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

Dylann, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve had a few epiphanies about my career, but the first time I knew I wanted to pursue creativity in the professional sense was in middle school, when I accompanied Annelle Gregory (a professional violinist) alongside my youth orchestra. She absolutely knew what she was doing, left no room for error, and showed you exactly how the violin solo piece (Paganini’s La Campanella) made her feel. I wanted to be just like her – a surefooted vessel for music and emotion.

Dylann, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Dylann, and my artist name is Leatea (pronounced Lee-Tee), and I am a native San Diegan artist and musician. I began my musical journey at age 4, and was trained as a classical violinist until I stopped taking lessons at 19. During that time, I also learned how to play guitar, clarinet, and ukulele, and also picked up singing. I began writing my own songs at age 13. In 2020, I published my first song on Spotify, at the urging of my boyfriend Najee. In 2021, I began performing at local farmer’s markets and venues. By the end of 2021, I had played my first show and released a number of self-produced songs. I am now a regular performer and director at Izola Bakery, and recently performed at Tết Mira Mesa. I believe what sets me apart from other artists is my lyricism. I write very candidly about the experiences of my life; I take the most heavy inspiration from Neil Young, Norah Jones, and Mitski. Honestly, I’m most proud of being true to myself and my art. I believe that I wouldn’t be as happy with my music if I made something only because it makes a lot of money. I’m also extremely grateful for the friendships I’ve made in the local San Diego music scene. I would not feel at home in San Diego without them.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is 100% reaching people’s hearts with what I do. I love when parents let their toddlers dance to my tunes, and I love when people tell me they were moved to feeling because of my songs. When I play a Neil Young cover and see people sigh and close their eyes, it makes me want to come back and perform again.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The greatest help to me as a career artist has been learning about and accommodating my neurodivergence. I learned that it’s actually possible to do things when I’m not hating myself into doing them! I highly recommend the books The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Unmasking Autism by Dr. Devin Price. I didn’t know why I was struggling to fit my life into the corporate 9-5 template, but now I’ve realized that that model of life and work simply doesn’t agree with me and my brain, even when I do my best. I am much happier and healthier in a creative field, and that’s fine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6xVA8piXh3LrV10kY0YnQT?si=ehQ_0aA9Qve3kbbfsnr6uw
• Instagram: @Leateamusic
• Youtube: @leateamusic