LÉON

**Lotta Lindgren** (born 26 February 1993), known by her stage name **LÉON**, is a Swedish singer and songwriter born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden. LÉON's career as an international pop artist began with the release of the single "Tired of Talking" on SoundCloud in July 2015. She currently releases under her own independent label LL Entertainment and is managed by Dream Artists. To date, LÉON has released three extended plays and three full-length albums.

## Career

### Early life

LÉON was born in Stockholm, Sweden in 1993. She comes from a musical family: her mother is a cellist and her father is a composer and conductor. LÉON began writing songs at eight years old, and began producing by age 10. One of the first songs LÉON recalls writing is a song called "As I Am With You," which she performed in front of her whole school. She described the song as "corny."

Before pursuing music, LÉON has stated that she used to be a waitress.

She officially began her musical career as front-woman of eponymous soul group The Lotta Lindgren Project in her teens before embarking on a solo career with producing partner Agrin Rahmani in 2015. She has cited Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Beyoncé, Etta James, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Adele, Norah Jones, Monica Zetterlund, Robyn, and Stevie Knicks as musical inspirations.

LÉON has stated that she chose the name "LÉON" because she wanted something more androgynous for her musician pseudonym. She claimed she had the name in mind for her future son, but decided to take the name for herself instead. In a 2019 interview she jokingly said: "I didn't want to use my real name [Lotta], just because it's very Swedish. [...] It's me and the 90-year-old ladies."

### 2015–2017: *Treasure*, *For You*, & *Surround Me*

LÉON dropped her debut single "Tired of Talking" on Soundcloud in July 2015. It gained immediate attention, earning praise from the music executive and producer Chris Anokute and getting a mention by the singer Katy Perry, who tweeted "she's one to watch!" The song went viral, receiving millions of plays on streaming platforms. LÉON signed with Columbia Records and embarked on her first major headlining tour across the US and Europe in February 2016.

"Think About You" was released on 21 October 2016 as the follow-up lead single for her second EP, *For You*. The full project dropped five months later in March 2017, with "Liar" and "Sleep Deprived" also serving as singles. LÉON's second headlining tour across the US and Europe kicked off in January 2017.

In December 2016, LÉON partnered with Spotify to release her Spotify Singles, which featured a new recording of "Think About You" and a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams."

*Surround Me* was released in October 2017 with three singles, "Surround Me," "Body," and "I Believe In Us." In September 2017, LÉON embarked on the Surround Me Tour, with special guest Wrabel.

### 2018–2019: *LÉON*

LÉON's first full-length album, titled *LÉON*, was released in March 2019 as the first release under her own independent label LÉON Recordings via BMG. The album's release was preceded by the singles "Baby Don't Talk," "Falling," and the breakout song "You And I." The album's fourth and final single, "Come Home To Me," was released alongside the album.

To promote the album, LÉON embarked on the You And I Tour, her fourth headlining and first major international tour, playing shows across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US. During this time, LÉON also performed as an opener for Louis The Child's Here For Now Tour.

### 2020–2021: *Apart*

LÉON returned in February 2020 with the midtempo acoustic "In a Stranger's Arms," which served as the lead single off her sophomore studio album, followed by four more singles, including "And It Breaks My Heart" and "Head And Heart On Fire."

*Apart* was officially released on 30 October 2020. Created in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the album was recorded and produced from start to finish in her hometown of Stockholm, with an old-time collaborator and friend, Martin Stilling.

The album received generally favorable reviews and went on to be nominated for Alternative Pop of the Year at the Grammis Awards in June 2021.

In May 2021, LÉON collaborated with Jonas Blue on the dance house single "Hear Me Say," which quickly amassed millions of plays on streaming platforms.

### 2021–2022: *Circles*

In September 2021, the midtempo lead single “Dancer” was released, alongside its official music video. She followed up with three more singles: '80s drivetime classic "Soaked," lullaby-esque "Fade Into A Dream," and ballad "Wishful Thinking." It was at this time her label was renamed to LL Entertainment, which she currently releases under.

It was initially reported by Plaza Kvinna that LÉON's third studio album, *Circles*, would release in February 2022, but later LÉON revealed to ELLE Sweden that it would actually be released in March 2022.

*Circles* was officially released on 4 March 2022 and marked the second major collaborative release with Martin Stilling. The supporting Fade Into A Dream Tour kicked off in May 2022 and ended in August later that year.

The album was nominated for Alternative Pop of the Year at the 2023 Grammis Awards, marking her second career nomination since 2021.

### 2023–present: *L4*

In August 2023, LÉON announced her return and official start of her fourth studio album with "Pretty Boy," which was released 18 August 2023. This release also marked LÉON's departure from BMG and is her first official release as a fully independent artist. "Pretty Boy" was followed up by single "Dirt," which was released 10 November 2023.

## Discography

Main article: Discography
**EPs**

* *Treasure* (2015)
* *For You* (2017)
* *Surround Me* (2017)

**Albums**

* *LÉON* (2019)
* *Apart* (2020)
* *Circles* (2022)
* *L4*\* (TBD)

### Headlining

* US + European Tour (2016)
* US + European Tour (2017)
* Surround Me Tour (2017)
* You And I Tour (2019)
* Fade Into A Dream Tour (2022)

### Supporting

* Here For Now Tour (Louis The Child) (2019)

## External Links

**Social Media**

* LÉON's Twitter
* LÉON's Instagram
* LÉON's Facebook

**Music**

* Spotify
* Apple Music
* Amazon Music
* Tidal
* Deezer

**LÉON Charts**

* LÉON Charts Carrd

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Nordstrom, Leigh. “Swedish Pop Singer Léon on Katy Perry, Heartbreak and Her First Tour.” *WWD*, 28 Apr. 2016, wwd.com/eye/people/leon-sweden-pop-music-katy-perry-heartbreak-touring-10418074.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Schwartz, Alexandra. “Get to Know LÉON, the Swedish Pop Star Katy Perry Called ‘One to Watch.’” *Glamour*, 27 Apr. 2016, www.glamour.com/story/get-to-know-leon-the-swedish-pop-star-katy-perry-called-one-to-watch.
3. ↑ “Dream Artists.” *Dream Artists*, dreamartists.xyz.
4. ↑ Osenlund, Kurt. “Léon Is the Finest Swedish Pop Export Since Robyn.” *Document Journal*, 6 June 2019, www.documentjournal.com/2019/06/leon-is-the-finest-swedish-pop-export-since-robyn.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Jardsdotter, Rebecca. *Plaza Kvinna*. Dec. 2021.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Leight, Elias. “Léon, Sweden’s Next Big Thing, Is Ready for Her Album to Drop.” *Vogue*, 7 Aug. 2016, www.vogue.com/article/leon-interview-new-album-tired-of-talking.
7. ↑ Billboard Staff. “Swedish Soul-Pop Singer LÉON Readies Her Debut Album, 3 Years After Going Viral.” *Billboard*, 17 Oct. 2018, www.billboard.com/music/pop/leon-swedish-pop-debut-album-interview-8480437/amp.
8. ↑ Notion Staff. “Firsts with LÉON.” *Notion*, 4 Mar. 2022, notion.online/firsts-with-leon.
9. ↑ Banks, Emma. “Premiere: ‘Body’ by LÉON.” *Milk*, 24 Aug. 2017, web.archive.org/web/20200805102322/https://milk.xyz/articles/premiere-body-by-leon.
10. ↑ Barna, Ben. “Song Premiere: LÉON’s ‘Nobody Cares.’” *Nylon*, 24 Aug. 2015, www.nylon.com/articles/song-premiere-leon-nobody-cares.
11. ↑ Mercuri, Monica. “LÉON Talks Debut Album And Starting Her Own Record Label With BMG.” *Forbes*, 5 Mar. 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/monicamercuri/2019/03/05/leon-talks-debut-album-and-starting-her-own-record-label-with-bmg/amp.
12. ↑ Geslani, Michelle. “Sweden’s LÉON Shares the Origins of Her New Song, ‘I Believe In Us’: Stream.” *Consequence*, 14 Sept. 2017, consequence.net/2017/09/swedens-leon-shares-the-origins-of-her-new-song-i-believe-in-us-stream.
13. ↑ Fombelle, Corinne. “Q&A with Swedish Singer LÉON.” *Vanderbilt Hustler*, 13 Feb. 2017, web.archive.org/web/20170421141834/http://vanderbilthustler.com/ac/qa-with-swedish-singer-leon.html.
14. ↑ Cusumano, Katherine. “Exclusive Music Video Premiere: Léon Braves the Elements in ‘Léon’s Lullaby.’” *W Magazine*, 7 Oct. 2016, www.wmagazine.com/story/exclusive-music-video-premiere-leon-braves-the-elements-in-leons-lullaby.
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Bergado, Gabe. “LÉON’s Dreamy Ballads and Bright Bops Will Give You All the Feels.” *Teen Vogue*, 26 Apr. 2019, www.teenvogue.com/story/leon-come-home-to-me.
16. ↑ B-Sides. “Léon Talks ‘Live From The Village’ EP, Stage Name Origins.” *YouTube*, uploaded by bsidestv, 9 June 2019, www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWC\_MECerM8&feature=youtu.be.
17. ↑ Conner, Shawn. “Swedish Singing Sensation Léon Isn’t Tired of Talking about Music, Touring and ABBA.” *Vancouver Sun*, 2 May 2019, vancouversun.com/entertainment/local-arts/swedish-singing-sensation-leon-isnt-tired-of-talking-about-music-touring-and-abba.
18. ↑ Briones, Isis. “Léon’s New Song ‘Think About You’ Is Officially Here.” *Teen Vogue*, 21 Oct. 2016, www.teenvogue.com/story/leon-think-about-you-video-premiere.
19. ↑ Skope. “LÉON Releases ‘For You’ EP Today.” *Skope Magazine*, 3 Mar. 2017, skopemag.com/2017/03/03/leon-releases-for-you-ep-today.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 “LÉON Tour Dates.” *Bandsintown*, www.bandsintown.com/a/17932-leon. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.
21. ↑ LÉON. “Spotify Singles.” *Spotify*, 30 Nov. 2016, open.spotify.com/album/3Kvg9h8w3OMPNkDISwcal8?si=zayks\_KZRO6uyILpyUvj6w&nd=1.
22. ↑ Caminiti, Kasey. “Swedish Soul Singer Léon Opens Up.” *DuJour*, 10 Nov. 2017, dujour.com/culture/interview-with-swedish-singer-leon-ep-surround-me.
23. ↑ TotalNtertainment. “LÉON Releases Debut Album and Video for ‘You And I.’” *TotalNtertainment*, 21 Feb. 2019, www.totalntertainment.com/music/leon-releases-debut-album-video-for-you-and-i.
24. ↑ Nied, Mike. “LÉON Talks Colorful Debut Album, ‘Want You Back,’ and More: Interview.” *Idolator*, 5 Mar. 2019, www.idolator.com/7714495/leon-interview-album-touring.
25. ↑ Bein, Kat. “Louis the Child Shares ‘Too Close’ With Wrabel, Announces Fall 2019 Tour.” *Billboard*, 12 Aug. 2019, www.billboard.com/music/music-news/louis-the-child-too-close-wrabel-here-for-now-2019-tour-8527218.
26. ↑ Smith, Emily. “LÉON Finds Love Again ‘In a Stranger’s Arms.’” *Ones to Watch*, 10 Feb. 2020, www.onestowatch.com/en/blog/leon-in-a-strangers-arms.
27. ↑ TotalNtertainment. “LÉON Releases New Single ‘And It Breaks My Heart.’” *TotalNtertainment*, 26 June 2020, www.totalntertainment.com/music/leon-releases-new-single-and-it-breaks-my-heart.
28. ↑ Wass, Mike. “LÉON’s ‘Apart’ LP Takes Shape With ‘Head And Heart On Fire.’” *Idolator*, 21 Sept. 2020, www.idolator.com/7914688/leons-apart-lp-takes-shape-with-head-and-heart-on-fire.
29. ↑ Crone, Madeline. “LÉON Gets A Lot Off Her Chest On ‘Apart.’” *American Songwriter*, 30 Oct. 2020, americansongwriter.com/apart-leon-album-interview.
30. ↑ “LÉON.” *Facebook*, www.facebook.com/itsleonmusic/posts/happy-to-share-this-little-live-version-i-did-of-who-you-lovin-with-some-friends/1816111088527358. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.
31. ↑ Sahai, Fred. “LÉON Faces Isolation on ‘Apart.’” *PAPER*, 30 Oct. 2020, www.papermag.com/leon-apart-2648552455.html.
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 “2021 Archives.” *Grammisgalan*, grammis.se/nominated\_year/2021. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.
33. ↑ Beamish, Ben. “Jonas Blue Teams Up With LÉON To Share Uplifting House Single ‘Hear Me Say.’” *CULTR*, 3 June 2021, www.cultr.com/news/jonas-blue-teams-up-with-leon-to-share-uplifting-house-single-hear-me-say.
34. ↑ “SONG: LÉON – ‘Dancer.’” *Scandipop*, 11 Sept. 2021, scandipop.co.uk/song-leon-dancer.
35. ↑ “SONG: LÉON – ‘Soaked.’” *Scandipop*, 24 Oct. 2021, scandipop.co.uk/song-leon-soaked.
36. ↑ “LÉON Releases New Single, ‘Fade Into A Dream.’” *Rock N Load*, 4 Dec. 2021, rocknloadmag.com/news/leon-releases-new-single-fade-into-a-dream.
37. ↑ Skoog, Helena. “Skivaktuella Léon föddes med musiken i blodet.” *ELLE Sverige*, 11 Jan. 2022, www.elle.se/noje/elle-moter-superstjarnan-lon/8157987.
38. ↑ Grammis. “Här Är Årets Nominerade Till Grammis 2023 - Grammis.” *Grammis*, 7 Mar. 2023, grammis.se/news/har-ar-arets-nominerade-till-grammis-2023.
39. ↑ Grammis. “Här Är Årets Nominerade Till Grammis 2023 - Grammis.” *Grammis*, 7 Mar. 2023, grammis.se/news/har-ar-arets-nominerade-till-grammis-2023.