Today we’d like to introduce you to Leo Aether. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Leonardo Linares, also known as Leo Aether, is a Colombian singer-songwriter, writer, and audio engineer based in Orlando, who has worked with the likes of producer Bruce Hensal (The Eagles, Judas Priest, Aerosmith, Stevie Wonder), and shared the stage with artists of the caliber of Aterciopelados at the Beacham Theater in Orlando. Leo has also independently toured through Central and South America, and played in several cities across the South East of the USA.
Leo has contributed to Orlando’s music and arts community and has successfully organized events since 2010 independently. Most notably, Leo coordinated the No Tan Radio Festival at The Plaza Live (2010) and at the Melrose Center (2019). Leo also acted as the music curator for Fusion Fest (2019) and was part of the selection committee for Orlando’s first Poet Laureate (2018). Additionally, Leo is currently performing and producing other events in Orlando, like Ecos Fest, the Ecos Concert Series, and the Latin Open Mic at Bynx Café under his production company, Aether Music.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first arrived in the US, I struggled and, like many immigrants, had to face the realities of not being accepted for the way I looked. When I first started playing open mics I was booed off stage for singing in Spanish. I soon realized that there weren’t many platforms for Latin alternative artists like myself.
After finishing music production school and training myself as a singer and performer, I started producing my own shows, which was a struggle all on its own.
I later embarked on touring outside the US, South of the border, and that was a tough road, but one that taught me many things and that reaffirm my conviction as a singer/songwriter and performer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Music has saved my life. From growing up in a violent era in Colombia to enduring discrimination from being an immigrant in the US, singing and writing gave me the tools to make something of myself, and to learn the ways of an entrepreneur to make my passion into a sustainable effort.
I have always followed an independent path, never approaching any record labels or shortcuts, always walking my own path and finding my own way of doing things and my own partnerships. This way I have accomplished many of my goals as an artist. From touring independently to producing events that celebrate and compensate indie artists fairly to working with award-winning producers, to sharing the stage with artists I admire, I am proud of my independent efforts.
I also feel proud of fulfilling my dream of attending Berklee College of Music.
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
I want to be the best at my craft as a singer, songwriter, and performer while having a sustainable career. I also want to find platforms for myself and my fellow musicians, where artists are compensated fairly for their work.
Contact Info:
- Website: Leoaether.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/leoaether
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leoaethermusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@LeoAether
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NFKSeNr9wDHMkkuDtHPXQ?si=QhnOfV-AQEidktEoQYWkGA
Image Credits
Leisy Vidal
