New York City singer-songwriter Leo Sawikin has always been a master at weaving introspection with melody, and his upcoming album, Till You’re Somebody Else, set to release on January 24, 2025, is no exception. Building on the success of his 2021 debut, Row Me Away, Sawikin dives deeper into his signature “shoegazey Britpop” sound—a blend of jangling guitars, dreamy keys, and evocative lyrics that evoke bands like The Cure and early Coldplay. Produced by Phil Ek, the visionary behind records from Built to Spill and Fleet Foxes, this new album captures Sawikin’s artistic evolution and self-discovery. With influences ranging from Joni Mitchell to Alex Chilton and Johnny Greenwood, Sawikin’s guitar work takes center stage, offering a rawer, more personal glimpse into his craft.
As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his musical journey, Sawikin sat down to talk about the album’s standout moments, the creative challenges of recording solo, and the stories behind his most compelling lyrics. From reflective trips through Europe to nerve-wracking moments on stage, his thoughtful answers paint a picture of an artist coming into his own. Read on to learn more about the making of Till You’re Somebody Else and the experiences that shaped its heartfelt tracks.
GW: What’s a lyric from your album Till You’re Somebody Else that stands out, and what’s the story behind it?
LS: Probably “If I remained the same I’d never learn to play the game” from “New York I’m Coming Home.” I wrote that on my first solo trip to Europe at a moment when I was discovering myself and opening up to the world after years of being a bit of a shut-in. The day I wrote those lyrics was the day I realized I had finally developed the strength to live a more adventurous life.
GW: How did taking on all the guitar and keyboard parts yourself push you creatively?
LS: It forced me to flesh out ideas I might not have come up with otherwise. In addition to pushing me creatively, it really encouraged me to put more effort into my craft. I had to get better at things like playing in time, understanding Pro Tools, and mastering some basics I’d overlooked earlier in my career.
GW: Your guitar style blends Joni Mitchell, Alex Chilton, and Johnny Greenwood—how did those influences shape this album?
LS: The Joni Mitchell influence is evident in the chords I use, while the Alex Chilton and Johnny Greenwood influences come through in the way I strum and arpeggiate the guitar parts.
GW: “Am I Ever Gonna Fly Again” came from a tough day in Cologne. How did that moment evolve into such an introspective song?
LS: The same way any emotional moment can turn into a song. What I was feeling gave me more direction with my lyrics, I guess.
GW: “The Same Mistakes” resonates globally. Why do you think it connects so deeply across cultures?
LS: It’s hard to say, but I think it’s a combination of what it evokes musically and the relatability of the message.
GW: What surprised you most about working with Phil Ek, and how did he shape the album’s sound?
LS: What surprised me most was how much he allowed me to be myself. When I first went to work with him, I expected him to construct everything for me since that’s how I’d worked with producers in the past. Instead, he helped me find my own vision for these songs. It was challenging, but it resulted in incredible growth for me as both an artist and a performer.
GW: Touring with Jon McLaughlin—any unforgettable or funny moments from the road?
LS: Probably the first time I played the Franklin Theatre. I popped a guitar string during my first song—this was only my second show with Jon, and I was still very nervous. Within 30 seconds of starting the song, my string popped. Thankfully it didn’t break completely, so I just laughed it off and tuned it back up.
GW: If Till You’re Somebody Else were a city or a scent, what would it be, and why?
LS: That’s a very tough question! Maybe NYC, since the album is about going through changes, and NYC never stays the same for long.
GW: “The Life We Choose” reflects evolving identities. How does it mirror your own artistic journey?
LS: Recording this album with Phil helped me uncover my true artistic identity. For that reason, “The Life We Choose” felt like the perfect way to kick off the album.
GW: What’s one question about your music or process you wish people would ask but never do?
LS: I wish people would ask me what my favorite chords are more often!
Leo Sawikin’s journey through Till You’re Somebody Else is a testament to growth and self-discovery. From moments of introspection during his solo travels to pushing his creative boundaries by taking on all the instrumentation, the album captures his evolution as an artist. Tracks like “New York I’m Coming Home” and “The Life We Choose” embody the spirit of change, while others like “The Same Mistakes” and “Am I Ever Gonna Fly Again” offer universal themes of resilience and hope.
Working with legendary producer Phil Ek helped Sawikin shape a sound that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. As Sawikin continues to tour and connect with fans across the globe, Till You’re Somebody Else stands as a bold and heartfelt expression of an artist embracing his voice, his craft, and the ever-changing journey of life.
