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

Leepeck, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I have been playing guitar since I was a child. I bought my first guitar with my own money while picking apricots on a farm in California. It was a cheap classical guitar :)

I wanted to be a guitarist like Mark Knopfler from my favorite Dire Straits. However, it turned out that I was not very good at it. Since I was an Elvis fan since I was a baby, I started singing. It wasn’t all rosy either, but I felt that this was it. The first song I sang was my own. The first phrase went like this: “I saw a gummy bear walking down the street.” I don’t remember what the hell that gummy bear was about… :)

After a while, I started listening to Dylan. I liked the truth and determination in his voice.

Later I understood, which I feel is not remembered much now, that expression is key in art. Not the craft, but the message. Craftsmanship is only about giving you the opportunity to say what you want. It’s worth training, practicing, you can also edit recordings. But without this element of magic, a deeper meaning that does not always require perfection in its message, there is no art.

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?

Leepeck – A Melodic Journey Through Time and Emotion

Leepeck, whose real name is Piotr Lipka, hails from Warsaw, and he is a multifaceted artist with a rich background in music. From being a composer and songwriter to a skilled vocalist, Leepeck’s musical journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He is not just a solo artist but also a co-founder of the band Bohema. Over the years, he has graced major music events, including the XLIV Festival in Opole, the Opole Songwriters Festival, Spring Break Festival and the 12th Woodstock Festival. Leepeck’s unique blend of music even led him to open for renowned stars such as Green Day and T.Love.

In 2017, Leepeck made his solo debut with the album “Borderline,” which garnered significant attention and praise from audiences and music journalists alike. His performances at festivals, including Indie Week in Toronto, only solidified his place in the music scene. Now, in his second album, “Na mnie już czas,” Leepeck continues to captivate listeners with his heartfelt approach to subjects like people, love, time, and introspection as an artist.

One notable aspect of Leepeck’s musical journey is his ability to transcend language barriers. His English-language songs have found their way onto the playlists of radio stations not only in his native Poland but also in the USA, Great Britain, France, Canada, and Israel. This international reach highlights the universal appeal of his music, with listeners from diverse corners of the world connecting with his sound.

The latest single, “Am I Free,” is a testament to Leepeck’s evolving artistry. Premiering on Rockin’ Doc Radio in North Carolina during an in-depth interview with the artist, the song has since been making waves and is set to grace the playlists of radio stations globally. Its worldwide streaming premiere on September 15th, 2023, further cements Leepeck’s status as a musician with international acclaim.

The artist was named by Rolling Stone magazine in 2023 as one of the 10 artists you need to know.

Leepeck’s music embodies his ability to craft emotive and relatable music. The songs take listeners on a melodic journey through time and emotion, with Leepeck’s evocative vocals and thought-provoking lyrics leaving a lasting impression. The artist’s unique perspective and musical prowess shine through in this captivating track.

In conclusion, Leepeck’s albums are a musical gem that reflects the depth of his artistry and his ability to connect with audiences around the world. As he continues to make his mark on the global music scene, we can only anticipate more heartfelt and soul-stirring creations from this talented artist.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Being willing to take risks is crucial in my work. And I’m not thinking about the dangers of fans tearing your shirt off…::)

Being an independent artist involves the constant dilemma of financing your ventures and the lack of certainty whether they will even pay off in the slightest.

On the one hand, it is an imperative that pushes you to create and act. On the other hand, there is a common reflection that the chance for serious success is very small. In all this, faith and determination fight against common sense.

I have achieved a lot of success in my artistic life. Album of the year, first place on the Polish MTV charts, recording contract with EMI, concerts at important Polish and foreign festivals. I was also named by Rolling Stone magazine in 2023 as one of the 10 artists you need to know.

It all sounds good, but the truth is that it always involves struggle, stress and investing your own money. And in all this you have to create, perform and smile on Instagram. And everyone has a private life, after all :)

Recalling the words of one of the American hamburger businessmen, I will say that the most important thing is determination. Work, talent, luck, you know. But determination, determination…that is the clue.

That’s why I was penniless many times. I released new singles and often everyone around me told me that this time it would be a hit. But for some strange reason it wasn’t :)

I was once asked to have my song synced in a big movie film. It was supposed to be in the final scene. I was invited to the premiere of the film and it turned out that it was on the credits when the lights were already on in the cinema hall. I was so pissed…

That’s why you have to be patient, resistant to disappointment, enthusiastic, humble and believe that one day you will succeed. This is the story of success that I try to build. Good Luck To You All.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Referring to my previous statement about the risks and disappointments associated with being an artist, I would now like to tell you what I see as benefits and advantages of being an artist.

It’s something that gives me meaning. Taking into account the fact that we don’t know why we are here on earth, art seems to be something that makes sense on its own. Even if there is no meaning because nothing makes sense, art has it. That’s why people need it so much. Both creators and recipients. Although in fact each of us is a bit of both.

Every penny spent on promotion hurts, but the compensation from the finished song soothes the pain completely.

The greatest joy and fulfillment comes from a situation, which I have experienced many times, when someone comes up to you after a concert and says: “Your song brought tears to my eyes.” And then you understand why you are doing it. Money, adoration, houses, cars, of course I count on such success.

But these words from the person who listened to your song are actually what the artist needs. The rest is just a shadow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leepeck.my.canva.site/english
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leepeck_music/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leepeckmusic/?locale=pl_PL
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/jnsx9wAZfjQ?si=Z5zq_noxk9RC_ech
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@leepeckofficial

Image Credits
Katarzyna Cera