Interview With Artist Brandon Leake
When Brandon Leake became the first spoken word artist to win America’s Got Talent, millions watched him move audiences with stories of grief, family, and resilience. What they didn’t see was the deeply personal season that followed.
Over the last three years, Brandon experienced an unexpected panic attack, navigated his young daughter’s autoimmune diagnosis, faced financial uncertainty, and found himself asking questions many people are afraid to say out loud: Where is God? Is He still with me? Will He show up when I need Him most? We had the opportunity to sit down with Brandon Leake to talk about his career, music, and more.
TGR: If you could describe yourself as an artist in 3 words what would they be and why?
Brandon: Authentic – I tell stories that are real, I tell stories that are true. So authenticity is at the root of all I do.
Growing – If you listen to my albums and art from the years, I am constantly evolving. I’m growing and developing.
Faithful – My art always reflects the relationship between God and I.
TGR: How has winning AGT helped shape your career to this point?
Brandon: It has opened doors that I never thought would be available to me prior. I’ve been able to move into spaces, and build relationships that have challenged me, and made me better as an artist and person.
TGR: What were the emotions like after you received the golden buzzer?
Brandon: It was surreal. Honestly, I didn’t know what to feel. I had immediate joy, but more than that, I felt… gratefulness. Like so honored to have been seen like this, to be appreciated like this, and that God would honor me like this.
TGR: All throughout history in people’s darkest times, there always seems to be a common question asked: Where is God? Can you talk a little bit about how you’ve poured those emotions into your music?
Brandon: I wanted this album to be a clear illustration of what it looks like when someone walks through that question thoroughly. And also what happens when God arrives in ways that we just don’t typically desire or appreciate. It wasn’t easy working through all of this but it was certainly worthwhile. The art that isn’t easy is usually the most impactful, so I hope this album follows suit.
TGR: Why did you decide to release Intimacy coming out August 21st?
I feel like I was called to do it. I feel like I was graced to create it. That’s honestly the only reason why.
TGR: In a way, is music a form of therapy for you? How has this new album helped you cope with everything in your life?
Poetry certainly is. I wouldn’t say music yet lol. Music is a science I’m learning to master while poetry is the bike I’ve been riding for over a decade, it’s a home away from home.
TGR: Anxiety is something that’s hard to tackle yet common for many people. Speak a little bit about how you’ve battled this and how you’ve overcome it.
Anxiety isn’t something I’m traditionally accustomed to. It was fairly new this past season, but for me I had to make conscious choices to slow down, instead of speeding up. Anxiety thrives on rushing and movement without purpose. But I’ve found slowing down and reassessing is stressful in the moment, but long term most beneficial.
TGR: If you could give one piece of advice to someone who simply wants to give up, what would it be?How do you keep hope even at your darkest hour?
God has never not seen you. God has never given up on you. God has always seen you beautiful. And if the creator of all things sees you as worthy, you better see yourself that way too.