Leila Addams has spent years captivating audiences with her bold sound and raw emotion, but this year, she’s stepping into an entirely new role. Joining the jury for the Indie Boulevard Music Awards 2024, Leila is about to experience music from a completely fresh perspective—not as a performer, but as a judge.

It’s a thrilling turn for the artist, who admits it’s her first time officially donning the judge’s hat, even though her background in competitive dance gives her a bit of a head start. The nominees for this year’s awards, spanning genres and approaches, have already sparked her curiosity. Addams, who has always valued originality in her own work, is particularly interested in the ways each artist brings their perspective to the table. Addams’s own projects reflect her belief in pushing boundaries while staying true to herself. Her latest single, Safe & Sound, released just last month, showcases her ability to balance intricate production with deeply personal storytelling. But for now, her focus is on the nominees. Addams speaks about them with genuine curiosity, eager to see how their music reflects their stories and perspectives. She acknowledges the courage it takes to put work out into the world, knowing it will be scrutinized.

Hi, Leila! How do you feel about the idea of joining the jury for the Indie Boulevard Music Awards 2024? Is this something new for you, or have you already had the chance to step into the “judge” role before?

Hi there! I am so excited to join the jury and be a judge for the Indie Boulevard Music Awards this year! I used to dance competitively so I’m familiar with the process of judging, but this will be my first time stepping on the other side and officially taking on the role of “judge.” I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the process.

What do you think is the most important aspect of music for you when choosing a winner? Is it the energy? The emotion? Or maybe something else entirely? 

I wouldn’t say that there is only one important thing to look for when choosing a winner. The winner should hit multiple marks that make a good album a great one. I will be looking at a range of aspects such as overall production, composition, lyricism, and vocal performance, including the emotion and energy behind the music.

We’ve got some amazing nominees this year, each with their own unique sound. What do you usually focus on: lyrics, vocals, production, or the overall vibe?

I think that all of those mentioned are important in creating a unique sound. For my own process, the lyrics and main vocal melody  usually come to me before everything else- so I would say that would be my main focus or the foundation when creating my sound. The lyrics help create the emotion and message behind each song, which then also influences the overall vibe. I typically lean towards dark and emotional music- so the vibe is usually consistent for me when it comes to my sound. 

Let’s talk a little about you! What are you working on at the moment? A new album, a single, or maybe a tour?

I’m working on many things right now, including new music for a future album and possible performances in 2025! I just released my newest single, Safe & Sound, last month. I plan to release a second single early next year, which will be followed by a new EP before the summer begins!

Your style and sound are bold and distinct. How important do you think it is for artists to be unique nowadays? Or is music more about emotions than standout “quirks”?

It’s so important to be unique as an artist, in my opinion. If you don’t stand out and have your own style, what makes you different from all the other artists out there? Why be like everyone else? I value authenticity, so I try to bring my full self into everything I do artistically- including my overall vision and the artistic direction for my music. I would definitely say that for me, emotions are more important than quirks. I would rather create something deep and meaningful than something that is surface level. The music that I’ve always connected with spoke to me emotionally, so that is what I strive to do with my own music. I hope that people connect with my music on a deeper level and that it helps them find strength in difficult times. 

Music awards are always a conversation about trends. What genre or style do you think will dominate in 2025?

Rock and metal, for sure- although I could be biased saying that, haha!

If you were a nominee yourself, what do you think you’d be recognized for? (Besides your killer vocals, of course!)

Aww, thank you for the compliment 🙂 Good question! This is a hard one for me because I only see my music from the creative viewpoint and not how others might see it or want to recognize it from the outside. One thing I’m proud of though is my songwriting and my ability to move towards topics that come from the heart. So in that case, I would say I might be recognized for songwriting and lyrics.

Awards are about both recognition and motivation. What has been the biggest recognition moment in your career so far?

Definitely being on the cover of the August issue of Indie Boulevard Magazine this year. I never expected to be on a magazine cover. That was a huge honor for me. 

You’re a rock star, but music is always evolving. Have you thought about experimenting with something completely unexpected?

Yes! I’ve actually been working on some EDM songs with a friend of mine who is an amazing producer. I’m featured as the vocalist on a couple of his unreleased tracks, which I also wrote the lyrics and composed the vocal melodies for. One of those songs will be released in a few days actually, it’s called Rubik’s Cube.

And finally, what would you like to say to our nominees? Maybe some words of inspiration from Leila Addams?

Hi nominees!!! First of all, congratulations on your nominations- what a huge accomplishment in and of itself! I am really looking forward to diving into your music, hearing it from all angles. I am so curious to explore all of your different sounds and learn more about your artistry. You might make a fan out of me! Wishing you all the best of luck and continued success in all your endeavors!