Meet Leila Addams

We recently connected with Leila Addams and have shared our conversation below.

Leila , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I don’t think I ever searched for my purpose really- it found me. From a really young age, music was the center of my life. I was always singing and dancing in front of others, simply because I loved doing it. I’ve seen videos of myself as a toddler, standing on dining room tables and singing my heart in front of family. When others used to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would reference my favorite singer at the time- and I was only a few years old.

Throughout my life I have consistently been passionate about music, and not just as a consumer, but as an artist. Singing, writing, recording, performing, and bringing art to life has always driven me and given me purpose, meaning, and a sense of peace that nothing else has ever been able to provide me with. There have been times in my life when people and situations tried to separate me from this purpose, but they were never able to fully succeed. When I was a teen and preparing to complete high school, I was told by a family member that I was forbidden to continue pursuing my music. I put up a fight, but ended up following the norms in my culture and pursued a higher education. Ultimately, I obtained my doctorate degree and created a different career for myself. However, throughout the whole process there was a longing in my heart to pursue music. I still did write, sing, and occasionally record music during that time, but knew that my family would not approve, and so I kept it to myself. I buried all of my dreams deep inside of me, and felt like a volcano on the brink of explosion for years. I felt like a complete imposter. Why was I trying to fit in and why was I living out the desires of others while outlawing my own? Were my wants and needs not important enough? I struggled with these questions for years and to be quite frank, felt very depressed for a long time. I would meet people in music and feel that spark inside light up, but knew I could not take my passions seriously, so I would ignore that longing. Countless times I found myself sobbing at concerts, watching other singers on the stage, knowing that that could have been me if I had not swayed away from my true purpose. I felt haunted by music and my love for it. Every time I tried to push it away, it came back at me with a vengeance. Like a child constantly trying to get my attention- “Hey, look at me! I exist! I am here! I need you…don’t let me go.” My love for music and my drive to pursue it never faded, but only got stronger and ultimately became something I could no longer ignore.

In my professional field as a psychologist, I encouraged my patients to live an authentic life and stay true to their purpose. It was difficult helping so many people find their true selves while ignoring my own dreams, practicing the opposite of what I was preaching. On top of that, I was surrounded by stories from patients who were at the end of their life, but filled with regret for not pursuing their dreams. It was like the universe was trying to send me a message, and I heard it loud and clear. Like a songbird in a cage, I knew the only thing that would bring me a sense of relief was to set myself free and follow my destiny, while going against the wishes of my family and the norms in my culture. So that’s exactly what I did- and for the first time in as long as I can remember, I finally felt like myself again. I’m not sure how else to describe this phenomenon, but I felt aligned with myself and the universe once I decided to let go and dedicate my life to music again. I felt content, but also the greatest sense of solace, as if the weight of the world was finally lifted off of my shoulders and I could finally breathe. I always knew that creating music was my purpose, but the experience of oneness with the universe and finding the source of light in my life again changed everything for me, giving me an unexplainable sense of confirmation and deep understanding.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Hi!! My name is Leila Addams and I’m a singer/songwriter. I create hard rock music with a dark twist, drawing inspiration from goth rock and alternative metal music. My music has been described as moody, emo, deep, and soulful. Something special about my music is that I tend to focus on difficult topics that pull at the heart strings, such as relationship issues and mental health struggles. In my own life, music has always been there for me anytime I went through something difficult. Not only did music help me progress through difficulties, it made me feel heard and validated, giving me strength in times when I felt that I had none. My goal is to create something people connect with on a level deeper than just the surface. My hope is that my music will help others feel understood and less alone in dark and difficult times, helping them feel and process their own thoughts and emotions- healing them in a way. I truly believe that music has the power to heal, and I can say that with confidence from my own experiences.

I currently have a self- titled EP that debuted in July of this year. I’m also excited to announce that I just released a new single called “Safe & Sound,” which is one of my personal favorites. I’ve created three amazing music videos and look forward to releasing more music in 2025. If you love rock music and are looking for something with substance, look no further!! My music is available now on all streaming platforms!!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Self-reflection, determination, and persistence were all impactful in my journey. For people early in their journey, I highly recommend taking time to look inward and getting to know yourself. Be curious, gain insights, know what makes you tick and why. Be open to feedback and don’t shy away from growing, even when it feels painful or uncomfortable. The greatest self-growth you will ever experience usually happens in the most difficult times and feels extremely uncomfortable- don’t run from discomfort, move towards it. When you know what you love and know your purpose, don’t ever give up on it. I truly believe that we are born with our purpose. Like my own story, my purpose found me and never let me go, even when I tried to turn away from it. We are born with certain gifts- recognize them, nurture them, and harness them. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do. And more importantly, don’t let anyone get in your way. If you want to achieve something, you can. Work hard at what you love and never stop. You have more power than you know and it’s all inside of you!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes! I would love to collaborate and connect with other artists, bands, singers, rappers, producers, songwriters, and musicians. I am looking to promote and share my music with the world, so I would love to partner with other magazines, promoters, radio shows, influencers, and playlist curators. I am also looking for opportunities to play my music live such as playing in festivals, opening for other artists who have shows lined up in the LA area, or artists who are currently on tour in multiple cities. People in the music world, if you are reading this- reach out to me and introduce yourselves! I would love to get to know you and possibly work together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

GRK Production
Gabriel Bernard

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