The New Zealand collective returns with a record that expands their lush, dreamy world while keeping intimacy at its core.
There’s something effortless about Leisure. Since their formation, the New Zealand collective has carved out a sound that is lush, groovy, and deeply atmospheric, managing to capture both the highs of togetherness and the quiet moments of solitude. With their new record, they take another step forward, expanding their palette while staying true to the intimacy and warmth that has defined them so far.
We caught up with the band to talk about the making of the album, what inspires them, and how they hope listeners connect with this new chapter.
F.Y! – Hey guys. To start, can you introduce yourselves, and tell us where you’re at right now — what city, scene, what’s inspiring you at the moment?
Hi , this is Jaden I play guitar and sing in LEISURE I’m currently in New Zealand getting ready to leave on tour, we head to Austin in a couple of days so feeling excited and inspired to head to the US and Canada and connect with all the wonderful LEISURE people.
Your new record just dropped — can you walk us through how the idea for it came together? What was the writing / recording process like this time around, especially compared to your past records?
We’re always writing, it’s something we never stop doing; however records begin to take shape through a gradual process of discovery and identifying what excites and challenges us. This album was born from us being on the road playing shows and meeting fans – this was a big inspiration we took into the studio, leaning into us recording live and going deeper into themes we commonly explore.
What are some of the themes you explore on the record? Love? Loss? Growth?
A lot of the themes are general human day to day experiences – the challenges and dynamics of relationships, love and working through what life throws at you. For us, keeping the ones you love as a top priority is something we all have in common and that can be a great source of inspiration, and at times vulnerability.
Is there a song on the record that feels the most “you” — like it captures exactly who Leisure are now?
I think “one in a million” feels special on this record, it has a timeless and mature feel that explores where LEISURE has been, and where it can go in the future.
How have your influences shifted for this new album? Any new artists, styles, or sounds you pulled from this time that surprised you?
We all listen to a lot of music – new and old, across all genres. We always create shared playlists of what inspires and excites us – Michael Kiwanuka, Air, Rolling Stones, Bill Withers to name a few.
What’s the biggest challenge you faced making this record — whether creatively, logistically, or emotionally?
I think being more vulnerable lyrically and having the vocals more front and centre was a bit of process, being confident with your own voice and what you’re saying is something we’ve developed. We also wanted this record to be a step forward without putting too much pressure on yourself is a balance! But it worked in a way we’re happy and proud of and we learnt a lot.
How would you describe the sound of this album to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
An eclectic blend of soul and groove, an album that can help you unwind alone or with friends, the perfect back drop to your favourite place.
When you think of live shows — how does this new material translate on stage? Any new directions or surprises for fans?
I think as the album was inspired so much by our fans and playing live, it will hopefully come through as an even more connected and intimate experience in concert. This show has more dynamic, more party moments, and more mellow sections to enjoy with your friends or lover.
Outside of music, what has been keeping you inspired? What are you reading, watching, doing in your free time that’s feeding into your creativity?
My family inspires me, my two daughters keep me busy and drive me along, we do art together and listen to music. Seeing them creating, learning, and discovering new things makes me want to keep doing the same.
Finally — what do you hope someone takes away from this album? What do you want them to feel or think after listening?
I hope people feel like the album is honest and real and an extension of what’s important to us, and hopefully them. A journey of connection that makes them want to experience the music when they need it.
Leisure’s music has always lived in a space between ease and intention — songs that glide with warmth but are crafted with care. Their new record embodies that balance: forward-looking but familiar, intimate yet expansive. As they move into this next era, Leisure invite us not just to listen, but to sink in, reflect, and find our own meaning in the soundscape they’ve built.
The band will be bringing the new album to life on stage during their upcoming tour, with dates across the UK and Europe HERE.
