Meet Leroy Booker | Music Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leroy Booker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leroy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To be honest, I never considered music as a business venture until much later. I began writing, performing and playing music because it was the means I knew to express my emotions, and I found it incredibly rewarding. I was captivated by the emotional impact of music and the vibrant colors it evoked. It made me feel like a superhero of Sonics, driven by a desire to connect with others. As I delved deeper into the music industry, I began to comprehend the business aspects and became obsessed in it. In my opinion, when you embark on a journey, whether it’s a business venture or any other pursuit, it should be something you’re passionate about and willing to obsess over. That’s what it takes, in my humble view. But, this is my perspective.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hmm… I suppose I believe we are all uniquely set apart. I perceive art, music, and sound as fingerprints, each distinct from the others. They may share similar vibes and evoke similar emotions, but what truly sets me apart is my unique way of perceiving the world. It’s no different than how someone else is set apart for their own reasons. I suppose I simply express myself through music and words instead of photos or oil paints. I feel and see music differently. I fell in love with how it made me feel. The goosebumps I would get from the phrases of Frank Ocean or the notes of Babyface when he sung his song “What if” or Michael singing “Butterflies” effortlessly captivated me. I loved how the buzz and vibrations from the lower frequencies of the subwoofer would create an ironic nostalgic heavenly moment within church, as well as the colors that emanated from every single song I came across. Music has a magical way of making the hardest things to say easier. Whether it’s offering help (P.S. I’m not sure if I can curse on this platform, so let’s just block the words out for now) or saying ‘f*** this!, to expressing deep care or simply conveying emotions, each shade of music reflects differently in everyone’s mind. It’s one of the few tools that can help people remember, motivate them for the future, or assist them in staying present. I strive to do that well. I want people to experience all the colors and tones of life, to know that they’re not alone in it, and hopefully, to create some truly remarkable sonic moments along the way. Lately, I feel like that’s what I’ve been providing, and that’s what I’m most proud of. My team may be small, but the individuals I work with are incredible, talented, and incredibly smart. They help convey the stories so well and assist in my wild and outlandish ideas, making them understandable to both those who have been with me for years and those who are discovering my music for the first time. I’m really proud of them as well.

I’d say I got to where I am professionally today because of the ones who took a chance on me when it wasn’t cool to. When it took me months to pay off a music video or really not getting a return right up front for the efforts they put in and were still willing to invest the most priceless thing , time is mind-blowing. Simply because they believe in it just as much as I did. I’d say that was a big factor as well as my love for it, I obsess about music. I love it; it’s my first love, so you’re willing to go through a lot more than, say, a 9-5 with no thought of giving up. Was it easy ? Hell NO! But worth it? Hell YES!

You overcome any challenges by genuinely caring about the goals you set. I don’t mean to get spiritual here, but I believe when you believe it’s the only way for you to live and be the best version of yourself, and you believe it’s a gifted, guided path from God, the divine, a higher power, or whatever you may believe in, it comes to you, not easily, but it comes to you. Not only that, but when you embrace this mindset, you find the stamina and strength to just overcome. I believe it’s no coincidence that blessings occurred at my lowest moments to help me through the toughest times of life. That being said, there are times when I still doubt myself or it and have to step back and reassess, but I’m willing to learn, which is why I think not only I but we have been able to overcome challenges. It’s just being open to learning a new way to overcome those obstacles that’s the challenge, but when we embrace that life lesson, it makes life things a bit easier to navigate. I also think I’ve tried to make my “why’s” bigger than myself. If it was just for me, in essence, eventually, this love and drive would fizzle out, but because it’s for something larger than just me in my eyes and perspective, it has helped me push along each time with more drive.

I’m learning lessons every day, man… every single day. The lessons I’ve learned so far…
Always find the things that are going well, make sure you say thank you to the ones working around you, and don’t get too caught up in the “what’s next?” But rather focus on “what’s here?” “Who’s here?” and embrace why they are here. Another lesson I am still learning is to enjoy the journey from point to point. I’m learning a lot all the time, so it’s really hard to pinpoint one lesson .

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok hands down these are the spots:

Coffee: (local vibes)
The Buzz
Anna’s on the Lake
Eastview

Hands down top three

Food:
Slip 56
Franks Diner
The Spot Drive in

(These are my vibes but if you wanna dress up ) definitely The APIS or HobNob

Hang out spots:
The beachfront
Downtown
Go to local shows ( there is insane talent throughout here)

Visit:
Wild Goose
PeaceTree
The Lighthouse (they sometimes have galleries going on inside of it)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Holly Stanfield
Jack Parkhurst
Joan Korte
Nick Campos
Ani Campos
Emily Burhani
RAYVEN
Emmett Kegler
Jonny “Nightmare” Servais
Ross Grieb
Luke Reelfs
Rob “Louphoria” Guardiola to name a few…
Of course my Mother, Father, and Aunt as well as my immediate family
And God

Website: https://www.leroybooker.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leroy_music?igsh=eGtqMThkMWwyYXc1&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18Np2iFCHL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@officialleroybooker?si=t8-QA1Dl6trO4340

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/14olodPTtIg65gAipKEPXG?si=fY88h2gaRkq0pjT1yGwXJQ

Hoo.be :
https://hoo.be/leroybooker

Image Credits
Nicolas F. Campos (all new photos)

Unknown (older child photos)