MUSIC INTERVIEW: LEONARD FRIEND

Speed Date: From Playing Guitar with Enrique Iglesias to Swinging His Own Style

By: Andrew Shaw

February 22, 2012

In a world that seems to spin faster by the day, where social networking allows us to make friends with one another at a click of the mouse, we may be able to see what people have tagged or who they’ve ‘poked,’ but it can sometimes be difficult to really get to know someone and what they’re about. Feeling friendly, cutting to the chase, and learning something about current musical artists who represent the best of what they do, Buzzine has set a table and would like to introduce you to your Speed Date:

What is your name and where are you from?

Alex Feder, aka Leonard Friend.  I recently moved from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.

Where are you right now?

I'm at my lovely apartment in the Miracle Mile area of LA.

Can we have a pic to see what you’re up to?

Not a chance because I just got back from the gym and I'm about to get in the shower (cue the Saved By The Bell "OOOOOOOO!" crowd sound). 

If our moms were setting us up on a blind date, what 3 things would your mom tell my mom about you?

The first thing out of my mom's mouth to ANYBODY these days is that I spent last year touring as Enrique Iglesias's guitarist.  After that, she'd probably tell your mom that I'm Jewish and that I went to NYU. 

Why are you answering these questions (what are you promoting)?

I'm releasing my first album!  It's called the Lynyrd Frynd EP, and it'll be available for free download on my website. 

What 3 words best describe your musical style?

I guess I'd call it Nostalgic Neurotic R&B.   

What are you most proud of in your professional life?

I am incredibly proud of video for my first single, "Serious Music."  I had an exact image in my mind of what I wanted that video to be, and it came out exactly as I had hoped. 

What other music (apart from your own) are you listening to right now?

Frank Ocean, Gotye, this French producer named Onra, Azealia Banks.  I'm also on a random '70s Guitar Rock kick, so I've been listening to a ton of Big Star, Pink Floyd, Brian Eno, Todd Rundgren, etc. 

Who is your musical hero?

I have a lot: Michael Jackson. Bruce Springsteen. David Bowie. Prince.  

When are you the happiest: recording in the studio or playing live on stage? Why?

Playing live. It's an obsession. There is no feeling more exciting to me. When I don't play for a while, I get borderline depressed.   

What has been your greatest ‘rock star’ moment so far?

I got to play huge arenas with Enrique this past year -- Madison Square Garden, the 02 in London, Wembley Stadium... But I'm going to put this question on hold until I'm there on my own as Leonard Friend.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully singing in front of a mass of people who are singing along with me.     

What is your motto?

Do people really have mottos? I dunno.  "Have…a good time…all the time"?     

Where online can fans find out more about you?

Several places! But primarily www.leonardfriend.com, www.facebook.com/LeonardFriend

Leonard Friend's first album, 'The Lynyrd Frynd EP' is a swinging, swaggering set of soulful tunes, currently available from the Official Artist Homepage.