Leah Blevins: "I'm Releasing That Expectation Of Whether People Like Me"

Written by Lauren Page | @LiveWithLP

Leah Blevins speaks with LiveWithLP at BST Hyde Park

Some artists have a way of making you feel like you've known them forever within the first five minutes of meeting them. Leah Blevins is one of those people.

I caught up with Leah backstage at BST Hyde Park, where the Tennessee singer-songwriter was fresh from bringing her timeless blend of country storytelling to UK audiences once again. Between the sunshine, the festival buzz and plenty of laughter, it quickly became one of my favourite interviews I've ever had.

And after years of having her music on my playlists, finally getting to chat in person was a bit of a full-circle moment.

One thing that's impossible to ignore is how much has happened for Leah over the last year.

Her debut album has been out in the world for a few months now, but as she explained, she'd actually been living with the record long before any of us got to hear it.

"We had this ready a year and a half ago," she told me. "That's just how the process works. It's nice to finally have it out in the world and just kind of see it through."

As artists, I think there's always that moment of vulnerability when you release something so personal.

But Leah's perspective has shifted.

"The reception's been great," she smiled. "As I'm getting older, I'm releasing that expectation of, 'Do they like me? Do they like the music?' It's like... no. This is for me at this stage in life."

Honestly, I loved hearing that.

There's something incredibly refreshing about an artist creating from a place of authenticity rather than chasing expectations, and you can hear that freedom throughout the album.

(And yes... Tequila Mockingbird is still every bit as brilliant as the title suggests.)

Unlike previous projects, this album wasn't built from years of songs sitting in notebooks waiting for the right moment.

Instead, Leah threw herself into the process completely.

"Every day I'd walk into the studio not knowing who I was going to co-write with," she explained. "We'd write one, two, sometimes three songs a day. There wasn't enough time to overthink it. We just let the songs live."

That spontaneity somehow feels woven into the record itself.

When we spoke about her influences, it quickly became clear why her sound feels both classic and completely her own.

The Judds. Loretta Lynn. Martina McBride. Faith Hill, then throw in Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crow.

It's a playlist that somehow makes perfect sense when you hear Leah sing.

"I was born in 1990," she laughed. "The whole '90s era really spoke to me."

It's those influences that give her music its warmth, while still feeling unmistakably Leah Blevins.

Of course, we couldn't ignore just how much country music has exploded here in the UK over the last couple of years.

With BST Hyde Park continuing to showcase some incredible artists, espeically on a day where the iconic Garth Brooks was headlining, I was curious how it feels travelling across the Atlantic to play festivals for fans thousands of miles from Nashville.

"I think globally country music has taken on its own lane these days," she said. Everybody's intrigued and wants to be a part of it."

And honestly? I couldn't agree more.

"There should be no gatekeepers when it comes to music," Leah continued. "Everyone's welcome."

It's exactly the kind of attitude that makes country music feel like such a community.

Away from music, we also had to talk about something fans always notice...

Her style. If you've ever seen Leah Blevins perform, you'll know every outfit somehow looks effortlessly cool.

When I asked where her fashion inspiration comes from, the answer was simple.

"Every era," she laughed. "I love the '70s. I love old Hollywood. I love bohemian. Whatever makes me feel like I can stand proud."

Mission accomplished.

Before wrapping up, I asked my favourite question that I ask every artist.

Who should we all be listening to? Without hesitation, Leah kept it close to home.

"My twin sister Lacey Blevins," she smiled, giving a shout-out to Houston and Lace, alongside her sister-in-law Serena Wages.

Turns out musical talent definitely runs in the family.

"We're all fighting for the mic," she joked.

Safe to say... karaoke at the Blevins household sounds absolutely terrifying (In the best way possible!)

As for what's next? Leah's keeping things beautifully simple.

"We just bought a house," she said. "I'm trying to make it our haven."

There are more shows ahead, but one thing was obvious throughout our conversation...

She wants to get back to the UK as soon as possible, and I hope it's sooner rather than later.

All Dressed Up by Leah Blevins is out now