leetham

Singer and musician, Leetham comes at you with rich melodies. Utilizing electronic synths and mesmerizing drum patterns, Leetham is sure to please.


I had a back and forth Q&A with Leetham, Here’s some of the things we talked about.


Hey, very happy to welcome you to the Radio Show and Podcast community. Tell us a little bit more about yourself. Introduce yourself to the community.

Hello! I am also very excited to be here today. My name is Luke Leetham but I go by Leetham. I’m an independent queer artist who is working really hard to spread my music to larger horizons. I consider my music to be an eclectic mix of various genres, with a pop influence always being found in what I create.

One thing that I’m always interested in, when I sit down and chat with artists is, what their defining moment was that they knew that they wanted to be in music… What was that moment in time for you?

I remember being eight years old and watching one of my dad’s friends playing piano in the mall while people were cheering him on and throwing money into his basket. It was in that moment I knew that’s what I wanted to do when I was older. I begged my parents to put me into piano lessons after that experience, which I immediately started to loathe doing. Luckily for me, my parents tricked me into thinking my piano lessons were linked to a contract that
said I couldn’t quit until I was 16. I eventually fell in love with it and it’s been my guiding musical influence in my life ever since.


Leetham states: “My producer is a good friend of mine that I’ve known for a while through the Utah music scene, Bad Heather. In regards to mixing, I actually found my mixer, Auden, through Twitter in a thread about queer artists looking for work and I’m really thankful I reached out and found such great talent to help me out.


What motivates you? Not just in music, but your everyday life in general as well.

I want to leave something behind in this world when I go. I believe that I’ll feel I’ve made it when I know that what I have done was loved, respected, and influential to people. I’m able to constantly push myself to work not only harder but smarter every time I remind myself that the work I am doing can be something that lasts far beyond my years here.

I am personally on a mission to get good music heard by everyone. What is one thing that bothers you the most about trying to come up in the music world today and, do you prefer being underground or, is the mainstream something you strive for?

What bothers me the most about coming up in the music industry is how many artists feel closed off about the resources and avenues they used to become successful. I believe that as creatives we should be a community and therefore we owe it to each other to share support and advice. My goal with my music is for people to enjoy it; whether that comes from being underground or mainstream, it makes no difference to me. I would love a Grammy though….
just saying.

I, myself, personally think that there’s too much social media out there to keep up with. I understand why it’s necessary but there’s a ton of it out there. What are your feelings on social media and music today?

Social Media is a double-edged sword. The state of music today has made it so that you need to be constantly engaging with your supporters and fans because they’re the ones who make your dream become a reality. So in that regard, I think it’s just simply the best way to make your music get out into the world. For me, the hardest part of social media in the music industry is that it makes it so much easier to compare yourselves to others, which often leads to more self-destruction rather than introspection.

Factoring a grading scale on all fronts. Leethem has the look and the voice to back his music up. It is professionally produced and will appeal to both fans of electronic music and pop as well. He is very versatile in his craft and I have no doubt we will be hearing more from him in near future. Taking everything into Consideration I will grade not just the music but his social presence as well as an 8 of 10. Check Leetham out on the following links.

Thank you, Leetham for this interview. Any Shout-Outs?

Thank you for this opportunity. Shoutout to my friends, fans, my team and my boyfriend! I wouldn’t be where I am today without you guys! - Indie Pulse Music

Music Update Jan. 29

Leetham Strikes Out Solo with New Single.

Pop continues to rise in Utah thanks to artists like Luke Leetham, who after six years of playing in bands—some during high school—is finally starting his own project. The young artist is moving out of the shared space of collaborative music making to work on his own music, working out of Provo with Porter Chapman, another pop kid on the rise making a name for himself as Bad Heather. Leetham’s first single to be released is “New Life,” a fitting tribute to striking out on one’s own for the first time. Praising a “new city” and the finding of a new life, the track references and bounces off of old school glitch pop, the kind popularized by early 2010s dance music and which slowly leaked into the mainstream, to now be reimagined in a bouncing, positive light by fresh young faces like Leetham. A modest, easygoing song, it shows the potential Leetham possesses to make even bigger, brighter sounds—just as it literally sings the praises of hope for change in the future. While he works on finishing more music (writing songs sometimes from his car), in the meantime he’s also working with Phoenix-based director Michaelangelo Cozzo to help “bring my project to life on screen.” Though still new on the scene as a soloist, it seems that Leetham is well on his way to bringing himself—and the music scene—some new life. “New Life” drops on Monday, Feb. 1 on all streaming platforms. Follow Leetham on Instagram @lukeleetham. - City Weekly

“New Life” is Luke Leetham’s first original single, and it hits with the kind of party energy we’re all craving. It has all the elements of the most interesting pop songs you hear—engaging and syncopated synth lines, vocoder-esque backing vocals, production tricks and intricate breaks. It’s exactly what you want to dance to with a big group of strangers, the perfect hype song for 2021. The lyrics adopt rose-colored glasses and romantically describe ditching life as we know it for something more extravagant. Leetham lyricises driving with a lover, taking a hard left, riding away into the sunset singing “we’ll find a new life.” It’s a fairytale we’ve all once wanted, set to music. –Mary Culbertson - SLUG Magazine

New Music Review: New Life by Leetham

Singer and musician Leetham released one of his singles New Life this year. After spending years in bands, Leetham is ready to take on the pop music world as a solo artist. New Life is an unconventional pop song with tremendous production. This song has all of the characteristics you would want in a modern pop song. Between the synth, upbeat tempo, and Leetham’s clear vocals, New Life is a one-of-a-kind song. In New Life, Leetham sings about finding a new life with peace and validity. It is a very positive and uplifting song that many people can relate to especially when thinking about the future. - Black Dog Music Partners

There are folks who sing in the car or the shower. You may be such a human. Less likely, though certainly possible, is that you're the type to write songs in the car or in the shower.

Luke Leetham's definitely one to sing in those environments. And they're the kind of person who can write in those spaces, as well.

Their latest track, "Patience," was a car song. While they were stacked up on I-15 and then finding things at a dead stop, the basics of the song started to come along. At first, as they explain it, the song was a bit more literal, about finding patience in the day-to-day of life. But the young pop songwriter and performer began to add to the initial, hummable words, making it a song about waiting for a lover to just hurry up and commit. With the song in progress, Leetham added some lyrics and vocal ideas from fellow SLC artist Peytn. Eventually, after Peytn "cranked out his verse and got the ball rolling," the track went to "be mixed by Deekei, who's worked with Kanye West and other artists."

Now found on the usual assortment of streaming services, the cut's one that Leetham (who performs under just that name) is using to kick off a series of singles over the summer; a second single, "Drama," will appear in mid-to-late July, with a self-titled EP, Leetham, as the later-year conclusion of this batch of work. Leetham says that "everything is produced and recorded. There's a bit more mixing and a little more vocal production to thicken the songs up. But we've got a full release strategy, and we're wanting to make this (summer) as successful as possible."

As a musician, Leetham plays a bit of everything—keyboards, for sure, and drums a bit, though they're "more comfortable on drum machines." Guitar lessons are under way, and bass is mixed in there, as well. An increasing comfort level is happening in the studio, too, with an emphasis on "chopping vocals" to create interesting sound textures. Creating a sound that's got modern references, while maintaining originality, is a constant push/pull.

"I think that a lot of pop music, you get that cookie-cutter stuff," Leetham says. "At the same time, if it works, it works. You make the music you want to make. And if you're a professional, you're making music that's going to have to appeal to people. For me, personally, I try to be as original as possible, while bringing some familiarity to my songs."

As a gay, ex-LDS member who came out at 17 (and is now 24), Leetham clearly has some interesting fodder for lyrical songwriting. But the LDS background also brought a good amount of ... good.

"Without my LDS background," Leetham says, "I wouldn't be in music, to be honest. I took voice lessons and sang choir, all my music teachers were LDS. My family wasn't very wealthy, so we took whatever we could get, and my teachers taught me for free or at a very-discounted rate. I'm very grateful for my experiences with those teachers."

That said, "I come from a family of converts to LDS, so we don't have a long lineage in the church. My parents were always a little loose with the rules, and I didn't really have any crazy experiences in the LDS church, except for the trauma of being gay within it. I felt trapped for most of my life."

This week, Leetham, with a backing band, will be performing a couple of shows around town. On Thursday, June 2, there'll be a JRC Pride Kickoff Extravaganza at Kilby Court (741 Kilby Court), an all-ages show including a host of acts, including: Sarah Prollem, Icky Rogers, The Pho3nix Child, Corbin Bronson, Courtney Lane, Ellissdee, Agony Ray, Ben D. Dickson, Mari Cona, Jenna Talia and Whorechata. Doors open at 6:30 and tickets are $15.

The next day, on Friday, June 3, Leetham and company will be among the headliners for a Youth Pride event at Washington Square Park, with an audience that'll be primarily 13-to-20-year-olds. (Ticketing varies, with info at utahpridecenter.org.)

Though usually playing a couple shows a month "just to be relevant and push new music, testing it with different audiences," Leetham adds that this pair of shows is a bit more important, more meaningful.

"I just love celebrating Pride," Leetham says. "That I get to come out to these events and celebrate with my music is a big honor. That the Utah Pride Center booked me for Pride ... well, I'm so excited for that youth show, specifically. I'll be surrounded by very impressionable minds, and I want to share my story and show them what they can do if they stick to their guns, stay true to themselves."

"Patience" can be found at Spotify, among other platforms. For performance dates, video and music links and other sundries, visit linktr.ee/Leetham. - City Weekly

1. Thank you very much for your time! Before we introduce your new release to our readers – what kind of drink would you recommend to zip on while they listen to your new music?

A: I would personally recommend a coconut rum and Coke to help capture the vibe. The fruitiness of the rum meeting the bubbling of the cola will help you experience the song in full.

2. Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!

A: Patience is the lead single off my upcoming EP. The EP is set to release on September 2nd this year with a big party in Salt Lake City, where I will be debuting the songs live!



3. We live in times of many conspiracy theories. Which, harmless, theory would you wish were true? (For example Dinos living inside Earth or E.T. living in a home in California)

A: I really wish that Bigfoot was real. I mean maybe he/she is. I think it would help explain the missing link in human evolution to some extent. I could go on and on about Bigfoot theories.

4. What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?

A: That’s a hard question. I really love fashion. I love blending masculine and feminine elements of fashion, so I would say my music gives a thrift/antique store indie look mixed with Gucci/Louis Vuitton vibe. A little familiar with a splash of luxury.

5. Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!?

A: Patience can be interpreted differently by every listener. When I was writing it, I really kept that in mind. For me the song is about wanting to get married. I’ve been with my boyfriend for about three years now and I’m itching for the next step.

6. Beside music, do you have any special talents?

A: If I’m not writing or performing music, I am usually playing video games or pickle ball. For those unfamiliar with pickle ball, it is basically where ping pong and tennis meet. It’s really fun and I feel like I’m getting good enough to maybe join a small league.

7. Being on stage feels like….!

A: Euphoria. There’s no other feeling that can compare. I could be singing to a crowd of 100 people or 10 people and it still feels the same. The exchange of energy between a performer and a listener is other worldly and in my personal opinion, sacred.

8. How did you learn to sing/ to write/ to play??

A: My parents put me in piano lessons when I was ten years old. I also did community theater and choir at church. From then on, I knew I wanted to do this professionally. I started writing my own songs at thirteen and started producing and recording my songs at fourteen. They were really bad, but I’m still proud of them. All that practice paved the way to where I am now.

9. A question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls

A: It’s funny, but I have never been asked if I think music saved me. I’ve always wanted to talk about that. Growing up, I was the weird kid. I didn’t go out much, I was shy. My social anxiety got the best of me and made me really depressed. But when I played piano or sang on a stage, life seemed to stand still to the point where I could really appreciate the moment. Music and performing gave me purpose. And I hope that my music can give others purpose and joy.

Instagram: @lukeleetham - Twisted Male Magazine

When we last caught up with Leetham, they were gearing up to release their self-titled debut album, and shared the inspiration for what became one of their most popular tracks, "Patience." Since that time, Leetham has shared their music at exciting shows, but is ready to embark on some new journeys as the year progresses.

"Things have been going pretty great. I released an album, and a music video to accompany the album, and then I did my own headliner show," Leetham said. "We almost sold out Kilby Court. "After the album came out, I think it got 15,000 streams in the first 24 hours,which was kind of mind-blowing, because I didn't think people would listen."

The journey to get Leetham out to the public was a long one. Starting during the pandemic, the album took a lot of time and money to put together, but Leetham had a lot of help from producers, engineers and friends during the process. "I think I wrote a good 30 songs, and I was like, 'I need to weed out the bad ones,' the ones that wouldn't stick. So, out of 30 songs I picked seven to release." Which is good news for listeners, knowing Leetham has some additional material on the backburner waiting to be released.

Leetham the album is a lively journey that reflects their equally quirky and enjoyable personality. It's a perfect album to throw on for a house party full of friends, especially because it starts out with a track called "Mai Tais," which goes on to set the tone for the album. It's all about having a good time and living life to the fullest, boasting a steady beat with Leetham's lovely voice in the forefront, and an epic chorus fit for singing as loud as you can with your pals. Each track tells its own story, but ultimately they all fit together as a whole. All of the time, money and energy required for the creation of this body of work was well-spent.

Having a self-titled project was important for Leetham, because it's a good way to make an introduction. "I've been active in the scene since I was in high school, but under this project I've been doing it only for a year, and kind of flying under the radar, not getting any press, not really playing shows," they said. "It's nothing super-inspiring. It's just kind of like, 'Hey, this is me. I'm Leetham. This is my music.'"

It was also important to create this new project because Leetham quit music for a time. Mental health struggles get the best of many of us, and Leetham is no exception. "I needed serious help," they said. The pop singer had undiagnosed conditions that made life difficult in many ways. "I didn't even know that I had any of these things, and I had hurt my band mates in my previous band, broke a lot of connections, burned a lot of bridges and it ended up costing me quite a bit. A lot of friendships."

Now that things are looking up, and the introduction has been made, Leetham is able to look to the future and explore other avenues. "I've been signed to a talent agency to be represented as an actor," they shared. "I auditioned for my first movie in December, and I've been taking classes to kind of hone my abilities as an actor."

In addition to branching out into acting, Leetham is starting to focus more on video as well. They wanted to do more projects that are showy and fun, so they recruited their film student kid brother to help out with video production. For these, Leetham is recording their versions of current trending songs. To kick off the series they started with a remix of "As It Was" by Harry Styles. The remix is more electronic, and Leetham's vocals lend themselves well to the popular song. The video is equal parts fun, camp and cute. Leetham's personality shines through, and the video effects are lively, making you want to watch on a loop.

While the pop singer is involved in some fun and exciting new things, there's still new music coming as well, hopefully in March or April. "The plan is to put out a single every month or two. I just want to stay fresh and just explore new ideas," they said. "On a lot of my new stuff, I've actually taken an emo route with some of my music. So, it's a complete 180. It's really different. It still kind of has that pop feel, but one that I have been working on is more of a slow punk emo ballad with trap beats."

Keep up with Leetham's exciting music videos on their Instagram @lukeleetham, and TikTok under the same handle. As we wait for more music from Leetham, keep in mind that their work is meant for you to have fun while listening to it. "Don't think about it too much," they said. "My music isn't revolutionary. It isn't everyone's cup of tea. I think it's good music, but it's meant for you to have a good time with and say, 'Okay, let's dance, let's reminisce on fun times that we've had in life.'" - City Weekly

When we last caught up with Leetham, they were gearing up to release their self-titled debut album, and shared the inspiration for what became one of their most popular tracks, "Patience." Since that time, Leetham has shared their music at exciting shows, but is ready to embark on some new journeys as the year progresses.

"Things have been going pretty great. I released an album, and a music video to accompany the album, and then I did my own headliner show," Leetham said. "We almost sold out Kilby Court. "After the album came out, I think it got 15,000 streams in the first 24 hours,which was kind of mind-blowing, because I didn't think people would listen."

The journey to get Leetham out to the public was a long one. Starting during the pandemic, the album took a lot of time and money to put together, but Leetham had a lot of help from producers, engineers and friends during the process. "I think I wrote a good 30 songs, and I was like, 'I need to weed out the bad ones,' the ones that wouldn't stick. So, out of 30 songs I picked seven to release." Which is good news for listeners, knowing Leetham has some additional material on the backburner waiting to be released.

Leetham the album is a lively journey that reflects their equally quirky and enjoyable personality. It's a perfect album to throw on for a house party full of friends, especially because it starts out with a track called "Mai Tais," which goes on to set the tone for the album. It's all about having a good time and living life to the fullest, boasting a steady beat with Leetham's lovely voice in the forefront, and an epic chorus fit for singing as loud as you can with your pals. Each track tells its own story, but ultimately they all fit together as a whole. All of the time, money and energy required for the creation of this body of work was well-spent.

Having a self-titled project was important for Leetham, because it's a good way to make an introduction. "I've been active in the scene since I was in high school, but under this project I've been doing it only for a year, and kind of flying under the radar, not getting any press, not really playing shows," they said. "It's nothing super-inspiring. It's just kind of like, 'Hey, this is me. I'm Leetham. This is my music.'"

It was also important to create this new project because Leetham quit music for a time. Mental health struggles get the best of many of us, and Leetham is no exception. "I needed serious help," they said. The pop singer had undiagnosed conditions that made life difficult in many ways. "I didn't even know that I had any of these things, and I had hurt my band mates in my previous band, broke a lot of connections, burned a lot of bridges and it ended up costing me quite a bit. A lot of friendships."

Now that things are looking up, and the introduction has been made, Leetham is able to look to the future and explore other avenues. "I've been signed to a talent agency to be represented as an actor," they shared. "I auditioned for my first movie in December, and I've been taking classes to kind of hone my abilities as an actor."

In addition to branching out into acting, Leetham is starting to focus more on video as well. They wanted to do more projects that are showy and fun, so they recruited their film student kid brother to help out with video production. For these, Leetham is recording their versions of current trending songs. To kick off the series they started with a remix of "As It Was" by Harry Styles. The remix is more electronic, and Leetham's vocals lend themselves well to the popular song. The video is equal parts fun, camp and cute. Leetham's personality shines through, and the video effects are lively, making you want to watch on a loop.

While the pop singer is involved in some fun and exciting new things, there's still new music coming as well, hopefully in March or April. "The plan is to put out a single every month or two. I just want to stay fresh and just explore new ideas," they said. "On a lot of my new stuff, I've actually taken an emo route with some of my music. So, it's a complete 180. It's really different. It still kind of has that pop feel, but one that I have been working on is more of a slow punk emo ballad with trap beats."

Keep up with Leetham's exciting music videos on their Instagram @lukeleetham, and TikTok under the same handle. As we wait for more music from Leetham, keep in mind that their work is meant for you to have fun while listening to it. "Don't think about it too much," they said. "My music isn't revolutionary. It isn't everyone's cup of tea. I think it's good music, but it's meant for you to have a good time with and say, 'Okay, let's dance, let's reminisce on fun times that we've had in life.'" - Salt Lake City Weekly

Luke Leetham is still at the beginning of his music career, but he regularly graces stages up and down the Wasatch Front and in San Francisco, including Youth Pride at last year’s Utah Pride Festival.

Known to some as “one of Salt Lake City’s favorite queer pop artists,” Leetham’s music is upbeat and contemplative at the same time.



He just dropped a new song, “Empty,” June 16, which he says is about “celebrating loneliness.”

Please tell me about how you got involved in a music career. I got involved by just doing it! I put my mind to it and pushed and pushed. I watched a lot of DIY videos on YouTube and just experimented with different agencies and companies who wanted to help me expand my career. I’ve played countless shows and have collaborated with a lot of artists. I learned when and where to put myself. I guess, all in all, I was and continue to be good at being in the right place at the right time.

What drives you to produce music? I want to be the best I can possibly be. I try and produce/write something every day. Even if it’s total crap, I see the idea through. This art form requires practice constantly. I also just love it and can’t imagine spending my time any other way.

If you’re in the shower belting a song, who are you singing? I love to pretend I can sing along to Demi Lovato. They hit notes that are so unbelievable! I love to sing along to “Cool For The Summer” by them. Does it sound good? Probably not [laughs] but it’s fun practice!

What other musicians have helped shape your music? I’ve pulled inspiration from so many artists. I’d say my biggest inspirations at the moment are JORDY, Gorillaz, and Kim Petras.

Who would be a dream musician to collaborate with? I would totally lose it if Kim Petras did a song with me. I have no clue what it would be about or how we’d do it. I just know I could die happy if she hit me up!

Tell me how being in the LGBTQ community affects your music. I think being queer helps me approach music at a different angle. I can write a love song or a breakup song and make it simple, but have it be queer.

I’d also say that the LGBTQ community is the most supportive community for new music. I’m always getting hyped up by my community. It’s the best!

What are your short-term and long-term dreams and goals? I would say my short-term goal is to play a festival soon. I don’t really care what it is. I just want to do it!

Long-term goal would be to release another album and reach an audience that would be excited if I toured! Big stuff, but I think I can do it!

Is there anything else you’d like the LGBTQ+ readers of QSaltLake Magazine to know? If you want fun music to jam out to, and want to support a local gay boy, stream Leetham, come to a show, buy some merch! Anything and everything helps. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people backing me, specifically the queer community. Thank you for your continued support! Love y’all!

Leetham will be at Metro Music Hall supporting Blindlove on July 6 and The DLC at Quarters supporting Girlfriend On the Moon July 28. He’s often seen at Kilby Court and The Boardwalk in Orem. His new song can be heard on all of the music channels.   - Q Salt Lake Magazine