Leon Thomas on The Elliott Wilson Experience

Leon Thomas isn’t just having a moment—he’s building a legacy. In a candid sit-down with Elliott Wilson for The Elliott Wilson Experience, Thomas unpacks the journey from his early signing days to the refined vulnerability of his latest release, Mutt Deluxe. With live instrumentation, heavyweight collaborations, and a maturity earned through industry ups and downs, Thomas’ trajectory is one of artistic precision—not just ambition.

‘Mutt Deluxe’: Expanding the Vision

Thomas’ Electric Dusk announced his return as a serious R&B contender, but it was Mutt that staked his claim. And now, with the release of Mutt Deluxe, he’s proving the story isn’t over—it’s just evolving.

“I didn’t want to try to recreate the magic of the first batch of songs,” Thomas told Wilson. “It was more so about extending the storyline.” That storyline digs deeper into emotional clarity, blending live strings, drums, and gospel-rooted grooves into a sound that’s both polished and raw. “We’re spoon-feeding people this live energy,” he said. “That’s live bass, live drums—it’s real.”

A standout moment came when Chris Brown delivered vocals for the remix while Thomas was performing overseas. “I did my soundcheck, and I get a text: ‘Vocals are in, mixes right,’” he recalled. “I needed to hear that loud right then. It was a real moment—no cap.” For Thomas, the collaboration wasn’t just career validation; it was an affirmation from one of his generation’s R&B icons. “He showed so much love off of my first album Electric Dusk. I didn’t even know if the big dogs were listening, but he was tapped in.”

Other features on Mutt Deluxe include Big Sean—twice—alongside R&B royalty Marsha Ambrosius and singer-songwriter Kehlani. Thomas praises the synergy with Sean, calling their bond more personal than professional. “When I talk to Big Sean, it’s not about music—it’s about books, meditation, mental health,” he said. “He's someone I look up to who found a way to stay human through success.”

Grammy-Worthy Work and an Artist in Evolution

While Thomas took home a Grammy for his work on SZA’s “Snooze,” it wasn’t his first brush with the award. Years earlier, he received a Grammy certificate for his contributions to a Toni Braxton project. But the full trophy? That hit different. “That trophy in the living room—that’s a whole different ball game,” he said. “It’s in a glass case with a backlight. You walk in, it’s like bow—right there.”

And with Mutt Deluxe, he’s hoping to stay in Grammy conversations. “I want to stay in front of people’s faces and make sure these songs get a fair chance,” he said, noting the original album came out just past the Grammy deadline.

But accolades are secondary to intention. For Thomas, creating authentic, live-recorded music rooted in funk and R&B is about more than nostalgia. It’s about evolution. “The funk deserves to live,” he declared, citing his Coachella performance alongside Ty Dolla $ign and George Clinton. The P-Funk legend even gifted him a custom hat. “It felt like a crowning ceremony,” Thomas said. “Like he was saying, ‘I see what you’re doing, young man. Keep going.’”

Writing as Healing, Collaboration as Therapy

Part of what sets Thomas apart is his openness—both in the booth and behind the boards. “A lot of men, before they get into relationships, need to learn how to h-e-a-l, heal,” he explained. “I thought it was a clever way of telling a different side of the story.”

That narrative vulnerability runs throughout Mutt Deluxe, particularly on tracks like “Rather Be Alone.” “That’s a potent part of who I am as an artist,” he said. “I wrote that on acoustic guitar in my living room. H.E.R. came through while we were vibing, and I asked her to hop on.”

In the studio, he works as fluidly with peers as with mentors. A key writing session with James Fauntleroy produced “Not Fair,” a track Thomas didn’t pen himself but felt emotionally tied to. “He went in the booth and freestyled bar for bar,” he said. “It was like a stream of consciousness. I didn’t want to get in the way of a miracle.”

When it comes to songwriting, Thomas maintains an abundance mindset. “Some artists are scared to give away a hit,” he said. “But that’s affirming you won’t make another one tomorrow. The source I pull from is ever-flowing.”

Industry Lessons and The Long Road to Self

Thomas’ artistic depth wasn’t earned overnight. Signed to Columbia Records at just 13 years old—before his Victorious Nickelodeon run—he spent nearly five years shelved. “It’s tough when you’re not signed from an existing hit,” he said. “They didn’t know what to do with me.”

Through multiple deals, including Rostrum Records, he learned to operate with an indie mindset. “Instead of spending $100,000 on one music video, I’ll shoot eight visualizers and see which one hits,” he said. “Then we build off of that.” He credits his current team, including manager Jonathan Azu, with helping turn vision into impact. “He taught me how to work the boardroom,” Thomas said. “We’re building something special now.”

He’s also drawn inspiration from watching others build outside the music box. “Burner taught me about the importance of merch. I watched him build Cookies from the ground up.”

The Next Phase: Tour Life, Global Reach, and Staying Grounded

With a headlining tour likely to kick off in September, Thomas is focused on momentum—but not at the expense of peace. “My circle’s gotten smaller, but I’m doing everything I can to stay grounded,” he said. “Keeping in touch with family, protecting my mental.” He’s also reaching new territories, noting fan support from South Africa and Europe. “Music is a team sport,” Thomas emphasized. “I’m doing interviews, shows, rehearsals—but it’s worth it if it helps the music find its audience.”

Even as he steps into global stardom, Thomas isn’t abandoning the studio. “Every time I have a day off, my team’s like, ‘Where’s Leon?’ They already know—I’m in the studio.”

As for what’s next? More experimentation, maybe even a hidden project with producer Conductor. “It’s me rapping and singing all the way through,” he teased. “But right now, I just want to play my guitar, do my drum solos, and live out that rockstar-meets-R&B energy on a large scale.”

After years in the background, Leon Thomas isn’t just stepping into the spotlight—he’s building a new lane altogether. With Mutt Deluxe, he proves that vulnerability, collaboration, and patience aren’t just creative choices—they’re a strategy for longevity.