Leezy – Cocaine Kisses

By starrymag | September 12, 2022

By: Alejandra Gil M.

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my music as “hauntingly beautiful.” The vocals are soft and pretty, contrasted with dark and heavy instrumentals. I like playing with that contrast and pulling inspiration from different genres to emphasize the duality of my themes. It’s the kind of music that’s meant to make you think– to give it a second listen and really understand what’s being said.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I’m super inspired by thoughtful lyricists like Elliott Smith, Beth Gibbons, Lana Del Rey, Thom Yorke, Jim Morrison… I listen to a lot of different genres of music, so I feel like whatever I’m into at the time I feel influenced by. Like right now I’m really obsessed with trip-hop, so I’ve been writing a lot of down-tempo stuff.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Cocaine Kisses.”

 

A) “Cocaine Kisses” is special because I started writing it before I got sober, and back then meant something totally different to me than it does now. I was partying a lot and going on these big benders. I was super high one night, and I was kissing this guy… and I thought “Cocaine kisses make it better,” and then I was like OH! SONG TITLE! It felt sexy and fun and was very much a glamorized telling of everything I was actually going through. When I hear the song now, I think it really speaks to how seductive addiction can be, especially with how normalized party culture is. Social drug use can make us feel deeply connected to people, but in reality, it’s all a show; when you pull back the curtain, everyone is seeking an escape from something. So, I think it’s an important song to share because it highlights what I’m sure a lot of young people might be feeling – whether they’re an addict or not.

 

Q) What was your song writing process like? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Honestly, it’s different every time. I have so much poetry written in my journals, so a lot of my lyrics come from that. Sometimes I’ll sit at the piano and hum some melodies over a chord progression I like. It just depends on how I’m feeling and what’s inspiring me at the moment. For “Cocaine Kisses” specifically, I had written a half-song before I put any music to it, and then finished the lyrics once I figured out where I wanted to go sonically.

 

Q) A music video was also released for “Cocaine Kisses,” directed by Teddy Demask. What attracted you to work with them?

 

A) I’ve worked with Teddy in the past, and I always have a great time shooting with him. For this video specifically, I knew he would be able to nail the eeriness that I was going for.

 

Q) How involved were you in developing the art concept for the video?

 

A) I actually came up with the idea for the “Cocaine Kisses” music after hearing a quote that says, “The opposite of addiction is connection.” I wanted the music video to portray the disconnection that I felt when I was using drugs. The mannequin is meant to symbolize the drug and the romance I have with it in the video is meant to make the viewer uncomfortable. Later in the video I destroy the mannequin by burning it — symbolizing the realization of the harm the mannequin was causing, and its subsequent destruction. Yet…in the end, I am still holding its hand because regardless of how long I’ve been in recovery (nearly three years now), I’ll always be an addict.

 

Q) This song feels hopeful, especially when it narrates a relationship romanticized by drug use. The track explores the idealization of it, the seduction of addiction, and the illusion of connection. What do you hope people take away from it?

 

A) My hope is that by sharing my story people feel inspired to share theirs and unapologetically. Even though most people have been touched by addiction in some way, it’s still a bit taboo. People tend to feel a lot of shame and embarrassment when they’re struggling… but I think it’s dope to be able to recognize that something’s not working for you, and to have the courage to make necessary changes in your life.

 

Q) Have you received any specific feedback from your fans that has stayed with you?

 

A) I’m always touched when fans reach out to tell me that I’ve inspired them to get sober. It’s the main reason why I’m so open about my journey– I love that I’m able to be a resource for someone who may not have the support they need.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) There’s this guy on TikTok (@will.paquin) who is so sick on guitar– I’m a big fan. His writing reminds me a lot of Elliott Smith, who’s one of my favorite artists, and I think it would definitely mesh well with my vocals. Whenever I see his videos, I always hum a little melody over it.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes! My next release will be my first full-length album, set to release later this Fall. It tells the story of everything I went through while I was in active addiction — messy relationships, self-loathing, processing trauma, comforting my inner-child, experiencing fear, guilt and shame…It’s all finished and ready to go, and I can’t wait to share it with my fans.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I think it’s been a really nice way for my fans to see that I’m also a normal person. I’m on TikTok LIVE almost every day, so they can see how I’m feeling and what I’m doing in real time– if I’m feeling sad that day, if I’m writing a new song, if I have exciting news – they get to follow along on my journey. I think it kind of breaks the fourth wall and steers away from that very contrived social media front that most people are used to seeing. It makes my fan base feel very intimate and caring, which I absolutely love.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the music that you make?

 

A) It sounds cheesy, but I’d just like to just say a big thank you. It’s been such a dream to see how people react to and interact with me and my music. I have so much love for each and every one of you, and I can’t wait to go on tour and perform and meet all of the wonderful people that have been following along on social media – more news coming soon on that front!

 

 

Watch The Video For “Cocaine Kisses”