Dante Leon is making a strong return with his new EP, ‘Til The Last Petal Falls‘. This seven-track project seamlessly blends dreamy R&B and hazy hip-hop, highlighting his vocal versatility from energetic anthems to romantic ballads. Reflecting on his return, Dante states that this is his first project in a while. Growing up in a musical family and establishing himself in Toronto’s vibrant music scene, he later moved to LA to focus on songwriting and production. His talent has earned acclaim from major tastemakers, and with ‘Til The Last Petal Falls’, Dante Leon reasserts his influence in contemporary music.
Your new EP, Til The Last Petal Falls, has been described as your most ambitious project to date. Can you tell us what inspired the creation of this EP and what you aimed to achieve with it?
Absolutely. ‘Til The Last Petal Falls’ is definitely my most ambitious project so far; took a moment to get this one out. The inspiration for this EP came from a time of deep reflection and growth. I wanted to create something that not only shows how I’ve evolved as an artist but also with a story that people can really connect with. Whole project is me plucking through each petals.
What I really wanted was for this EP to take listeners on a journey, something they can relate to and find their own meanings in. It’s about capturing those fleeting moments in life/relationships and holding onto them “til the last petal falls.”
The EP blends dreamy R&B with hazy hip-hop, showcasing a relaxed trap bounce and melodic, synth-rooted beats. How did you go about merging these diverse genres, and what was the creative process like?
Blending dreamy R&B with hazy Hip-Hop was all about creating a unique vibe that felt authentic to me. I’ve always been influenced by both genres, so it was a natural progression to bring them together in this EP.
Collaborating with different producers and artists also played a big role. Everyone brought their own style and energy, and I’m really proud of how it all came together.
You mentioned that Til The Last Petal Falls is your first project in a while. What were some of the challenges and rewards of returning to releasing music after a hiatus?
Coming back to releasing music after a hiatus was both challenging and rewarding. One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the initial self-doubt. I wondered if people would still connect with my music and if I could meet my own expectations. I was always writing and producing for other people, but to tell my own story is different.
On the flip side, the rewards have been incredible. The break gave me a fresh perspective and allowed me to grow both personally and artistically. I came back with new stories to tell and a renewed passion to be honest. The response from listeners has been amazing and really motivating so far. The EP reached some big milestones in South Africa, so recently I’ve been connecting with fans and other creatives from that side of the world.
You’ve worked with various notable artists in different capacities. Can you share any memorable experiences or collaborations that particularly stood out to you and why?
I’d like to keep those stories for myself for now.
What I will share is that I’m grateful for all the lessons and experiences that led me here.
These collaborations have not only helped me grow as an artist but also reminded me of the importance of connection and shared creativity.
Toronto has become a significant hub for top artists, producers, and songwriters. How did establishing yourself in this vibrant music scene influence your career, and what lessons did you carry with you when you moved to LA?
Toronto’s music scene has had a huge influence on my career, especially earlier when I had just graduated High School. Being surrounded by some artists, producers, and songwriters who have gone on to be some of the biggest in the world, has pushed me to elevate my own game. The city’s diversity exposed me to different genres and styles, allowing me to experiment and find my unique sound.
Moving to LA, I mostly carried with me the lessons of collaboration I learned in Toronto.