Interviews

Published on October 18th, 2020 | by Jimmy Star

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Leon & The Peoples “World’s Gonna Come Around”

“We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds; our planet is the mental institution of the universe”….Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

In the darkest of times with human isolation becoming the norm, social unrest ravishing the streets of our cities and the planet’s political climate at a chaotic high, there comes an anthemic song of inspiration and hope from singer, songwriter, actor, producer, activist and advocate for the people, Leon and the Peoples. The just released “World’s Gonna Come Around” music video is a mighty and powerfully tenacious and riveting plea for justice.

Leon Robinson recognized as “Leon” is a highly acclaimed actor after having appeared in movies including: “The Five Heartbeats”, “The Temptations”, “Little Richard”, “Waiting To Exhale,”  “Above The Rim”, “Cliffhanger”, and many others. Leon was also the sexy angel in Madonna’s video, “Like A Prayer.” He is further known as frontman of Leon and the People’s, a soulful reggae/R&B faction who’s newest album, “Love Is A Beautiful Thing” is the subject of rave reviews.

The “World’s Gonna Come Around” video has been released during our darkest times, however many welcome the darkness as a canopy of the night where the most dazzling stars hang and shine upon the world…….

Your new video is powerful and anthemic, an inspiration for our social and physical climate, although the message is very clear what are you hoping the general public will learn from watching it?

What I would hope is people will be inspired to make change! Realize that we are the key to change, all of us. No matter the the color of your skin, your religion, political party or anything else.  It’s all of us vs racism, it’s all of vs injustice and all of us must vote!

Although many people view these pandemic times and social unrest as one of the darkest times in history, while others view it as one of the most creative times we have experienced. What is your view point and why?

The pandemic and the handling of it, combined with the most social unrest since the 60’s, is most definitely the darkest time in history that I have ever experienced. As an artist, it is also one of the most inspiring times, as I and many others draw from real life to create.

Art becomes activism, inspiration and documentation of our times, our struggles and emotions. So yes, it is and can be both.

You had the video shot during the isolation of the pandemic, what were your challenges and how were they over-come?

Yes, shooting anything during this pandemic was a challenge but it also pushed me and my producing partner Joel “JK” Kipnis to learn how to be self-sufficient. Although we are a depth at song writing, we had very little experience with green screen production, that included shooting and editing the video.

As an actor, singer, producer, advocate, and everything else that you are, what drives you?

Life, living and the pursuit of happiness and as corny as that might sound, it’s fucking True! Observing the life of my friends, my love ones, and others is what I’ve always done as an actor, cause I don’t play myself on film, I play others. I’m very aware and present that this is the only life I have and living it to its fullest, is my job and my job alone. Happiness is something you must work to achieve, it doesn’t just jump on you and stay with you. You must work at it!

What makes this video stand aside from the many others that produced during these times?

Well, I can’t say, cause I have not seen all the other videos but I would hope, the feel of the song, the inclusion of all people and the positive feel and optimism combined with the real and hard hitting reality.

Aside from the song and video, what have you been up to in regard to new projects?

I’m currently in Vancouver BC, shooting a holiday movie and then returning to work on the Showtime series City On The Hill and doing a filmed concert with my band Leon & The Peoples.

If you could have me ask you any question on the planet, what would it be and how would you answer it?

Wow, that’s a hard one, cause I never think of questions I want to answer but let’s try.

Question: Do you think the social unrest and state of our country will change and if so when?

Leon: I’m of course optimistic, it’s my nature. In history and human nature, we often must experience the lowest of times to invoke change, whether it be in our personal lives, as a community or our country. So, I hope this is as low as we need to go for us to make real change’

 

Watch the “World’s Gonna Come Around” music video here:

The official website for Leon & The Peoples may be found at https://www.leonandthepeoples.net

Interview by Eileen Shapiro


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