Leanne Tennant has long been a solid part of independent Queensland music, but not so long ago she re-named her project to LT and subsequently designed a new face for what is gradually unraveling into something incredibly exciting. We first tuned into her new material when she released 'Rollercoaster' when tastemakers FNQ Originals' Baz And Deveski reached out for us to vote in the best music of Far North Queensland. Not only did we reckon 'Rollercoaster' was one of the best from FNQ, we didn't see any reason why it couldn't take on the world. The song encapsulates what pop music should be—easily enjoyable, forward thinking and, ultimately, infectious.
Now, we chat to the artist herself who caps the year off with new single 'Real Life = No Fun', another hooky slice of perfect pop. Once again, a collaboration with her dream-team also consisting of Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe, G Flip, Oh Pep, Meg Mac) and Edwin White (Vance Joy, Amy Shark, Jack River), this one has a wee country music lean that seems to sit a more naturally with LT's past. She positively shines on this one, it's a 2024/2025 Summer anthem, which leaves us pumped for a debut album the new year, poised to be her most successful year yet.
Before you read our chat below, familiarise yourself with the new single, 'Real Life = No Fun'.
Hey LT, congrats on the success of Real Life = No Fun ... how did the ideas behind the song come together?
The initial idea of Real Life = No Fun" was born during the lockdowns of the pandemic. My friends and I had just worked out how to do a group call, so we would regularly meet up and share a couple of beers and have a laugh. Like everyone else at that time, I was imagining taking a road trip and being with mates again, heading to a beach somewhere and watching the sun go down, letting it take our worries with it. It’s about blowing off your responsibilities and other people's expectations and finding space to be with those that matter and having fun. Life is short and can be brutal, so It's about leaving the crap behind and not taking life too seriously.
Now we already know how great a song you can write, what do Joel and Edwin bring to the LT flavour?
They bring absolute magic. I have always lacked in the confidence department; so over the past couple of years of working together, they've been a huge part of helping me feel brave enough to share my ideas and believing in my abilities as a writer. I highly respect their work both as performing artists, and as writers, so I try to listen and learn as much as I can when we're together. I was so incredibly nervous when we first met but now it feels as though we're old friends. We always end up sharing something new (or old) that we are currently vibing, and our ridiculous senses of humour always leads to a fair bit of goofing around which ends up bleeding through in the writing process.
Video by WePop Creative
We tuned into your work in 2022 when you released the most excellent single, 'Rollercoaster', and you'll be releasing a debut album in 2025, what can we expect from an LT longplayer?
This will be my debut album as 'LT' and I've never been more sure, and more excited. I decided to take a leap and head and follow my heart with a new style of writing in 2019, and I've never looked back. These songs have been written over a period of time and will be a pretty clear insight into the ups and downs of the past few years. It'll cover things like ageism in the music industry, mental health, and a whole lot of - 'you know what? Fuck it. I'm saying it, I'm feeling it, and I'm doing it' moments.
You've been in music for a long time now, but not as LT, a project that has quickly stacked up a few choice accolades, what's your favourite?
I think receiving a Qld Music Award for 'Act Your Age' which is a song written about ageism in the music industry, and receiving it at a large music industry event selected by members of the industry - was a pretty special moment. It gave me the hope that this topic will be discussed, and that there is a place in the Australian Music Industry for artists who are outside of the 18-25 age bracket.
Do you have a vinyl collection?
Yes!
What are the first three records you're reaching for at the moment?
At this very moment they are the two new records I picked up in Melbourne on my last writing session—Amyl and the Sniffers - Cartoon Darkness; Memphis Soul '66 compilation; and generally this one gets a workout especially over Summer - Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms.
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