Today we’d like to introduce you to Leo Son & The Q-Tip Bandits.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As a kid, I always felt uncomfortable and music provided an escape from this discomfort. At the age of 5, directed by my parents, I began playing classical piano. By the age of 12, I transitioned to guitar and my music became my own. After high school I stopped playing music and the emptiness returned. I dropped out of college and moved back to Brookline from Los Angeles. Back home, I felt disconnected from my music, the world, and those around me. I escaped with drugs and alcohol and a habit turned into a full-blown addiction. I picked up my guitar again but found I could not play with the same sense of freedom while under the influence. After a time of rehabilitation, I finally rediscovered the solace and togetherness that music provided. I was reminded by the lyrics of my favorite songwriters that I was not alone, that there are people out there who understand exactly how I feel and are thriving. I continue to write and play today to strive to create that same safe, connected feeling for the next person.
Please tell us about your art.
The Q-Tip Bandits are an Indie-Soul Trio. The band merges the angst and energy of Rock n’ Roll and the groove and soul of Hip-Hop and R&B. Both our bassist, Claire Davis, and I bring original material to rehearsal and then as a band, we breathe the songs to life. As musicians, I believe that we are bred to be healers and bringers of joy. We try, in our songs, to convey the happiness that is felt after overcoming hardship that it is possible to dance in the rain. I hope that we can carry this sentiment of rejuvenation and life to our fans both on stage and off.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success to me is being able to forge a connection, to move someone or help someone with our music. Whether it comes from connecting with a song lyric, getting lost in a melody or feeling safe from the vulnerability we try to embrace while performing, we want to positively influence and change someone’s life even if it’s only for a moment. Having someone come up to us after a show to simply say “Thank you,” has meant the world. As for characteristics, I always remember something one of my most revered teachers, Ta-king Lai, told me: “Before you learn how to be a great musician, you must first learn what it means to be a good person.” As for what that means to me, I feel like I am still trying to figure out every day.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can find our music on our various different social media pages and on YouTube by searching “Leo Son & The Q-Tip Bandits”. We have flower pots that are hand-painted by the band that are for sale at our shows along with other handmade made goodies. Still, we believe that the best way people can support us is to keep up with us, reach out, send us a message, come out to a show, dance with us, sing with us, come say hello and let us get to know you.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6176469795
- Email: theleoson@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/theqtipbandits
- Facebook: facebook.com/theqtipbandits
Image Credit:
Matt Boltz
Brandon Kieth
All Things Harmony
Sophie Park
Mike Morrissey
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