Arizona-based hip-hop artist, Lonely Leonard, has released his latest single, “Medusa.”  The track, produced by Purp Yoda and mastered by Red Autumn, is now available.

The track explores Lonely Leonard’s relationship to fame through the metaphor of falling in love with Medusa. As Lonely Leonard puts it, “”It’s about fame, not a girl.”

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Lonely Leonard about the latest single, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from Jersey. So my style is really for the clubs. But at the same time I’m really influenced by punk music so my stuff is really…moody, I guess? If “pissed off” was a style that would be my style.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

Wasn’t popular enough in High School. Boo Hoo. Doing better in life than my abusers motivates me, and who lives better than rappers?

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

This song is my origin story. It’s how my career came to be and catches you up to speed with the dark consequences of living the kind of life I do, emblematized by the symbol of Medusa: the toxic comfort I keep returning to. I know, I know, hold your applause.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

Everyone’s a faker. You got one guy over here saying he’s doing this or that, plus another guy over there complaining about problems he doesn’t really have. For what? People respect those courageous enough to stand on their own. I’m prouder of my enemies than my friends

What was the last song you listened to?

That new Nas/Eminem record. Almost made me shed a tear.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Vinyl is classic, plus the pictures on the front are bigger. 

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

Look, I been mooching off my Family’s Tidal Account for a long time now, and you know what? I don’t mind it. Jay Z the goat.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

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