Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jeff Leone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jeff, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I created grungingpumpkins in October 2023 on Instagram. The name is a tribute to two of my favorite things, Grunge music and The Smashing Pumpkins and is the place for bands and artists to be heard.

Since October 2023 I have gained a steady following and expanded to TikTok, X, Threads, and Groover. The mission is to support/promote/showcase these bands and artists. By providing that service in addition to doing music reviews, it is my hope these bands and artists will gain fans/bigger following and grab people’s attention, whether it be a label, management company, and much more. All of the songs that I showcase on my social media platforms are also added to my public Spotify playlists for people to listen to, aka my own grungingpumpkins radio for all to hear. My catch phrase is “Life is a mixtape and I am the playlist.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am an Italian American born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. My father’s side came to America from Sicily (Italy) and my mother’s side came to America from Naples (Italy). I am based in the suburbs of New York City.

It all starts with my Uncle Bob Leone (“Uncle Bobby”). He is an enormous influence on me and music. Uncle Bobby is an accomplished (now retired) music industry professional. He was in a 1970s band called Flame, was childhood friends with Jimmy Iovine (Interscope Records), former Director of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and former manager of Lady Gaga, to name a few. Because of my Uncle Bobby I wanted to give band management a shot. Back in 2003-2004 I managed an unsigned alternative rock band from New York City called Motion Picture. Motion Picture put out an album titled Anhedonia, and played the popular Manhattan venues (Arlene’s Grocery, etc.). Motion Picture also ventured out west, playing a showcase at the Palms in Las Vegas, NV and the Knitting Factory in Los Angeles, CA. Motion Picture’s music was a combination of Weezer and The Strokes. Unfortunately, the band broke up and that was that. Throughout the rest of that decade I would go to the Songwriters Hall of Fame showcases that Uncle Bobby would put together all over Manhattan. I had the privilege of meeting Lady Gaga before she exploded onto the scene. It was her and a piano and she was amazing.

Fast forward to October 2023 and I got the bug to do something again to help bands and artists have a platform to be heard (showcased) and grungingpumpkins was created. Since October 2023 I have gained a steady following and expanded to TikTok, X, Threads, and Groover. As I mentioned I have experience managing a band, so I know what it takes (promoting, booking, touring, etc.). I just want to help these bands and artists in any way I can. To me grungingpumpkins is unique because the focus is on discovering band and artists that are DIY/independent/underground. Besides gaining a steady following and growing, it makes me proud when a band or artist will reach out to me for my help, or someone will send me a message or comment on a post thanking me for sharing a band or artist and making them a fan, and of course the band and artists that I showcase/promote showing their appreciation for what I am doing.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The mission driving my creative journey is being that “manager” for these bands and artists and helping them promote their music on grungingpumpkins and their success.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Let’s change the word from clients to bands and artists. For me the best sources for discovering new bands and artists has been Groover, by being able to review music and provide feedback. In addition, artificial intelligence (“AI”) on music streaming platforms can be your friend if used the right way. AI assistance has helped me discover new bands and artists. Lastly, old school methods of constant research on the internet and music streaming platforms.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grungingpumpkins?igsh=aWNlbHdqdTA3b3Ru&utm_source=qr
• Twitter: https://x.com/grunginpumpkins/status/1804509479817433575?s=46&mx=2
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@grunging_pumpkins?_t=8nTKkVN8XiZ&_r=1