Leela James, from Los Angeles, rose to fame in 2005 with her debut A Change Is Gonna Come. Influenced by Aretha Franklin, she’s known for her powerful voice and authentic soul. Over the years, she’s released acclaimed albums, cementing her place in modern R&B and Soul.
Parlé Mag: “Honest” follows on the heels of “Right On Time” — talk to me a lil bit ‘bout these two songs…
Leela James: “Right On Time” and “Honest” are really like two sides of the same coin for me. “Right On Time” is about that moment when love finally meets you where you are; it’s hopeful, it’s grown, it’s soulful. “Honest” digs a little deeper. It’s vulnerable. It’s me saying, “Let’s strip away the ego and the games…can we just tell the truth?” Both songs come from real places in my life. I don’t ever sing anything I can’t feel, so they’re connected in that way and they’re conversations straight from the heart.
Parlé Mag: How then does 2BHONEST compare to or differ from your previous efforts?
Leela James: This project is more intentional and more personal. I’ve always been transparent in my music, but 2BHONEST feels like I cracked the door open a little wider. It’s me as a grown woman; more wiser, more centered, and more willing to say the hard things out loud. The sound is still soul, still me, but the perspective is elevated. It’s a continuation of my story, just told from a place of clarity and truth.
Parlé Mag: Growing up in the City of Angels, who were some of your biggest influences?
Leela James: Oh, I grew up on the greats. Aretha, Etta, James Brown…the foundation. But being from L.A., I was also exposed to everything: Gospel choirs, Funk bands, West Coast Hip-Hop blasting on the block…all of that shaped me. I’m a student of the old school, but a product of a city that gave me a lot of different sounds to pull from.
Parlé Mag: How do you define your style?
Leela James: My style is soul with a little grit on it. It’s heartfelt, raw, emotional — it’s music you feel in your chest. I don’t chase trends. I don’t try to be something I’m not. I’m about authenticity. If it doesn’t move me, I can’t sing it. That’s my style.
Parlé Mag: As a songwriter, where do you draw inspiration from?
Leela James: Life. Love. Pain. Joy. Conversations I’ve had, things I’ve survived, things I’m still learning. I’m always paying attention to people, to energy, to moments that stay with me. I pull from what’s real, and that’s why people connect. I’m not afraid to talk about the messy stuff, the beautiful stuff, the in-between stuff. That’s where the songs live.
Parlé Mag: What has been the key to your longevity?
Leela James: Consistency and staying true to myself. I’ve never tried to fit into a box. I’ve stayed rooted in Soul music because that’s who I am, and people can feel that. And, honestly, it’s the fans. They’ve been rockin’ with me through every season. Their love keeps me going. Longevity comes when you build something real, not manufactured.
Parlé Mag: Favorite and least favorite parts of this work?
Leela James: My favorite part will always be the connection being on stage, seeing people sing the words back, knowing something I felt helped somebody else. That never gets old.
My least favorite part? *Laughs* Probably the politics of the business. The behind-the-scenes stuff that has nothing to do with the music. But even with that, I’m grateful. It’s all part of the journey. I would just much rather not be coined underrated and be seen and acknowledged for being a dope artist STILL, 20+ years later!!
Parlé Mag: Any parting words for our readers?
Leela James: Ya’ll go download my EP 2BHONEST and 2BHONEST “The Deluxe” out Nov 21st!!!
GO BUY TICKETS TO MY SHOWS AND PULL UP AND PARTY WIT ME & MY BAND!!!
Visit www.LeelaJames.com for tickets and updates!!
