Photo Credit: Sean Worth for Crowd Surf
Leanna Firestone Finds The Answer: On Vulnerability, Growth, and a Tour Built Around Joy
Leanna Firestone's album, The Answer, marks a new chapter for the indie-pop songwriter, trading solely personal stories for heartfelt narratives inspired by the people she loves most. Ahead of her 19-city Victory Lap Tour, the artist opened up about the album's evolution, the songs she's most excited to perform, and how her approach to vulnerability has matured.
Leanna Firestone
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Photo Credit: Sean Worth for Crowd Surf
As Leanna Firestone was first breaking into the indie-pop scene, she began to build a devoted audience through pure and raw songwriting that turned anxiety, heartbreak, and growing pains into songs that resonated deeply with so many. Most recently her album, The Answer, expands that vulnerability in a surprising and unfiltered way. Rather than centering just on her own experiences, Firestone turns to her friends and loved ones, telling stories inspired by the relationships and lives of those closest to her. The result is an album that feels both intimate and universally understood, balancing poignant lyricism with unique musicality and moments of cathartic release. Songs like “Town Ain't Big Enough," "Emergency Contact," and the reflective title track, “The Answer,” show an artist whose songwriting has become more nuanced without sacrificing the emotional honesty that first connected her with listeners. Firestonehas since embarked on her 19-city Victory Lap Tour and we were able to discuss the evolution behind The Answer, writing from someone else's perspective, the songs she's most excited to perform live, and why this tour is less about sitting with heartbreak and more about celebrating the joy that comes after it.
Photo Credit: Sean Worth for Crowd Surf
Before we really dive into your new album and upcoming tour, I would love to know more about your song writing process, especially with this album! Do you start with a concept, a lyric, the music?
Better songwriters than I would say it’s a toss up, but I almost always start with a lyric or a lyrical concept. It usually comes from being hit with a different way of thinking about a common phrase or concept and turning it on its head in some way.
You mentioned this album is based off the experiences of your friends relationships and experiences, how did your process differ from times you’ve written about yourself? Were your friends involved in the writing process? How did this challenge and expand your capabilities as a songwriter and artist?
My friends were very involved in the writing and making of this album- some of them (BryeNoelle Sebring and Abby Cates) being credited writers on the album because they were very involved. The process differed mainly in that I took a lot more time and care with my friends' stories and feelings. I think when I write about myself I don’t take a lot of caution with the way I describe things because I am talking about my very singular, personal experience. When I was fictionalizing and creating narratives that were semi-involving other people's lives and stories that I didn’t live through I think my songwriting style became more cautious and because of that matured greatly throughout the creation of The Answer.
Photo Credit: Sean Worth for Crowd Surf
You titled your album, The Answer, after the closing track. What inspired that decision? What does the title mean to you?
I think so many people in bad or unideal situations, often know that from the very beginning. I think that that awareness doesn’t usually inspire action until you’re so far removed from yourself that you are willing to do anything to return to who you once were. You are so unhappy in the situation that aloneness is actually favorable. The title is an acknowledgement hat doubt or unsureness can be an Answer in itself.
You have always been very emotionally open in your songwriting, do you feel any pressure to continue that as you progress in your career? How do you feel it has helped you connect with fans?
I think my openness was inspired originally by a deep desire to be seen and understood oftentimes my vulnerability was inspired by anxiety and desperation. While I do think that openness had its benefits, and did give way to a deep connection to myself and my fans, I think as I and my songwriting matures- I am learning that I don’t always have to bleed myself dry to be understood. I am far more trusting now- they will understand me even if I take a more curated approach.
Witness The Creative
Leanna Firestone - The Answer (Official Visualizer)
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Videography: by Sean Worth for Crowd Surf
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What song off The Answer do you think fans are going to connect with the most? Which song do you feel YOU connect with the most?
I would expect that fans will connect most to “Town Ain’t Big Enough.” I feel like everyone has accidentally ran into the person they would least like to see and had to deal with the emotional consequences of that. I would say I probably connect the very most with “Not Yet” because it’s just a very detailed account of how my career and my father’s addiction have intertwined. That one is very niche and specific and probably the least relatable song I’ve ever written.
Which song off The Answer are you most excited to play live? Can fans expect the same set list every night or will things change up every once in awhile?
I am probably most excited for “Emergency Contact,” it’s one of my favorite non-single songs on the album and I think it’s going to absolutely smash on stage. I keep the same set through the whole thing but I do change one song every night. VIP gets to vote on what they most want to hear which spices things up!
Nineteen cities on tour is no joke! What are you doing to prepare and what are your secrets for keeping yourself healthy on the road?
To prepare I am mainly just sleeping! I know that’s a boring answer but honestly you are in a sleep deficit for almost the entire month so you have to enjoy it while you have it! One thing that keeps me sane on tour is employing my best friend. I seriously think touring is one of the loneliest jobs in the world and if you can bring a friend with you it makes it far more tolerable. Friend nepotism is the secret to not being miserable for months at a time on the road.
Photo Credit: Sean Worth for Crowd Surf
You are performing at some very fun and unique venues across North America, are there any stops in particular you’re most excited about?
I am very excited about Denver!! I have been to the Denver Meow Wolf exhibit before and it was so cool that I can’t wait to play in their venue! (Look up pictures. It’s totally trippy and cool!)
Since your tour just kicked off, are there any songs that have surprised you live? Whether it is how they are received or how much you enjoy playing it live?
I have been playing “Confirmation Bias” as a surprise song in some cities and have been totally shocked by the way people sing along with that one so loud! I really couldn’t have anticipated the way that people would’ve related to this album track about the way my OCD has turned me into a self-fulling prophecy but it’s really special and touching to know that people relate so much.
Finally, you have toured a lot over the past few years! What can fans expect to be different about this tour(besides the new music of course) and what are you most excited about?
I think fans can expect a more fun concert experience than in the past! This time is less about showcasing my (usually) very sad songs and having everyone meditate on their pain for a few hours then leave, and much more about checking that pain at the door for a while. I am most excited about getting to be a conduit to joy for my fans this time around and getting to reconnect after our time apart, I missed them!
Article by: Hannah Pohlmeyer
Plug In. Tune Out.
Leanna Firestone has carved out a space in indie-pop with songwriting that feels conversational, and unafraid to sit with life's messier emotions. Her music blends vulnerable lyricism with infectious melodies. Her music captures everything from anxiety and heartbreak to self-discovery and healing. Firestone’s ability to turn deeply personal moments into songs that feel universally familiar, creates an honest connection with listeners who see pieces of themselves in her work.