ISSUE #43 MMUSICMAG.COM Q&A Harper Smith

LEONA LEWIS The powerhouse vocalist takes a leap of faith and records music her way

LEONA LEWIS SHOT TO STARDOM How did the record come together? phone nearby so I can wake up and record after winning the U.K. version of Simon I started making this album on my own, them. Stuff also comes to me on a plane Cowell’s The X Factor and releasing her without any guidance or anyone telling me because there are no distractions. I usually 2007 hit “Bleeding Love.” But after four what to do. I set out to make it for the sake of go into the studio with something already albums with Cowell’s Syco Music, she expressing myself. I collaborated mostly with started, and it’s more about developing parted ways with the mogul to record her fi fth [producer] Toby Gad because he was one of ideas I already have when I’m collaborating. album, I Am, on her own terms. The British the only people who was supportive when I singer-songwriter says the new record is called and said I didn’t have a label but was Why include the Diane Warren song? all about empowerment. “I’ve learned a lot still moving forward with my next album. With I’ve known Diane for years, and I’ve recorded about myself over the past couple of years, him, there was no hidden agenda—it wasn’t a few of her songs, but they never made it and I’m a stronger person,” says Lewis, 30. like he was going to get anything from it—I onto my albums for various reasons. I knew “Some of the songs were written when I was just making music with a friend. Then this was the time to work with her. Diane was feeling down, but I wanted them to be eventually I signed with Island Def Jam. doesn’t usually write for specifi c artists— uplifting, because I’ve been empowered by there have only been two before, Cher and how I’m living my life now.” Stevie Nicks also helped? Whitney Houston—so I was honored that she I met Stevie during a Fleetwood Mac wrote “You Knew Me When” specifi cally for Was the split with Cowell tough? rehearsal. I was nervous about approaching me. She was inspired to write it after reading It was like leaving a relationship, so some her, but when I did, she hugged me and a letter I published online that expressed the of the songs are metaphorically about him. started singing “Bleeding Love.” She gave emotions I had about leaving Syco. She put We broke up, and I had to stand on my own me the pep talk of my life about how the herself in the place I was in when I wrote that two feet. I often compare the situation to a world needs to hear my voice and my music. letter. I was blown away. relationship where you’re with someone for I don’t think she realizes how much she longer than you should be, even though you inspired and infl uenced me. Is there a lot riding on this album? know it’s time to move on. It doesn’t mean My goal was to create raw, authentic music— they’ve done anything wrong or there was a Describe your songwriting process. and I’ve accomplished that. So to me, I’ve huge fi ght. Simon has been incredible for me I play piano, and melodies are my specialty, but fulfi lled what I needed to fulfi ll. Anything else and for my career, and I’ll always have love I also love wordplay. I often think of melodies that comes after it is just a bonus. and respect for him, but it was time to leave. in the middle of the night, so I always have my –Katy Kroll

‘Melodies are my specialty, but I also love wordplay.’

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