By Sonia Schnee | Posted Tuesday, March 27, 2018

This Saturday, March 31st, Asbury Park rock n rollers, LEEDS, will be hitting the stage at the Wonder Bar as part of the Makin Waves 30th Anniversary celebration. LEEDS, now with two albums under their belt, are set to release a new music video, single, and tour dates. Learn about the style and inspiration behind LEEDS' hits in our interview with frontman/songwriter Connor Bracken, below.

What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now?

Connor Bracken, I am the frontman and songwriter for the band LEEDS. I'm from Old Bridge, New Jersey. Right now the band is based in Asbury Park.

Tell us about your music. How would you describe your sound? Where do you record? Who are your influences, musically?

It's always hard to describe your own music, but everything we do is based in blues and rock n roll, I guess. I just try to write the best and most interesting song that I can and let what comes naturally when I bring it to the band. Since 2016, we've been going up to the Pocono Mountains to record our records at Soundmine Recording studio with Producer/Engineer Dan Malsch. His studio is amazing, and he's such a great guy that gives us the perfect atmosphere to record. We do everything live, so we need to be in a good head space while working in the studio. That very much comes from our musical influences. This band is all about performance and actually working together as a band. I feel that is only captured when the band performs the songs live in the studio. We're currently working on the follow up to our first album with Dan at Soundmine.

What's the meaning or inspiration behind some of your songs? How do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?

Everything and anything. I try to write everyday so it's always expanding, but my favorite songs are always when I don't try to write about anything specific. I also like writing from many different points of view. I can tell a better story that way. That's what I've been trying to do. Tell stories.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get started with music? What's been your personal journey? Are there any artists, bands, or producers who you'd love to collaborate with one day?

I'm terrible when it comes to talking about myself, but I started playing for the purpose of starting a band. It's really the only reason why I wanted to play music. I wanted to write my own songs. Don't get me wrong, I have many influences, but I always wanted to create my own thing. It took a while for me to find a voice to convey what I wanted, but I think It's finally come. I can't wait to show the songs that have come out and how the band is making them sound. As far as other artists I'd want to work with? Honestly, most of the musicians I have become friends with in Asbury. This town has so much talent, and I love all the music that is being made.

What words of advice or encouragement would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar passion, or is maybe facing obstacles similar to what you've faced?

Never let anything get in your way, including yourself. Don't be afraid of starting over and reinventing yourself. If you feel you have to do something musically, don't be afraid of doing it. Also never stop practicing. A good band is constantly playing, even if there are no shows coming up.

What's next on the horizon for you? Can you tell us a little bit about your upcoming performance at the Makin Waves 30th Anniversary show?

Well, the day before the show we will be releasing a music video for a single we released a few months back, and after the show we plan on releasing a single from our latest session at Soundmine Studios. When that happens, we also plan on announcing several tour dates with another New Jersey band (VERY EXCITED FOR THIS).

For the show, we plan on bringing our absolute best. We have taken the last several months off to plan the rest of the year and work on the next record, so this will be our return to the stage since our last big show at the Wonder Bar New Years party that The Burns put together.

Finally, how can people find you online?

You can find us anywhere! Here are our links:

Website - http://www.thisistheleedswebsite.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/leeds.usa
Twitter - https://twitter.com/LEEDSROCKSUSA
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/album/2e3eX9biVc9GFvNqoEF2nC
iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-light-in-the-day/id1129393423
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ7lqojybwQ
Bandcamp - http://leedsrocksusa.bandcamp.com/