Singer-Songwriter & Producer, Awir Leon Unveils 'Man Zoo' LP (Alter-K)

François Przybylski found a means for poetic expression in his alter-ego, AWIR LEON. Growing up in “a bubble in the middle of the neighbourhood”, between the dance school his mother built, and the music school right above it, the French born and Amsterdam-based singer-songwriter discovered his unique soulful flair producing music on the road whilst touring as a professional dancer. A multifaceted character, rooted in reality and informed by his own intimate discovery of personal freedom, AWIR LEON now presents his second long-play body of work, ‘Man Zoo’ LP.

First falling for the sounds of new-soul and hip-hop, immersed in the sonic palettes of Erykah Badu, Mos Def, D’Angelo and J. Dilla to name a few, he later discovered a deep and elegant universe encompassing Mount Kimbie, Clark, Radiohead, Frank Ocean and Flying Lotus. Combined with his upbringing, surrounded by Motown and traditional African music, thanks to his mother, the tones of AWIR’s own output are instilled with warm tones and enchanting rhythms, intertwined with topical lyricism that depicts emotions and experiences from his own life; an expression of deep and meaningful messaging.

Addressing struggles with his own sense of self, worry and panic about the world at present, dramatic key arrangements and percussion, teamed with AWIR’s gripping vocals across ‘What’s Good’, ‘Choir’ and ‘Tomorrow’ bring a sense of freneticism and unrest at the beginning of AWIR’s journey. As his evident narrative unfolds explorations of personal change and acceptance are found in ‘The Other Way’ and ‘Feathers ft. Damien Rice’; harmonious vocal chords symbolic of a somewhat spiritual awakening.

Dealing with adversity in ‘Linger’ and ‘Sharks’ AWIR comes to terms with negative elements of oneself and a troublesome break up, with contrasting effects of emotive and explosive composition. Yet, as he emerges from this, AWIR finds release and clarity in the brighter pads present in ‘Rain’, ‘Lies Living’, ‘A15’ and ‘Endless’, wholeness is felt with recognition of hope, self-acceptance and the acceptance of others.

Guided by the compass of spontaneity, this new body of work from singer-songwriter and producer AWIR acts as a markedly cathartic release, as he pours himself into representations of chaotic periods throughout his life; an exploration of the many animals he has come to be. ‘Man Zoo’ LP maps the journey through which AWIR finds his own way out of the dark, embodied in his unique writing style, creativity and vocal identity.

Awir Leon ‘Man Zoo’ LP is out now on Alter-K

A JOURNEY MAPPING THE - MANY ANIMALS HE HAS COME TO BE - STREAM HERE