Meet Leo Gallo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leo Gallo.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in the small town of Chico, CA, and it was obvious right off the bat that I was was put on this earth to create, entertain, and inspire. I began tap dancing at the age of 3 looking up to artists such as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly,

At 10, we had moved down to Los Angeles and by 13 I joined a six-membered boy band, Youth Asylum. We were signed to Qwest and Warner Brothers and began touring the US. I had the pleasure of working with legendary songwriters and producers such as Diane Warren, David Foster, and Quincy Jones.

After these early successes (and failures) I went back to finish high school at LA County High School for the Arts. Upon graduation, I continued on to California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) where I completed a BFA in Dance and Choreography.

During this time, I kept my singing career alive by singing demo songs and writing for several large recording studios in the L.A. area. Burnt out from school, I joined the Diavolo Dance Theater where I had the opportunity to perform and teach workshops across the globe.

After graduating from CalArts, I hustled as an independent artist and in 2011 worked with director Doug Aiken in “Black Mirror” in Athens Greece and “Song 1” in Washington D.C.

In 2012, I signed my first singles deal with Universal Germany. Soon after, it was time for me to strike out on my own. After shopping around a few record labels, I appeared as a contestant on Season 6 of NBC’s The Voice. It became increasingly clear from this experience that I wanted to do things a bit differently. I wasn’t so focused on labels, touring, or fame, but on my art.

Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with Will Smith, Usher, Katy Perry, Earth Wind and Fire, KC and the Sunshine Band, Aloe Blacc, Stevie Wonder, Childish Gambino, and Pharrell Williams during the 57th Annual Grammy Awards under the direction of Hans Zimmerman.

Since then, I have been a featured artist on a Netflix original docu/reality series called Westside, and just last year had the honor of gracing the iconic Hollywood Bowl stage to play the role of Prince Eric for Disney’s The Little Mermaid live to film immersive experience.

Currently, I spend my weekends with ‘Midnight Special’ a 12-piece band under West Coast Music. Singing and performing with some of my most talented friends. This leaves me with time to create and collaborate on various projects.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve always had an unshakable belief in myself, so even when times were tough I kept it moving. I will say it hasn’t always been easy, early successes and exposure to the industry created a bit of laziness within me.

As an adult, joining the cast of ‘Westside’ was an amazing experience and was followed by another deal with Warner Brothers. I was quickly dropped from that deal after the ratings from the show weren’t what Netflix, Warner or any of us expected. The industry is fickle and even with all the talent in the world, most of the time, it doesn’t matter. My family and support system has helped keep me on track through it all.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
As an independent artist, I’m always creating and looking to collaborate with other musicians, producers, and writers. Of course, always looking for a new stage to jump on with my band as well!

In the studio and I’m somewhat of a ‘one-take wonder’. I have an innate ability to hear where the song is going and nail it on the first run through. We always do several takes, but many times stick with that first one.

On stage, I make an effort to connect with the audience. I’m always gauging the room and making adjustments to the setlist based on the energy they are giving or not giving. I’m a lighthearted guy and try to show others how to have more fun, even just for a moment. Music connects us all.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
My positive energy and work ethic.

When I’m on stage performing, I give it my all. I truly enjoy myself and love watching people come alive and let loose. Similarly, when in the studio, or with my band, I’m the guy keeping the energy up and focused.

Contact Info:

• Website: leogallo.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleogallo/

Image Credit:
Page Kindlick (Hollywood Life), Jeremy Jackson Photography, Eric McQuesten

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