Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Leon Bridges is back on tour and fresh off the release of his fourth album “Leon,” which he says is his love letter to his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. Bridges began the tour in September at Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Bridges used to perform at some open mic events in his hometown, Fort Worth. The first performance outside his hometown was at C-Boys Heart & Soul in Austin.
“I had so much anxiety going into it,” Bridges said while visiting C-Boys.
Bridges sometimes had opportunities to perform at every available chance, but he was also working as a dishwasher.In this case, every kind word he received at open mics was motivation enough to continue.
“Many people in my home would tell me, ‘One day, you’re going to make it.’ I don’t know where they get these ideas,” he said.
In his new album “Leon”, he is paying back that hometown love and documenting his way back homes.
“I wanted to make an album that was a reflection of that, like the version of me that, you know, when I’m not in the lights and I’m back home in Fort Worth,” he said.
André’s career began with his first album called “Coming Home” which was ranked on the Billboard. His song “River” was a success; it eventually went on to be certified double platinum. It was also seen on the popular Television drama series Big Little Lies.
Nevertheless, Bridges has never been comfortable with fame, which he defines himself as an introvert. He mentioned such decisions brought a “vulnerability hangover,” leaving him wondering if he went too far in preparation of his music.
Despite the fact that Bridges has always been a man of few words, his clothing is generally very flashy. This is also part of his work and what makes him stand out.
“I believe it is a form of communication which doesn’t require words,” he said as he reiterated that he always found it useful when ‘the fashion corresponds to the music.’
Away from the stage, Bridges is comfortable in Fort Worth where he can be around those who know him most.
”It has really helped to keep my sanity intact that I am residing in Fort Worth,” he said. ‘I have said this so many times, there is nothing I expected than like get to the end of a tour and feel that I can be surrounded by people that accept me as I am.