We were lucky to catch up with Leah Martin-Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Leah, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
A career in the Creative Industries is always a risk. Being a creative is not a secure job in the way a Teacher or a Lawyer or a Doctor or a Shop Assistant might be. Being a freelancer, you’re constantly hustling to stay ahead of the game and ensure you continue to get work. Pair this with the usual song writing, recording and performing AND the newly created role of Musicians as Influencers and it seems like insurmountable odds.
When I first knew I wanted to be a singer and a songwriter, I was a 9 year old kid living on the Gold Coast on the East Coast of Australia. I didn’t know the HOW but I just knew it was what I had to do.
My entire life I have been chasing taking risks to chase this crazy dream. When I first left high school I worked two jobs as well as studied Music at University. After I graduated, I focused on touring around Australia and releasing as much music as I could, just trying to get the industry to take notice.
This ended up paying off and I was invited to move over to Los Angeles, CA to showcase at Musexpo in 2014. Without hesitation, I packed my things, sold my car and moved over to LA- not knowing a soul! I started a new project called ‘Evol Walks’ and we toured through Australia, the Pacific North West and parts of Europe.
Things were really heating up when the 2020 pandemic hit and ground everyone to a halt. I was offered the opportunity to take yet another risk- this one leading me to Stockholm, Sweden. I based myself here for almost a year writing new music for Evol Walks and also working on a new, pop-focused project.
I have spent the last 3 years travelling and releasing new music- always focusing on where the music takes me no matter the risk involved.
Leah, 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 Leah Martin-Brown and I am a songwriter, vocalist and guitarist. I am originally from the Gold Coast on the Easter Coast of Australia and relocated to Los Angeles, CA in January 2014. I have made this crazy city my home for the better part of 9 years.
As well as freelance session vocal and songwriting work, I am the front-woman and creator for heavy rock project Evol Walks.
I have had the opportunity to live and work in Australia, the USA and Sweden as well as tour through multiple cities performing my own original music. And I think that is pretty rad.
I am currently working on a new Acoustic EP, the first single of which is dropping on November 17th 2023- cannot wait for you all to hear it!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal is to reach as many people as possible with the music I create. My greatest wish is to be able to get back out on tour and share new music with as many markets as possible.
In order to do that, I just have to continue writing and recording and releasing and hope the magic happens!
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
I honestly wish I’d been more open to Tiktok. I only go onboard at the end of last year as everyone in the industry was urging Artists to do it. It is now a lot harder to be seen on Tiktok compared to the 2019/2020/2021 era as it is so much more competitive. If there is ever a competitor for Tiktok that people start pushing, I am going to try and be an early adopter instead of waiting because I’m stubborn!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventuresinplasticland
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahelizabethmartinbrown
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/evolwalksband
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@adventuresinplasticland
Image Credits
Joakim Unge Matilda Hammar