Ryan Leslie promises new songs and old favourites

Singer Ryan Leslie promises some new tracks and old favourites at Wednesday night\'s gig. After being robbed off his intellectual property (laptop and hard drive containing his music library) during a tour in Europe in 2010, American record producer, multi-instrumentalist, rapper, entrepreneur and singer Ryan Leslie still found it in himself to rise from the ashes. Currently being sued by the man who returned his laptop claiming a portion of the proceeds from his latest album, the Diamond Girl crooner, in town to perform at Chi@The Lodge Thursday, talks to tabloid! about his new album and the inspiration behind it. Tell us more about Les is More. I am very excited about it. It is an album that is to be consumed visually because the concept of the album is to have a documentary look — a travel journal of all the events and places that have inspired the music. We filmed every single day of my life over the past few months. And finally, I directed and edited a series of videos that serve as the presentation of the music. How did the concept come to you? I have been filming for video footage and I gathered that the traditional music video format is very restricted. There was a much more beautiful window that I could offer in terms of an insight into my life, about the activities, people and places that inspire me and that\'s exactly what I have done with this album. Have you explored any new genres in your new album? This album is a complete rap album, which is different from my last R&B album, Transition. So, I have got to touch a lot of topics and subjects that are from my perspective much broader than what I would sing about in an R&B album. Why did you keep your fans waiting for three years before releasing a new album? Well, that\'s because my entire album was stolen. My laptop and hard drive containing my music library got stolen when I was on a promotional tour in Europe two years ago. I had offered a reward for the return of my intellectual property but nothing ever happened. I got back my laptop and hard drive but it was all corrupted so I had to start from scratch and re-record everything from memory. And the entire situation of being sued has actually inspired a lot of songs in my new album. What are you playing for us Thursday night? When I came to Dubai before I really wanted to come back with my band and it looks as though this is going to be another introductory show so I still dream of coming back with my band for live performances. I will be giving a taste of some favourites and also some new tracks so it will be like a sneak preview of my new album. Who has inspired you in music? I have such a vast music library that it takes some time to process it and funnel down to four or five. But I think they would be Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Jimi Hendrix and of course Stevie Wonder. Don\'t miss it Ryan Leslie performs at Chi@The Lodge today at 9pm. Tickets are priced at Dh150, Dh250 (VIP) and Dh950 (VVIP). Entry restricted to 21 years and above. Call 04-3379470. From: Gulfnews