Brooklyn-based artist Leaf is still in her “Dreamgirl” era.
Leaf’s new EP In Your Dreams has been released, expanding and building on her 2024 breakthrough album Dreamgirl and tells the story of how Leaf changed her life to one where she can chase her dreams and demand the highest standard of everything, from life to love, and unapologetically build herself up as her own “dreamgirl”.
In Your Dreams’ lead single “Nobody” leads the pop-forward, glossy EP and sees Leaf show off her sweet, smoky vocals accompanied by an easy, moody pop beat and echoing instrumentation.
Already known as a model for brands like Calvin Klein, Good American, and Baby Phat, she also partnered with Pat McGrath and cemented herself as a fashion and beauty powerhouse long ago – perhaps from the very moment she started producing her own beats as a teenager.
To celebrate the release of In Your Dreams, Leaf took the time to answer some questions about the making of and the inspirations behind her new EP.
You’ve been around for a while now – how has your career progressed and matured over the past few years?
I feel really blessed to have built a long career in music. Over the years, I’ve grown more confident in my voice and my vision. I understand my artistry on a deeper level now, and I’m more intentional with every release. Having a loyal fan base that truly supports me has made that growth even more meaningful.
Your family is incredibly musical, not to mention your great-grandfather (saxophonist Jackie McClean) in particular. How does that affect your music?
Coming from such a musical family has shaped me in every way. Music was never just a hobby in my life, it was a language spoken in my home. Knowing my lineage gives my work a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility. I carry that legacy with pride in every project that I create. Even more now than ever.
Can you tell me a bit about making your new EP?
This EP feels like a time capsule of who I am right now. It reflects my experience as a Nuyorican fashion girl navigating New York. I poured my personality, culture, and lifestyle into every song. It’s very honest, very current, and very me.
What inspired you to make it, and what are the inspirations behind it?
My biggest inspiration is my lineage and the sound I grew up around. At the same time, my day-to-day lifestyle in New York fuels my creativity. I love blending horns and saxophones with the current NYC soundscape. It feels like honoring the past while pushing the city forward.
Is there anything you’d do differently if you made it all over again?
Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey. Every challenge taught me something important about myself. Choosing to stay independent gave me space to experiment and explore. That freedom has been one of my greatest blessings as an artist.
Is there a question you always want people to ask you?
I wish people asked more about the intention behind my sound. There’s so much thought put into the way I blend genres and live instrumentation. I’d love to talk more about how New York truly sounds through my ears. My music is layered, and there’s always a deeper story behind it.
