León calls her parents old school, hard-boiled agnostics. They were always convinced that she would become an Olympic gymnast. Instead of a music school that a little León so much wanted to go to, she was sent to hard training in sport gymnastics. Fate, and León, had other plans.

- I have always wanted to sing. But I guess that’s what all artists say…

Because her parents didn’t believe that music was something you do for a living, despite the fact that her father was a guitar player and a lead vocalist in a band in his younger years,  she had to make up some ridiculous stories and practically run away from home to be able to sing. The only option available to her at that time were choirs, so she joined the school choir and a folk choir. As long as she could sing, it didn’t matter what kind of music it was.

León was born in Potsdam near Berlin. Her father was an officer in the Russian military intelligence.  The family lived in East Germany until León was 14 years old. After that, she moved to Moscow and later on, to Paris. Not being able to find approval from her parents she was always looking for young people like herself, continuously looking for ways to express her creativity.

- I even skiped the final Mathematics Exam just to go to a Painting Competition of the Region; and won in my age category. School felt like prison, a correctional facility in which individuals like myself were mentally confined. Nevertheless, I had good greats, thanks to my ever strict, disciplinary, resolute parents. Sometimes my dad wouldn’t let me go to bed until I knew my homework inside out; in other words: literally by heart.

After her graduation with a professional designer diploma León moved to Paris to pursue a career as a fashion designer. There, she was discovered by Elite, the biggest modeling agency in the world.

- Modeling has been fun, but it was not for me. I proved to myself that I can do it and discovered something I always wanted to be but didn’t know I already was: beautiful. My career was a success, however I wanted to leave the scene because I disliked some episodes behind the curtains and it was time for me to move on.

After Paris, León moved to Stockholm to attend The Song Academy. The city made her feel welcome, that she decided to make it her base. Contrary to expectations of a model-turned-singer, Leon writes her own songs as well as for other artists. She had to fight prejudice and misconceptions, but claims it’s been worth every minute.

- I really had to fight for the right to make music and It hasn’t been easy to be taken seriously. Of course, a blond model-turned-singer with a, some what out of the ordinary history, with only ravenous ambition and a garganaut dream as a weapon, with no family or friends, fighting for a spot under the sun in the established music world…where everyone has a place of their own. It required hard work and good faith. So I started by dying my long hair fire red, not to be misunderstood.

When she met producer Anders Bagge and publisher Pelle Lidell however, many things changed. They have been a big source of inspiration for León…This was her first recording contract.

León had to make a tremendous effort in song writing in English language, to level in professionalism with writers and producers in their firm positions, given her background speaking German and French and having lack of English experience. Her vocal coach Suzanna Hultén, who’s been a great support and a mentor encouraged León strongly to write in English. Moreover, she hit the books and is now fluent in Swedish as well. León believes her songs tell a story and some of them have history.   

-  Even when I sing about hate, I communicate positivity, because it is keenness of that feeling that is important, witch I believe is a turning point for change. Of course, for me, song writing is personal and somewhat therapeuticle. I don’t think I can say, or write something that is not real, something that my heart doesn’t recognise. A part of me is always involved in the making of songs, obliquely or directly.

León hopes that her music will speak volumes to others, and that the words won’t leave people indifferent.

-  After all, people are people, we share common feelings, whether it’s hate, love, disappointment, happiness, loneliness, intimacy, despair or hope, it’s what we are. I’m not inventing the bicycle again here, but merely sharing what we all know so well.

Performing live for León is an elation. She has been performing for big crowds since she was a teenager, gathering audience in clubs and stadiums. It all started when she toured with choirs and sang in a girl band. She doubled as the manager for the band, booking shows and setting up meetings with executives. The band however, went nowhere, and León continued on her own.

-   I try to surround myself with people who aren’t intimidated by an ambitious young woman and I find it very rewarding working with artistic, imaginative, people.

So, all you young girls and boys, get out there and get your dream, don’t let no cynics tell you, you can’t have it!