The HARDHARDLOVE EP is out

In 2023, Leslie, a songwriter known for high energy acoustic rock, faced a series of profound losses. Starting with his mother on Christmas Eve, he lost his father in January, a nephew in May, and another in August. In the span of months, in-laws, close friends, and figures integral to his music career also passed away. But amidst the heartbreak of 2024, moments of levity surfaced, as time spent with family, close friends, and bandmates reignited his creative spark. The result was a wave of songwriting, which became his new six-track EP.

Milkman was the first song written. His mum, and his beloved grandfather, Jim McLaughlan, used to tease that he’d been dropped off by the milkman, the coal man, or found in a cabbage patch. However, there was never any doubt about who he belonged to.

“The milkman comes, and takes away the empty ones, but leaves us with our hearts full”

HARDHARDLOVE was inspired by a phrase his mother often said to him as a child, “I love you hard, hard,” this song captures their deep connection. The phrase also holds bittersweet weight as the last words they exchanged before her passing.

“Try to hold the fight till Sunday, and I’ll put on my bravest face.”

The rest of the songs came in fits and starts; A guitar tuning inspiring a fresh sounding chord sequence, or a riff, or sometimes a couplet that wouldn’t let go.

Backwards Name is a reference to being called Leslie Paul Rich. Most of his family call him Paul, because, when it came to writing it down, Leslie’s mum didn’t think that Paul Leslie sounded right. She chose to reverse the names. 

“It was easy to break in the council estate, but somehow we made it through”

The Rememberer is the only full band song on the EP, fleshed out with Nick Costa’s infectious guitar lines. It’s a call to action that it’s down to each of us to share the legacy of those we loved.

“Who will be the rememberer, if I don’t get there first”

Call Sign and CRMNL are older songs, but in the light of his recent loss, took on new meaning for Leslie.

This six-track EP of acoustic-based demos is just the beginning. Serving as a 'proof of concept,' Leslie plans to expand these songs into a full-length album with his band, The Rocket Soul Choir, set for release in 2025.