Who Is Toronto’s Leo Vance?

Leo Vance

Backstory: Leo Vance is an exciting 22 year old artist that hails from Toronto, Canada. Honing his craft since the age of 13, the young artist has been mastering beats, mixing and song writing, waiting for his time to stand in the light. Coming from a musical family, father a producer/DJ from Detroit and mother a singer from Toronto, Leo was a natural. At an early age, he was accepted into the Remix Project, a program dedicated to refining the raw talents of young people. The program helps talented artists find success in creative arts, business and recording arts. Artists, Jessie Reyez, Future the Prince, Wondagurl and Rich Kidd are all alums. The Remix Project was a place Leo felt comfortable, like he belonged. The mentorship helped the up-coming artist channel his talents and graduate high school through music.

Leo’s break out year was 2017 with an album “The Legend Begins,” winning him “Break Through Artist of The Year” at the Canadian Urban Hip Hop Awards in Toronto. Leo has performed in shows and music festivals in Toronto and in the U.S. While not on the road, the multi-talented artist produces music for other Toronto artists. “Collaboration helps my music evolve” says Leo.

Leo’s latest body of work 2 Lit is the first of a 5 EP series to be released. The EP series features different styles in the hip hop genre. Producers Vybe Beatz and J Caspersen also make an appearance on “2 Lit.” The tracks have a trap feel, with versatility, melodic bars and hooks you won’t soon forget. Vance was involved in the mixing of the EP and produced two of the songs, Experience and East End. Leo’s intent was to make an upbeat, fun summer EP. He succeeded, “2 Lit” has something for everyone.

All in all, Vance hit on all cylinders with this release. He brought the lyricism and the party making for a great look at the love and respect he brings to the craft…he’s got the makings of an all around entertainer in my book ~ JD

Look out for the “Interlude” EP set to be released late August 2018!

The Hype Magazine got Leo to weigh in on a few things

From the outside looking in, who is Leo Vance?

Leo Vance is a independent 22 year old recording artist, songwriter, music producer, mixer and visionary! I am Indigenous and African American! I am fiercely driven towards my passion for music in all forms, in all stages from start to end! Which is why the process of any project I do, there is always a reason, it’s about timing, and most importantly has to be fun! I learn something new everyday on my musical path and I never take anything for granted!

What brought you to the entertainment industry, music specifically?

I always knew music was my destiny as my mother was a singer and my father was a DJ/producer. They met to do music and then I was born. So I was basically born into it! I was meant to do some things first though, and that was basketball. Basketball taught me drive and discipline. This was what I would access when learning to play piano, write, produce music or even be on stage. I had mentors along the way too! To young to go to music school I was accepted into the Remix Project. A program dedicated to refining young raw talent through programs in artist development, recording arts and business! Here is where I felt I belonged and through great mentorship helped me to channel my talents and graduate highs school through music!

What do you want people to get from your music?

I am musical, so I like to experiment with different sounds. I hear what’s going on in music now and incorporate it in mine so it is relatable while maintaining my own individuality. Depending on the project, it can be upbeat fun and laid back like this EP 2 Lit or more of a chill laid back vibe with powerful messages like my next EP entitled Interlude!

Tell us about your current project.

2 Lit is a summer inspired EP, I felt had something on there for everyone to jam out too, or at least get you into the mood! The songs are up beat, fun, confident and get you pumped! I wanted the sound to be versatile, have a trap feel with melodic barz and catchy hooks to vibe along with!!!

For new listeners, what song of yours would you pick as an introduction to you as an artist?

On this EP, the track Never Dyin is the one to pay attention to. If you heard my last single “Prelude” which is out on all platforms, you will see the essence of how I’m building! Hard work and dedication to anything you do, will bring the rewards needed to keep you growing, so you can get to the next level!

Tell us a bit about your work and passions OUTSIDE of music…

Well, passions outside of my music are spending time with my family, video games. My favourite ones are, Kingdom Hearts, Far Cry and Injustice. I like hanging out with friends and of course Netflix series shows like Suits, Archer and Shadow Hunters are my guilty pleasures.

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” aka WTF?! moment…

My WTF moments are I have to say this feature with Hype Magazine and winning my first award for “Break Through Artist Of The Year” at the Canadian Urban Hip Hop Awards in May 2017. These things are confirmation and recognition for what I love to do and they inspire me to keep going!

Bonus: Leo Vance – Gold Fangz (Official Music Video)