Leah Randall, a rising star in Hobart's vibrant music scene and part of Tahi, is making waves with latest single, 'Tend To Me'. This captivating track, born from a unique blend of personal experiences and creative exploration, showcases Leah's exceptional songwriting and artistry. With influences ranging from Kacey Musgraves to her own personal diaries, Leah's music is a testament to her authentic voice and heartfelt storytelling. 'Tend To Me' is not just a song; it's an invitation to connect, to feel, and to embrace the power of human connection.

In this interview, we explore Leah's musical journey, exploring the creative process behind 'Tend To Me', her inspirations, and her aspirations for the future. We also hear from producer Robotikus, who sheds light on his own musical background and the unique elements he brought to the track. From the wind chimes discovered under Scott's house to the collaboration with Tarik, 'Tend To Me' is a testament to the power of creative synergy and the magic that happens when artists come together.

Great to be speaking with you both today, and congratulations on the release of the new single. Can you tell us about your musical journey and how you discovered your passion for songwriting?

Leah: "When I was 14 I decided that my identity was the music that I listened to. I was going through my parents' records and discovered the Stones who I embraced wholeheartedly and listened to exclusively for a while, I loved "Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass)", I was glued to the liner notes and pictures. I started learning guitar for the next year or so which I picked up eagerly and proceeded to wistfully wish to be an out of the closet musician for the ensuing decade. I didn't want to succumb to the pipe dream of being an (inevitably struggling) musician and it seemed like everywhere I turned, people were giving me unsolicited advice about it not being a career and how I should put my focus elsewhere at that tender age. This was all bullshit and my unsolicited advice to anyone is to do what you're passionate about, not waste time on something possibly more sensible. Maybe some of you've hit the jackpot and your industry isn't being overrun with limiting conservatism that wards off aspiring creatives."

"Some years ago I started keeping a diary and found that I actually had some kooky, interesting poems to write. Sometimes I go back to this same diary for inspiration for a song I'm writing because it’s so raw. And that was the case for 'Tend To Me'! "If my heart was growing wild just like a garden full of weeds, would you tend to me?" came from that ancient diary. I was in a not-so great relationship soon after I wrote the diary and throughout the entire relationship I really wanted to write songs but I didn't because I felt emotionally drained and stagnant. As soon as we broke up, I wrote my first few songs ever! The freedom felt gorgeous and when I apprehensively shared these songs with close friends, the feedback was really positive. One friend said, I paraphrase, It has this feeling I only get when I listen to my favourite bands, from my heart!"

"I met my next boyfriend who listened to a demo I had made and proceeded to put together a band that was to play my originals. This was a great direction for me and we saw some success on the Sydney music scene just before COVID."

I made the move to Hobart and solidified my lineup here within two weeks of landing. Gobsmacked, this was over a year and a half ago. We have been releasing music and performing gigs ever since. It's such a privilege to be in the same room as such talented people! Last year we opened for Nat Vazer and Telenova (mainlanders) and played Great Escape and The Taste Of Summer. Coming up we have a couple of gigs with Nuria and Bonsai (Hobart staples)."

What are your main influences and inspirations when writing and composing music?

Leah: "Honestly when I write it comes from within, I mean to say I don’t have ulterior motives. Part of that is influenced by some artists inadvertently, lately Kacey Musgraves or Parcels. If there's a cool song I've been listening to, there are usually quirks about it that remain in my head and that comes out on paper. At uni, this past year I have been testing out different methods and techniques for songwriting and getting quality feedback, especially on what I've introduced to my practice like cadences, pointed lyricism and the harmonies within a key. Being an intuitive songwriter,  means chords and melodies tend to come from naivety instead of processes being arrived at using musical theory. I like writing both ways nowadays but I’ve leaned on melodies that pop into my head before."

Tell us about the process of creating 'Tend To Me'. How did you come up with the concept and the lyrics?

Leah: "'Tend To Me' came from an exercise at uni! New theory concepts were encouraged in the exercise which I got a great chord progression and hook out of for the chorus. When the idea came about, it was to find validation in others while asking a morally weighted question, kind of like, “If I were drowning, would you save me?” This was asked in the interest of feeling validated by a positive response from someone who hadn’t previously shown any concern. If the listener enjoys it then I’ve done my part."

What message do you hope to convey with this song? What emotions do you want to evoke in your listeners?

Leah: "All of the good feelings, I hope that people who wouldn’t usually listen to this style will be open to it. And my hat is off to people that listen to synth pop or dream pop music who would love this song. I would recommend if you like M83 or Washed Out. But I also don’t want to angle it to these kinds of music lovers alone. Maybe a bit Chappell Roan inspired, you know how she sounds a bit retro in 'Hot To Go?' We have that retro quality. The message is to tend to your loved ones because their lives could be clouded or mossy or stuck in a void and they need your love to be ok."

How would you describe your unique musical style and how does it differentiate you from other artists?

Robotikus: "I’ve always enjoyed a wide variety of musical influence and inspiration. I’ve also been lucky enough to perform and record a large variety of styles with many different artists throughout my career. This includes Jazz, Punk, Folk, Country, Improv, Blues and commercial Pop. However, when writing or producing under the Robotikus moniker, I tend to lean heavily on my 70’s Disco and Funk influences. I suppose the saying you are what you eat really is true and I like to think these influences and experiences make up who I am as a writer and musician."

What are your expectations for the release of 'Tend To Me'? Do you have any specific hopes for its reception and impact?

Robotikus: "I try to keep my expectations as realistic as possible when releasing new music. It’s a very competitive world we live in and hundreds of thousands of new songs are released every single day. Ideally, Tahi and I will find a wider audience with our collaboration and the song will connect with people from all corners of the globe."

What are your future plans for your music career? Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations in the works?

Leah: "I'm hoping to get a grant to make an EP, or an album if I'm feeling ambitious. For the EP the band has been awesome helping me get that up to scratch and some songs are ready to go. I have enough songs for an album and as a songwriter it feels like a shame for some good songs not to see the light. I'd love to work with Robotikus again in the future his synth-pop style and production is what he lives and breathes. I plan to do some more collaborating with local musicians this year, like Tarik who co - produced 'Tend To Me'."

Robotikus: "I’m currently in preparation for separate upcoming tours (on keyboard duties) with bluesman Pete Cornelius, country/pop songstress Ange Boxall and Australian county music stalwarts The Wolfe Brothers, which will traverse all corners of Australia. At the same time I’m working on records with indie rock band Lennon Wells and legendary Tasmanian singer/songwriter Christopher Coleman."

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians and songwriters who are just starting out?

Robotikus: "As cliche as it sounds, listen and follow your heart. Also, listen to as much music as you can, get to know what type of music makes you feel good, learn as much of that as possible. Try as many instruments as you can. And just play!"

What is your favourite aspect of being a musician? What do you enjoy most about performing live?

Leah: "I love the catharsis of being a musician, as a songwriter especially. The stage feels great when the audience’s energy rises. I was recently talking to my band about the flow state on stage, what it means to me and how I try to achieve it with the audience, making a connection emotionally. Having a band is awesome, being around other musicians with their own strengths is awe-inspiring. Almost everyone in the band writes songs too. It's like Bowie said, music is an entity that comes from somewhere else and we're just channelling it. I’ve known others who’ve experienced this too, it’s inspiring."

Robotikus: "There are so many parts to being a musician and I think I love them all. Well actually, I really don’t enjoy doing my taxes. However, I’d have to say the top of the list is collaborating with other musicians, singing harmonies, and creating new music from nothing. Performing live is always a buzz, but even more so when the audience connects with a band in a way that isn’t planned or pre-conceived. That stuff is magic!"

What are your hobbies and interests outside of music? How do they influence your creativity?

Robotikus: "I like design. Pretty things. Old buildings and cars mostly. I also enjoy motor racing, the sound of a V8, the smell of 2-stroke fuel. Push bike riding is fun and addictive, and good for me. Camping without electricity is energising. I’m unsure how these things influence my creativity but I do know I would be a different person without these in my life."

It's clear that Leah Randall and Robotikus are a creative force to be reckoned with. Their passion for music, dedication to their craft, and unique perspectives shine through in 'Tend To Me', a song that is both captivating and thought-provoking. With exciting projects on the horizon and a drive to connect with audiences on a deeper level, Leah Randall is undoubtedly an artist to watch in the Australian music scene. So, keep an eye out for her upcoming performances at Twisted Lime and The Republic, and be sure to give 'Tend To Me' a listen – you won't be disappointed!

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