Pigeon Spins Featuring an Interview with John Leslie

John Leslie - Dream

Featuring Brisbane based sitar virtuoso Sudha Manian and renowned Australian drummer Jackie James Barnes, Dream merges traditional rock instrumentation with the intricate textures of Indian classical music. The interplay between electric guitars, rhythmic percussion, and sitar creates a distinctive soundscape both expansive and intimate highlighting the remarkable musicianship and production craft behind the track.

Recorded over a twelve-month period across four of the Sunshine Coast’s top studios, including the award-winning Yama-Nui, Dream stands as a testament to Leslie’s commitment to detail and creative collaboration. The result is a track that feels both timeless and forward-thinking a true dream in production.

Interview with John Leslie

(•)> What inspired you to merge rock with Indian classical elements on your new single Dream?

After spending many months in India I became interested in the music and upon my return to Australia I took tabla lessons with Ravikesh Singh . ‘Dream’ presented the perfect opportunity to incorporate both sitar and tabla due to the nature of the track and the availability and talent of the musicians who blended into a cohesive sound.

(•)> How did your collaboration with sitar virtuoso Sudha Manian and drummer Jackie James Barnes come about?

I had the idea of a collaboration after witnessing Sudha and Ravi playing together, I was captivated by dynamism and charismatic charisma of their performance.

During the covid lock downs here in Australia Jackie, who under normal circumstances would have been busy touring and recording with some of Australia’s top acts was looking for work. Since then, although now extremely busy Jackie always makes time to come and play on my releases.

(•)> What was the creative process like recording Dream across multiple studios, including the award-winning Yama-Nui?

Each producer/engineer brought their own unique flavor to the recording process with their own specialty. For example, ARIA award winning producer Paul Bromley had experience working with Jackie before which created an atmosphere of creative harmony. The sitar was recorded at the School of Audio Engineering in Brisbane under the guidance of the Director, Akshay Kalawar who had a very good understanding of Indian classical music so was able to guide Sudha to give her best performance.

(•)> The track has a distinctive blend of intimacy and expansiveness, how did you achieve that balance in the production?

Again, I believe the secret lies in the different flavors that the various musicians brought to the evolution and production of the track. Early collaboration with local Sunshine Coast icon Andrea Kirwin, created the intimate folksy base that the track was layered on. The introduction of the electric guitars through special analogue effects created the expansiveness in the form of orchestral strings and Gregorian chanting.

(•)> How does Dream fit into your ongoing artistic evolution and the broader themes explored in your catalogue?

It’s fair to say that there is a strong theme of spirituality evident in the majority of my cataloged. This is a way of reconciling my need to create with my on-going desire to evolve and grow in line with my philosophy on life. While I do not subscribe to anyone set of beliefs, I do recognize the interrelationship of creation based on a shared desired desire to reach a destination.

(•)> Your music often blurs the line between cinematic soundscapes and classic songwriting, what draws you to that hybrid approach?

While not necessarily involved in the production of ‘Dream’, my music has been greatly influenced by past collaborations with the highly regarded musician Peter Koppes, himself an Australian Recording Industry Award (ARIA) winner. Peter spent many years with iconic band ‘The Church’, who’s dreamy, layered sound is said to have influenced many of the post punk and alternative rock bands. Peter’s intricate guitar work is noted for creating evocative sonic landscapes.

(•)> You’ve worked with many renowned musicians; how do collaborations shape your sound and storytelling?

My very first release, ‘Town of Love’, was a country rock ballad which did not really reflect who I am as a person or as an artist. However, working with musicians like Andrea and Peter that have helped me define myself as an artist and evolve in a way that represents my true nature, for this I am eternally grateful.

(•)> With international recognition for works like Cosmic Echoes, how do you approach creating music that resonates across cultures?

One of the most pleasing aspects of creating music has been that it has resonated across cultures. In the case of ‘Cosmic Echoes’, the combination of the instrumental soundtrack and cosmic theme of the music video broke down all language and cultural barriers as it emphasized the universal oneness of creation. It was particularly satisfying to have won Film Festival Awards in such diverse countries as France, India and the middle east including Iran.

(•)> What role does emotion play in your songwriting process, especially in a piece as layered as Dream?

Had I not spent years contemplating the nature of reality and illusion I would not have been capable of writing a song like ’Dream’. It manifested itself with a little creative input from myself. However, I did spend more than a year tweaking the lyrics to improve the flow and composition of the track.

Looking ahead, what can listeners expect next in your journey as a composer and producer?

Having experimented with a variety of musical influences over the last three or four releases, I am planning to produce a good old rock track, more along the line of my earlier release ‘Born of the Fire’!

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out John Leslie on the Pigeon Spins Playlist