BIOGRAPHY
"Lyricist, turntablist, label co-owner and creator of magnitude." (Rokon magazine - Seoul)
LEO37 is pretty much awesome.
Born on the Canadian prairies, Leo Shia began his involvement in awesomeness early on with organ lessons at the age of 8, trumpet at 10, drums at 14 and turntables and rapping shortly thereafter. In 2001, leaving behind repeatedly sold-out performances with various local bands, Leo relocated to Toronto where he soon found himself on stage and in studio with some of the city's most acclaimed jazz, pop and hip-hop artists, including Joel Joseph (Nelly Furtado), Dafydd Hughes (Esthero & Feist), Mark Rogers (Rahzel), and Soliva. Meanwhile, a graduate of Ryerson University's prestigious Radio and Television Arts Program, Leo was host to the school’s most popular online radio show, Noise Therapy.
In late 2004, following a mad season in the UK, Leo recorded Winter, his debut release on PPF House. Met with rave response, the seven track EP sold out of its initial pressing in just under a month. This was followed a year later with Summer, a full length offering which traded in Winter's digital soundscapes for a live band made up of some of Canada's biggest jazz heavyweights. "From jazz to rock... disco to drum & bass... the point [of Summer] is positivity, but there's also an emphasis on pushing musical boundaries." (The Star Phoenix - Saskatoon)
In support of the new album, Leo booked, managed and headlined the successful Giant Steps cross-Canada tour, which was then followed by a slew of opening slots for some of underground hip-hop's biggest acts, including Del the Funky Homosapien, Swollen Members and C Rayz Walz.
In 2007, Leo executive produced and performed on the PPF House Bsement Suite, a compilation disc showcasing new music from PPF's impressive roster of collaborators. Declared "... one of the most original sounds in Canada" by Exclaim Magazine, Basement Suite was supported by another successful cross-Canada tour, as well as the DESTRJOY! Asia tour which took Leo and fellow PPF Housemates, Magnolius, through packed rooms and sold-out crowds in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangkok, Manila, Seoul, Singapore and Taipei. "... skilled flow and massive stage presence... Even the people chatting in the back of the room had to stand up and take notice when Leo grabbed the mic." (+886 Magazine - Taipei)
Drawing inspiration from the careers of artists like Miles Davis, the Soulquarians, the Native Tongues, Radiohead and Björk, LEO37 strives for forward-thinking music with a thick groove. Be it as a solo performer, a producer or a turntablist, his range is deep and diverse, offering forth a smart, danceable and utterly unique picture of the world.
Currently working on projects with Sunclef, RAM!, MAGNOLIUS, Sixth Street Voodoo and the Worst Pop Band Ever, 2009 promises to be a year of full on LEO37 awesome. Stay tuned.
