Leo Sayer
Beginning his music career co-writing songs with David Courtney, Leo Sayer’s career has been fruitful, spanning four decades. The Australian-English artist started as a hit, catapulting to the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1970s for his early albums like Silverbird and Just a Boy. With 24 albums under his belt, most recently Selfie in 2019, Leo Sayer’s soft rock and disco hybrid proves to be a timeless gem enjoyed by generations across the board. Whether it’s the 1977 Grammy-winning hit “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” or “Build Me a Rainbow,” one of his newer songs, Sayer’s sound is steady. We recently spoke with the legendary artist about his first tastes of fame, career advice, and more!
Talk about the first time you knew that you were famous. How did that feel?
It felt great as I’d been waiting a bit of a time for it to happen. I’d been a graphic designer and illustrator before becoming Leo (I was originally known as Gerry Sayer), and when that career started to break down, I moved towards my first love, music. I knew I had a good voice and when I won an audition with my band of the time, it felt logical. But I really wasn’t prepared for how fast things happened. I had a very dynamic manager in the famous 50’s British actor and pop singer Adam Faith and he opened doors for me so quickly it made my head spin. Four days after meeting him, we were in the studio recording my first single! Things happened very fast after that.
Growing up, who were some of your greatest musical influences?
When an older cousin played me Bob Dylan’s first album, I was instantly hooked. The words, the style, folk blues and the general panache he presented was amazing to me. So Bob was my first hero. I loved jazz too, so I’d have to name John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Being a singer/songwriter when I first started; I’d have to include Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell and Tim Hardin in there too.
What are some of your favorite venues to play at?
I’ve played to many places over 48 years to be able to choose, but I’ll have a go. The Greek Theatre in LA was a buzz, but then my first shows at The Troubadour on Santa Monica Blvd were pretty special too. The size doesn’t matter, it’s all about the audience really.
Besides your big hits ("You Make Me Feel Like Dancing", "When I Need You", "More Than I Can Say"), which song would you say was your favorite to write and record?
Well I only wrote one of those three, “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing”, but then there’s “Giving It All Away (Just A Boy)”, “Thunder In My Heart”, “The Show Must Go On”, “Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)”, “One Man Band”, “Orchard Road” — they are all special to me.
What are the best and worst parts of working in the music industry?
People telling you what to do, or what you should do! I’ve always tried to make my own decisions, but there are so many bad people with vested interests of their own that’ll try to sway you away from your chosen path. I’ve had so much bad advice over the years, and these days I tend to go it alone, creatively and career wise. It’s the only way!
What was the best advice that someone has given you?
Don’t listen to me, but… and so I didn’t! I don’t want to come over as arrogant, but I’m the artist so I listen to myself mostly, and I draw on my experience.
What's one piece advice that you would give for today's up and coming artists?
Listen to yourself (I think you probably saw that coming!). Seriously though, honest self belief is all you need, especially in this digital age, where, thanks to computers and modern musical programs and systems, you can do so much of the work yourself.
