ME: Where did the name Prinz Leo come from?
PRINZ LEO: I wanted to have a name that showed the highest potential. I believe that there is this highest potential in all of us and for my stage name it felt important to show that version of me and remind and motivate myself to keep trying to get to that highest potential by naming myself that.
M: Why is it spelt Prinz and not Prince?
PL: Well, I'm from Austria and that is how we spell prince in German! Again, kind of linking it back to my identity and remembering where I'm from kind of thing.
M: How has it been coming from Austria to here in London, what's the difference been like and how's the industry been towards you here?
PL: I love it, I moved here in 2018. Austria is great for classical music but not for anything else. I met so many people when I moved here, it's really inspiring, I love it here, it's great.
M: Do you feel like social media has taken an important role in your career of being an artist?
PL: Yeah, for sure. Before moving here I already posted regularly, mainly as a guitarist, I gained 6000 followers which really helped with working with people. Especially back then, followers equalled people thinking you were so good. It helped finding people who wanted to listen to me. But because I changed from session guitarist to artist I think some of them are less engaged. I'm still trying to convert them.
M: What's been the biggest difference between being a session guitarist and your own artist?
PL: I think my goals. Before I was working with artists, now I am the artist. As a session guitarist you tried to get any gig. I've found my vibe now and I'm more aware of my image and where I want to play.
M: You posted yesterday that you filmed a music video, how did it go?
PL: Yeah it went very well! My most professional video so far. My girlfriend is a make up artist so I'm lucky with that. Director and his assistant, they even had a smoke machine. We got vibes shots inside cause it's a slow song. Went to a river then a hill and got two sunset, we were very lucky. There was a stage and everyone was watching us.
M: With gigs what is your favourite bit about performing?
PL: I think it's the feeling of connection with the audience which doesn't happen always but more and more. After a show, if someone says they felt something or there were tears, that's the best bit.
M: Where is a place that you haven't performed that you really want to?
PL: Brixton. LA, New York, generally the US. Other than that, Indonesia, Taiwan, people there really appreciate music especially as mine is half instrumental half singing. Also the Philippines.
M: You said you released monthly singles. Are you interested in making an EP or album?
PL: I think I'm sticking to singles for now because I'm still improving and I produce and master my own stuff. I want that movement still, I definitely want to release an EP or album but not yet, I want to build a fanbase to release it to and made an email marketing system and everything. So not this year but maybe next year.
M: Lastly, I like to end on a fun one; you mentioned collaborations earlier, who is someone or a group of people that do different things that you'd like to collaborate with?
PL: I would love to work with the producer Rick Rubin. If I could pick anyone, John Frusciante the Red Hot Chilli Peppers guitarist because he's so creative. UK based singers and songwriters like Beabadoobee, I love her style I think it's so unique. And Tom Misch another good producer.
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