The only bad point about Def Jam so far is that they did change the single releases. Island were originally going to go with "Ladders"/"Another Love Song" as the first and second singles for the album, which would've been almost perfect imo.

 

They've done great in getting Leona back out there in the US, having her do loads of small gigs here and there, radio promotion and TV promo slots have been on point (Ellen/James Corden/Kelly & Michael/Good Morning America/Jimmy Falon etc).

 

I think they realise Leona's potential and now that have control over the songs she records (I Am was finished when Leona signed/they got on board), they'll try to make her record single-ready songs for US radio.

 

Hopefully the previous radio promo will have a positive effect on whatever Leona/Def Jam releases next in the US.

 

It would be good to perhaps records a small EP for the US with a strong single released on it? Would be a great way to build buzz around Leona again and set up for the next album.

I totally agree with the initial EP approach as an appetiser for what to expect from a Def Jam led Leona album, just to keep her in people's thoughts really.

 

As others have said, I do not think Def Jam have done any harm to Leona. If anything they have built bridges. They got her prime time performance slots on some of the biggest US TV shows, had her do a good radio tour which has helped her maintain adult contemporary support, not to mention the basketball promo for FUMF. What they have focused on is making people aware of who she is again. Now it is time to give people the next hit, that we know she has in her.

 

Top 40 radio would not have saved Thunder if the Tv promo couldn't even propel it into the top 100 on iTunes. Might have been a moderate hit at the low end of the Hot 100 if lucky but Leona needs more than that if she wants to be seen in the same league as the bigger popstars of the 2010's.

 

I think Island were expecting Leona to have more support here, but probably didn't take Capitol/R1 into account as much as they should (or at least overestimated R2's impact). I Am was a poor single choice, which was not handled well at all. They should have put everything into those few weeks before and including release week and it fell flat with no clear song pushing it in the UK at the time.

Assuming things go better stateside with the next album and Leona gets another hit, I am sure Island will be able to get it the support it needs here.

Edited November 19, 20159 yr by GTH

I am really excited for what Def Jam sorts out for Leona. Their A&R is amazing in my opinion. They know how to direct each of their artists and can find the right hit for them - Fancy for Iggy, WDYM and Sorry for Justin Bieber, all of Rihanna's hits...

So amazing it made me a belieber :wub:

So amazing it made me a belieber :wub:

 

I wouldn't go that far. The songs have clearly worked for him but I don't particularly like them. :lol:

As Grammy nominations are around the corner, does anyone know if Def Jam submitted anything from this campaign for potential nomination (if that info is readily available anywhere)? Would be great to see this get a 'best pop vocal album' nomination at the very least.

Edited November 22, 20159 yr by GTH

As Grammy nominations are around the corner, does anyone know if Def Jam submitted anything from this campaign for potential nomination (if that info is readily available anywhere)? Would be great to see this get a 'best pop vocal album' nomination at the very least.

 

From what I remember, it was submitted in the Pop Vocal category, but I don't think it was submitted for the main cateogries (no chance there anyway). I think the chances of a nomination are low though even in the Pop Vocal category. It'll likely be Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey (maybe), Florence + The Machine (maybe), Kelly Clarkson (maybe). But there has been a lack of pop albums release this year that she might have a chance. But given the commercial success and the fact only one song was sent to HAC/AC I don't think she'll be nominated. Others like Carly Rae Jepsen are more likely to be nominated.

From what I remember, it was submitted in the Pop Vocal category, but I don't think it was submitted for the main cateogries (no chance there anyway). I think the chances of a nomination are low though even in the Pop Vocal category. It'll likely be Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey (maybe), Florence + The Machine (maybe), Kelly Clarkson (maybe). But there has been a lack of pop albums release this year that she might have a chance. But given the commercial success and the fact only one song was sent to HAC/AC I don't think she'll be nominated. Others like Carly Rae Jepsen are more likely to be nominated.

Ah ok, that is something at least. I don't see the harm in submitting to all relevant categories unless it costs the labels to do so. The fact there haven't been that many big pop albums over the year is what made me think it is still worthwhile submitting as it could get a nomination which in itself is good promo for the album and Leona (I wouldn't expect it to win but that would be fantastic of course). It is not unheard of for songs/albums which haven't had mainstream success to still pick up awards. Still gutted Leona missed out Record of the Year with Bleeding Love to Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (which never even went top 100 on the billboard or UK charts). :cry:

As Grammy nominations are around the corner, does anyone know if Def Jam submitted anything from this campaign for potential nomination (if that info is readily available anywhere)? Would be great to see this get a 'best pop vocal album' nomination at the very least.

 

Haha :D Not that I'm becoming a fan or something, but I do enjoy his latest singles and so do my brother and couple friends :lol: Thought we'd never say we'd like a JB song

Apparantley Leona's been in the studio and there's a surprise coming up soon in the UK. Hopefully a new song or something (she recorded a cover to be release about a month ago, so maybe it's that?)

 

Also, a fan mentioned to Leona's team that the fans liked the "I Am" video and so that'll hopefully be uploaded to her Vevo page. Also asked about making the "Happy" video unblocked everywhere (it's only available to view in the US on her vevo page).

 

 

It will be 10 years since Leona Lewis won The X Factor when she next tours but the anniversary won't be marked by looking back. She tells Sofia Sinnott Montero about her latest album and empowerment...

 

Tell me about your latest album, I Am.

 

I started to write this album independently and the main theme on it is empowerment, that inner strength and resilience that you kind of have to learn to have. It has a lot of positive and uplifting messages throughout it.

 

I Am makes for a great hashtag. Is this something you take into consideration when naming things now? Do you think about how it will look on social media?

 

I have been hashtagging a lot, but I definitely don't think about it when naming things. If it works like that then great.

 

Which are your favourite songs on the album?

 

I really like Thank You. I wrote that for my parents. The song Ladders I really love because I'm talking about the trials and obstacles you can go through in life but also me trying things out sometimes and it not working. It's about getting back up and learning from your mistakes.

 

What other experiences inspired the writing of this album?

 

The past eight years are on this record, different personal things that I have gone through, relationships-wise, in different circumstances. I have had to really learn about myself and not let things get to me; learn to not take things too much to heart and understand how strong I am, how independent I can be.

 

This will be your first tour in three years. Are you looking forward to it?

 

I really am. It's exciting to go out and tour with this one because it's such a personal album. It has connected with a lot of fans. They have been in touch with me about it. I've enjoyed hearing their stories and what they are taking from my lyrics.

 

Do you think women get more stick in comparison to men about writing songs about relationships and break-ups, such as Taylor Swift and Adele?

 

We shouldn't. I think that we do go very deep into our emotions. I can only talk about my experience, but pouring out my heart into a song, it's kind of like therapy. I think it's so important to do that and to come from a genuine place. It comes from the soul. And that helps people.

 

Who do you think is killing it in the music industry right now?

 

I love Taylor Swift. I got to collaborate with her on her tour which was amazing. I feel like she is doing amazing things. She is a positive role model for young women; she is very true to herself and genuine to who she is. I love and respect her so much for that. Not a lot of people do that. She doesn't compromise herself. She is a pioneer and I have nothing but admiration for her. I also love Adele. Again, also true to her music and her art. I am in awe of these women. I also love Sia. She is someone else who stays true to herself. We have a lot of great women out there right now.

 

What was doing the theme song for Avatar like?

 

I was contacted by the director and they played me the song because it was composed already and it was amazing. I wanted to be a part of it, of course. I got to be a part of the whole process. I got to see the whole film, all the CGI, all the special effects.

 

Have you been offered any other film theme songs since?

 

A song from this album is being used in a couple of upcoming films. They are also being used in adverts and it's always really cool because it takes the song into a new place. Fire Under My Feet was used when Serena Williams won Wimbledon. It's also going to be used for a Fifa gala I am going to be doing next year. It gives the songs new meaning in a way.

 

What TV do you watch?

 

Everything! I spend a lot of time on planes, so I watch things that take me to a whole different world, like How To Get Away With Murder, Scandal and I am obsessed with Empire.

 

How do you deal with negative feedback? You recently tweeted about someone being rude to you.

 

It was at an American theme park. Someone was just heckling me and being very rude. I confronted them and got the impression that they didn't expect me to do that. It really took them by surprise. And they were like "Oh she's so ghetto!" which made me laugh.

 

Link

 

I hope the films are big. I could imagine "Power" working really well as a movie theme song. Perhaps they'll push that song as a final single? Exciting though! :D

Edited December 18, 20159 yr by Envoirment

That is quite exciting news! Hopefully the songs get some prominent exposure in the films and they do well.

It's a shame 2015 went so badly for Leona, as I was so excited for the era. There's no other way of painting it though, from the single choices, to the lack of effort, money or promotion from the label, to the performances, to the timings, missing videos, etc.

 

At least we got an album that a lot of fans still enjoyed. I really hope that something can happen for Leona in 2016 to elevate her, and the label continue to keep her. (Unless Polydor could sign her please :P )

Ladders was shit so not surprised they changed the lead single.

It's a shame 2015 went so badly for Leona, as I was so excited for the era. There's no other way of painting it though, from the single choices, to the lack of effort, money or promotion from the label, to the performances, to the timings, missing videos, etc.

 

At least we got an album that a lot of fans still enjoyed. I really hope that something can happen for Leona in 2016 to elevate her, and the label continue to keep her. (Unless Polydor could sign her please :P )

 

Yeah - it looked so promising to begin with, but I'm just happy us fans at least got a new album this year. I'm not sure she'll ever have major commercial success again, sadly. Maybe the odd minor hit.

Leona is performing on BBC Radio 2 to promote her tour, not sure what song she'll sing.

 

 

She's also performing at the Ballon D'or ceremony (football awards) on 11th January which'll be televised around the world, as "Fire Under My Feet" is being used as the awards show promotional song or something. :cheer:

Was the radio 2 thing today or tomorrow?

Was the radio 2 thing today or tomorrow?

 

Tomorrow morning.

From 8:30am on Radio 2. Four live tracks.

 

Where is I Am on iTunes chart at the moment? Lets see if it goes up..

It's not top 1,500.

No effect on iTunes whatsoever then?