most similar to the music you make?
It has certainly changed over the last few years, but as of now I would say primarily a mix of 90s Alternative, Pop-Rock, and Singer-Songwriter. I do have a few folk songs that hearken back to folk's formative years in the 60s and 70s, and some of the songs on my upcoming project have a whisper of 80s production. But largely, I feel that my new music is pretty contemporary!
Any new shows, releases coming up? Fill us in!
Yes I do have new shows! Tonight at Schubas Tavern in Chicago opening for Knox Hamilton, 6/28 at Bottom Lounge in Chicago with Werewolves at Hour 30 & Polish Gifts, 6/29 at Summerfest headlining the Emerging Artists Stage, 7/6 for SoFar Chicago, 7/20 at Two Old Hippies in Nashville for Summer NAMM, and finally 8/14 headlining the Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles.
I’m releasing two singles this summer, so stay tuned for more info!
I also just released my first official merch, see more on my Instagram @leahcapelle