Tell us about the name, “Lei’Loue”. Is that your real name or your stage name? If it is the latter, how did the name come about? Also, how is it pronounced?
Lei’Loue is my stage name. Around 7 years ago, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia and during that time, I heard voices (which I believed to be higher beings or spirits) that told me I was chosen to be a vessel for the creator. I was chosen to use my music and art to help restore or enhance the love frequency in the universe and with that I would be named, “Lei’Loue” which translates to “Love” in the language that they communicate with me in. It is pronounced “Lay ee Lew”.
Describe your music journey.
I have been creating music since I was a child. When I was a teen, I ran across a Lyfe Jennings album (I can’t remember which one) that had an instrumental at the end. It was the first instrumental that I ever wrote a song to. After that experience, I fell even more in love with creating and as a young adult, I would write and record music in the small studios of friends. Some years later, I ran across an app called Bandlab, which allowed me to record music on my phone and it has been up ever since.
Explain your relationship with New York Records.
I have been a signed artist with New York Records for going on three years. The relationship with New York Records and myself came to be by chance. I can’t remember who reached out to who first, but Power (CEO of the Label) and I have been locked in from day one, making some magic happen! I have released four singles with them so far, which are “Somethin’ New”, “Front Runner”, “Alright”, and the latest, “Key To My Door”. They are all some bangers, if I may say so myself.
Tell us about your latest single, “Key To My Door”.
“Key To My Door” is a sensual, intimate song that I wrote. It is not completely about sensuality and intimacy. It is also about love. The beginning verse says, “If I gave you my heart, would you take it and not break it? It’s been so long since I done had somebody see me naked…” telling the story of a woman who has been alone for a long while and is now letting someone open up her heart before opening her legs. The record is all about love and making love.
What has been your most memorable performance to date?
My most memorable performance has been during the Queen’s Showcase, presented by UrbnKc. It was dope having the opportunity to perform alongside many other talented female artists from my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. It was definitely a night to remember. The room was full of bosses!
Have you released any music videos yet? Also, what does your ideal music video look like?
Yes! The music video to my single, “Front Runner” was released about a year ago and the music video for, “Key To My Door” was released on April 15th of this year. My ideal music video is one that is crisp, creative, and tells a story, making the artist’s vision come to life.
Who inspires you musically and why?
Erykah Badu and Chris Brown inspire me, for sure. They both make music that speaks to the mind, spirit, and heart and are amazing entertainers.
How did you spend your last birthday?
I spent my 34th birthday at home with my “Sister Cousin”. We had drinks and listened to music on the couch in my living room. It was just her and I but we had fun the entire night! I am looking forward to my 35th, this September!
What have you learned about yourself over the past 2 years and in what ways have you grown?
In the past two years, I have learned patience by understanding that everything takes time. There are days where I may feel that things are not moving fast enough for me but I now realize that The Creator is in control, not me. I have also grown to understand how I want to be loved and respected. I have grown in my writing, I have grown as a mother with my children, and I am still growing as a person.
To keep up with Lei’Loue, visit her on Instagram: @Music.by.leiloue, Spotify: @Lei’Loue, Youtube: Lei’Loue, and on Apple Music: Lei’Loue.
Photo By: Mike LB @lbfiveonevisionfilms
Q+A By: Tyrone Davis
