Sometimes you just gotta move on.

That’s what LeyeT is doing on her new single. Freshly out of her recording contract, the LA-based pop artist is back to doing things herself. “Last Thought” is an ode to that, but also, it’s about respect, for yourself and others. It’s about making sure you’re giving your attention to those who deserve it, especially yourself. Appropriately, after releasing two EPs in 2019, thoughts, and more thoughts, “Last Thought” is the capstone on that era, and C-Heads has an exclusive first listen for you today.

Words by Andy Gorel
Photos by Drew Salamunovich

Andy: You just had that single out with RAC. How’d that collaboration come about?

LeyeT: That was from my A&R at my old label actually. She had told him about my music, and then he sent over a couple tracks. I wrote to them, and he loved them both. One was “Carefree” which is on this upcoming album of his, and we’ll see what happens with the other one. It was just so… when it works, it works. It was that. I got them, he literally only sent two, and they were perfect. I was inspired right away. I was literally driving to a session to do vocals and finish it with my friend, and I was pulling over already writing the song on the way there. I’m really happy about that.

Andy: You said you parted ways with your old label. What caused the split?

LeyeT: It’s definitely not anything bad. I just wanted to try something new. It’s different being an indie artist, and then going somewhere, if you can’t fit into the schedule. I felt like it was running up against a wall of trying to create momentum, but if you’re lost in a bigger company or label, you have to fit within the system. They’re all good people, but it didn’t feel like it was the right fit. When I parted ways, I was like, “It’s nothing personal, you guys are great.” But for me I want to continue having a high output. It came from the standpoint of just wanting to try something different. Having given a year, I’m not really willing to risk more at that point. I’d rather just leave. And I’m really grateful that they did let me go.

Andy: So your new single, “Last Thought”. Tell me about it. What inspired it? What does it mean to you thematically?

LeyeT: So my EPs that came out last year were called thoughts and more thoughts. So this is the capstone on that chapter for me. I did come from a place last year, where I felt like I put in a lot. I worked hard, working day jobs, and sessioning every day. And not coming to the end of the year and feeling like it worked out, it made me wonder, “Am I wasting this? Am I throwing it to the wind?” All those feelings – I felt like I overexerted myself, and in order to be fresh and creative, I don’t want to burn myself out like that. It came from a place of “How do I do things differently next year?” I felt like I needed to reprioritize, and say “no” to some things.

It’s also made me reevaluate some relationships. Professional ones – which is hard. You just gotta make a decision and move. Just keep taking different risks basically is what I wanted to go for, and trusting my instincts, not needing validation from any other thing. Also personal relationships, friendships – I have so many people in my life that I love and I wanna invest in those relationships, but there’s only so much time in a day. It’s like taking stock in relationships. Like, “Ok, I always feel drained after speaking to this person. Why is that in my life?” Like, “Ok, love ya, but…” you have to prioritize what you’re giving out, but still have your own energy, and not be sucked dry the whole time.

Andy: So do you have more new music coming out this year?

LeyeT: So I have an EP. We’re currently looking for a release partner, like a label, or a distributor. Just some sort of support that can help with the release or the marketing, or the visuals, the budget, things like that. I’m excited to just keep moving forward.

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