Leo Sawikin conjures something beautiful with "Burning Love" - Interview
There's something really special about a song that starts as a happy accident and grows into something that feels inevitable, and that's exactly the story behind "Burning Love." Leo Sawikin stumbled onto this one almost by chance, fooling around in an alternate tuning while trying to remember a completely different song, and landing instead on chords that felt strangely Celtic, almost medieval. The result is one of the more soulful, atmospheric indie rock tracks you'll hear this year.
Sawikin brought in his drummer and close friend Max to handle the lyrics. He delivered in a big way and during our interview with Leo, he gave us the full rundown on what exactly this song is about, so make sure to watch!
Musically, this track carries real heart and soul, upbeat and energetic on the surface but with something deeper and more soulful running underneath, occasionally drifting into territory that feels almost Radiohead-esque in its atmosphere and restraint. Sawikin's vocal performance here is genuinely incredible, carrying all that wonder and emotion with real conviction. Still, this is very much a full band effort on the instrumental side, with every player contributing to that lush and layered atmosphere that makes the song feel so immersive from start to finish.
We recently got the chance to sit down with Leo to talk through the making of "Burning Love," and it was a great conversation as always. He walked us through the origins of the song, the influences that shaped its more folk leaning textures, and the process of bringing Max's lyrics to life alongside the rest of the band. He also gave us some insight into the production choices behind the track and a glimpse of what's still to come on his upcoming album, and it's clear this song is just one exciting piece of a much bigger vision he's building!
"Burning Love" is a gorgeous and atmospheric introduction to that next chapter, equal parts ancient and modern, joyful and awestruck. It's a genuinely moving listen, and a great sign of even more good things ahead from Leo Sawikin. We can’t wait! For now, go ahead and click those links below to listen in and of course to follow along for so so much more in the works.
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Photos by: Tommy Krouse