We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Steven Leach a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Steven, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Absolutely. Misunderstandings and mischaracterizations are almost inevitable when putting yourself or your work out into the world. Everyone comes from different perspectives, experiences, and personal tastes, so they will interpret things differently.

One example could be when I put a lot of passion and energy into a project, only for someone to criticize it in a way that feels unfair or like they missed the point. Maybe they don’t understand the intention behind it, or they’re judging it based on their own preferences rather than its actual quality. At first, that kind of feedback can be frustrating—it’s easy to feel defensive.

But over time, I’ve learned that criticism, even when it feels off-base, is valuable. Sometimes, it reveals gaps in communication—if people are consistently misunderstanding something, maybe I need to be clearer in how I present my work. Other times, it just highlights that not everything is for everyone, and that’s okay.

The biggest lesson I’ve taken away is learning how to filter feedback. Some criticism helps me grow, while other opinions are just reflections of someone else’s perspective rather than an objective truth. Adapting to criticism means understanding which feedback can push me forward and which I can let go of without taking it personally.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sleach, and I’m an EDM producer and DJ from St. Louis. I’ve been creating and performing for over a decade, building my sound and identity in the underground music scene. My music blends heavy bass, futuristic sound design, and deep, emotional energy—whether it’s a high-energy rave set or a track that makes you feel like you’re traveling through space.

I first got into music at a very young age. My father, who was a pastor, would let me go to the church whenever he was working on sermons and I would always play around on the drum set or piano. During the services, I would always be drawn to the sound mixer in the back and try to learn how it worked. As I got older, I was drawn to the energy and connection music creates. From the moment I started producing, I was hooked on the idea that a single track could make people feel something powerful. Over time, I’ve developed my sound using tools like Serum for sound design, constantly pushing myself to experiment and evolve.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge different worlds—whether that’s making music that’s both heavy and emotional or curating DJ sets that take people on a journey. I love creating experiences, not just songs. My goal is always to transport listeners to a different realm, whether that’s through deep sub-bass or melodies that stick with you.

I’ve played countless shows in my city and built a strong reputation, but my vision extends beyond just one place. I want to travel, perform, and bring my sound to a global audience. I’m proud of the music I’ve created, the energy I bring to my sets, and the fact that I stay true to my vision while always pushing forward.

For new fans, the biggest thing to know about my work is that it’s all about immersion. If you listen to my music or come to my shows, expect to feel something—whether it’s raw energy, deep emotions, or the feeling of being launched into another dimension.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing that I think non-creatives might struggle to understand is how I hear music differently. For me, music isn’t just something to listen to—it’s something I analyze, feel, and experience on a deeper level. When I hear a song, I don’t just think about whether I like it or not. I’m breaking down the sound design, the structure, the mix, and how it all comes together emotionally.

Because of this, I’ve never been able to just pick a single “favorite” song, artist, or genre. Music is so subjective, and every track serves a different purpose. A song that’s perfect for one moment might not fit another, and I appreciate music for what it is rather than trying to rank it. That can be hard for some people to understand—especially when they expect me to have a go-to answer for what I like the most.

Another thing that can be difficult to explain is the emotional and mental energy that goes into creating. A lot of people think making music is just about sitting down, pressing buttons, and coming up with something cool. But it’s deeper than that. It’s a constant battle between creativity and self-criticism, between inspiration and frustration. There are times when I’ll spend hours working on a track, only to scrap it because it doesn’t feel right. Other times, I’ll have a random idea hit me at the most unexpected moment, and I have to capture it before it disappears.

The biggest insight I can offer is that creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about perceiving things differently. It’s about hearing details that most people overlook, feeling emotions that are hard to put into words, and always chasing something that feels just out of reach. It’s a journey that never really ends, and that’s what makes it so exciting.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing that I can be someone’s motivation. Music has the power to inspire, and when I see people driven to chase their own dreams because of something I created, it reminds me why I do this in the first place. Whether it’s people who feel connected to my music or other artists who see my journey and realize they can push forward too, that impact is something truly special.

Beyond that, one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey has been the ability to help others with their goals. Whether it’s collaborating with fellow DJs, creating opportunities for others to perform, or just sharing knowledge, I love being part of something bigger than myself. The music industry can feel competitive, but I believe in community—when one of us wins, we all win.

And of course, there’s nothing like the feeling of creating something unique and watching it resonate with people. Seeing a crowd react to a song I made, or hearing how my music has impacted someone’s life, makes all the long hours in the studio worth it. At the end of the day, being an artist isn’t just about personal success—it’s about lifting others up, creating experiences, and leaving a lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/sleach

Image Credits

That’s When I Snapped