 |
Aiden Leslie Performs The Manor
By Samuel Watson
Aiden Leslie’s “Trying to Leave Now” is about salvaging what is
right in a relationship before losing everything. Penned by the
artist, the single is the follow-up to “World’s Away”, his song
that nabbed the top spot on LOGO’s “Click List” countdown show
for four consecutive weeks last summer. He makes his Florida
debut performing both songs at
The Manor in
Fort Lauderdale on Christmas Eve.
"I wrote Trying to Leave Now about a person in my life I have
always had deep feelings for,” says the out artist. “We
eventually came together but at the wrong time in both our
lives, making it impossible to pursue.”
Leslie says he battled with trying to leave while the feelings
were still strong and alive. He says it’s important to
understand that sometimes, leaving is the only option.
“At some point, you have let go to see where it ends up on its
own.”
“The same holds true with life,” contends Leslie. He encourages
fans to embrace the truth, even if it means having to part ways
with the one you love.
What do you look for in a partner?
At this point in my life, it's attractive to me if I know that
the person has lived a little. I want someone that has been
around the block a few times, but is now looking for something
more rooted. Also, they need to have a belief in something
bigger than themselves. I’m looking for someone who has dreams
and wants to fulfill them, no matter what.
“Trying to Leave Now” is about a person you loved but at
the wrong time in your life. What do you mean by that?
It simply came down to timing. It wasn't the time for us to
pursue anything more than what it already had been.
Is there a right time for love?
I don't think it's about right or wrong, it just happens. That
is the beauty of love. But I do think that circumstances in
one's life definitely can influence the direction it should or
shouldn't take.
Where were you going that he wasn’t willing to follow?
We wanted different things. Our needs didn’t match. I had to
leave and choose another way for myself, even though the
feelings were still there.
Would you follow your true love wherever he went?
I would like to believe that I would find a way to make it work
and that he would do the same for me. As I get older, I am
starting to see that you must follow your heart. If you don’t,
you’ll likely pay a hard price.
World’s Away was a breakout hit. Do you expect “Trying
to Leave Now” will be as successful?
When I finish a project, I always ask myself one question: am I
satisfied with what I have done? If I answer no, then I would
never put it out for the world to see. I try not to approach
anything in the sense of its success or failure. In my mind, the
simple fact that I did it and I am proud of it means it is
successful. I try and leave off any expectations.
What is World’s Away about?
The core of World's Away is about life's journey and the
struggles we all go through. It's about realizing where you have
been, taking what you have learned and letting it go.
Are all your songs so personal?
Always. For me, sharing my experiences through music helps me
grow personally and artistically. Hopefully, the raw truth
resonates with the listener and they take away something from it
as well.
Have you written about your coming out experience?
I have never written specifically about coming out, but I have
written about my life experiences, being a gay man in today's
world.
Would you agree that ‘it gets better’?
Yes, without a doubt, but, I will also say that it comes down to
choosing it to be better for yourself.
Are you in a good place in your life today?
I'm probably in the best place I have ever been in my life. It’s
largely because I have re-connected to my passion. I'm single
right now, but I am definitely looking forward to sharing my
life with someone. So much in my past has been about settling,
but at this point in my life, I won’t do that. My career
consumes much of my time. It’s my priority and will continue to
be, but I also want to strike a balance between my career and
personal life.
What was it like shooting the music video for “Trying to
Leave Now”?
Shooting a music video is always a big undertaking. I am one
hundred percent involved in every step of the way from concept
to the final moment of editing. It's always important to have
support along the way. Working with my Creative Director, Robert
Vasquez, and the rest of my artistic team was a productive
learning experience for me. We raised the bar in terms of
production from the last video. Can't wait to do the next one.
What do you want fans to come away with from the video?
"Trying to Leave Now" is an anthem. My goal when anyone listens
or watches anything that I do is that they see the journey in
all that we are and experience. It's also pays homage to my love
affair with NYC, so it's a reflection of my home and my life.
Are you working on new songs?
I'm always working on new material.
When do you expect you will release your new album?
Right now, it looks like a new single will be releasing early in
the new year.
Underneath the muscles and pretty face, who is Aiden
Leslie?
Just like everyone else, he’s someone longing to be heard and
ultimately seeking to find his own way.
Aiden Leslie performs The Manor (2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton
Manors) on Christmas Eve. Visit
http://aidenleslie.com.
|
