Every year, during the St. James Quarter Sessions, an array of artists from around the country, come to the center of Edinburgh to give unique performances, and this year was no different. Although there was such a wide range of genres from the performers at the Quarter, it’s hard to put Leif Coffield and the energy he brings to the stage into one box. I had the opportunity to catch up with him after his performance at the St. James Quarter, and we explored his bold, gender-neutral fashion sense and the 70s pop aesthetic that influences his work.
Leif shared his thoughts on the impact of growing up in Glasgow, the influence of his musical family, and his admiration for artists like David Bowie and Prince. We also touched on his dream collaborations, his take on Scotland’s music venues, and the colors that best represent his multifaceted music. Dive into the full interview below to discover more about Leif’s unique artistic journey and what drives his creative expression.
Uchechi: Firstly, thank you for sitting with me today! Is this your first time performing at SJQ? How did you find it?
Leif: I was hoping to be on the roof view stage, which would have been cool, but it wouldn’t be Scotland if it didn’t rain. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the response! I loved it.
Uchechi: I felt the same. It’s great that the new location was in such a central place, so people can just hear you playing and being drawn in.
Leif: Exactly. You get a lot of people flowing in.
Uchechi: So firstly, I love your style—it’s bold and gender-neutral. Have you always been into fashion, and how does your style reflect your music?
Leif: I appreciate that. It wasn’t really a conscious decision. I just like certain clothes. I love Prince and David Bowie, but it wasn’t deliberate. I saw flares one time and thought they’d look great with high heels. I’m not trying to make a statement, but maybe show that as a straight white man, you can still be comfortable in yourself and wear whatever you want.
Uchechi: Your style is memorable and definitely adds to your persona. Your work often has a 70s pop aesthetic. What draws you to that era?
Leif: It’s been a long time since men were sexualized in the way women often are. Think of David Bowie, Mick Jagger, or Robert Plant—they were sexual beings in a different way. I wanted to emulate that because the whole macho thing is not for me. I’m drawn to expression that’s different from that macho sense.
Uchechi: I feel like artists are often over-sexualized, so owning that and putting it in your hands must be liberating. If you could transport back to the 70s, who would you like to collaborate with?
Leif: Definitely my great uncle.
Uchechi: I thought you might say that! I read a bit about him, but I’d love to hear more.
Leif: I love that you knew that! I’d love to show you some of his unreleased stuff from him. I’m not going to say he was more talented but to me he was just as talented as Paul McCartney or David Bowie. When I listen to his songs by him, I think Paul could have written this. If I told you Paul wrote it, you wouldn’t doubt it.
Uchechi: That’s amazing. It’s cool to think about going back in time and collaborating with your family, when they were the same age as you, like a version of yourself in a different era.
Leif: Exactly. On the artwork for “Only Fascination,” we’re actually of a similar age, which is crazy.
Uchechi: How do you feel being from Glasgow impacts your music, if at all?
Leif: It’s more about how it affects my attitude towards music. In Glasgow, we have some resources, but not enough, which is why we constantly outsource. My musical family has also been a massive influence, allowing me to do what I do without the pressure to get a “real” job.
Uchechi: Was your great uncle also based in Glasgow?
Leif: Yes, my whole family are Irish immigrants who settled in Glasgow. Having a musical family has been a huge support, enabling me to pursue music.
Uchechi: That’s such a luxury. Many people are scared to share their music or pursue it, but when you grow up with that support, it’s different.
Leif: Exactly, and some people simply can’t afford to take the risk. It’s a factor—being able to work part-time and still support yourself while pursuing music.
Uchechi: Definitely. Doing gigs in small venues and trying to put yourself out there isn’t easy.
Leif: I’m not saying my family pays for everything, but I’ve been able to support myself through my own work and have their mental support too.
Uchechi: So, I’ve got two more questions. If you could kiss, marry, or kill three venues in Scotland, which would you pick?
Leif: *He chuckles* I love that question! I’d snog King Tuts.
Uchechi: Great choice.
Leif: I’d marry the O2.
Uchechi: And who are you killing?
Leif: [REDACTED]. It’s a lovely venue, especially for solo artists, but the sound is terrible.
Uchechi: And lastly, what color would you say accurately describe your music? I feel like you’re multifaceted, not just one color.
Honey (assistant): I would say pink or a sparkle.
Leif: I’d say yellow and black. Yellow for the sparkle, black for the fashion.
Uchechi: If I had to pick I’d say you’re definitely a red to me. Vibrant, bold and attention grabbing
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