#FMSpotlight: Leshley – ‘Coaster of Emotions’ (Listen)

In a world where situationships, entanglements, and toxicity are oddly celebrated, Leshley constructs an open letter-esque project titled Coaster of Emotions. Her honest and vivid lyrics drive home the narrative of relationship cycles. There are phases that every couple goes through. Two individuals can be booed up at one moment, but sometimes, the partnership just isn’t meant to be and they call it quits. 

Nevertheless, Coaster of Emotions perfectly maps out the emotions and mental state of a woman who reclaims her power after giving her all to a man that couldn’t reciprocate those feelings. While she may be in awe of him, she loves herself too much to put up with B.S.

Her compelling yet ethereal register controls the climate of each record and its message. Likewise, she compliments the beats at her reach. From afrobeat, R&B, pop, and even hip-hop, Leshley’s vocal pattern comes in with a punch. Some might add that this album has a Danileigh feel to it. But, in closing, the songstress stresses why not settling for less is crucial. From the enticing blend of Spanish and English to the album’s storyline, you’re bound to be swoon. Moreso, you won’t hesitate to become a part of Leshley’s extensive fanbase. 

Natalee Gilbert got the opportunity to speak with Leshley for FM Hip Hop. You can read the dialogue below: 

1. How would you describe your sound/message in Coaster of Emotions?

 I would describe my sound as an intense, crazy feeling of the ups and downs of love. Daring to jump into the unknown but prepared for whatever there is to come.

2. Influence behind Coaster of Emotions:

A regular girl love story, wishing to have someone after protecting your energy so much in this crazy world. You get to the point that you don’t want to be alone anymore, so you try to jump in the water with friendly sharks.

3. What steps did you take to create Coaster of Emotions?

When I came about creating Coaster of Emotions, most of the songs were already made. I sat down and listened to all 27 songs I created from 2019-21 that I still hadn’t released yet. From that list, I chose eight, and while listening to them, I realized that if I put them in a specific order, I could create a story, and since most of my music is based on my own experience, it created the perfect mixture of emotions that love created. Whether they were good feelings or bad ones is where the name came about.

 4. Favorite song to record off Coaster of Emotions?

My favorite song was “Montaña Rusa.” Super spontaneous, my producers Ruegali, Rayonabeat, and my friend Bryan set the vibes in the room, and the words started flowing out of our mouth like a love letter.

5. What do you hope fans get from Coaster of Emotions?

I want my fans to understand that you’ll have to push yourself and try different streets before getting to your desired destination, whether in love or life. Never give up and never let anyone get in your way from moving on when it’s time.

6. What type of setting should someone be in when listening to Coaster of Emotions? 

In your car 

At the gym 

Getting ready to go out 

At brunch, sipping on your bottomless mimosas 

In the shower 

At the park

In your room

At the hookah lounge 

In a 4/20 cyph with your gang 

Anywhere your little hearts desire.

7. Any upcoming singles/music videos?

I’m working on the video for “Finishline,” and I’ve written out treatments for the rest of the songs in the album. And yes, I’m also working on a couple of features I’ll release as singles, so stay tuned.

Today I will be discussing two records, “Stranger” and “Noches De Tequila.” 

“Stranger” finds Leshley questioning a previous lover’s actions. Had he given their love a shot and put the work in, they’d most likely be together ’till this day. The two meet after not seeing each other for a while, and Leshley says she “still feels like she knows them.” After, the singer expresses how upsetting it is to be disconnected from one another. 

She sings, “How the love so strong when it feels so wrong?“

Elsewhere in “Strangers,” she asks him about his switch-up and unwillingness to learn her love language. The instrumental takes on a soft R&B form and is led by a piano. 

“Noches De Tequilla” serves as a powerful message about enjoying time with your gals. Moreso, it’s a song you can vibe out to while leaving all your worries at home. 

The lyrics find Leshley and her best friends falling into de-stress while at a lit function. Unfortunately, an unwarranted male attempts to make a move. But, Leshley puts him in his place. She is far from interested in this man’s advances. 

Before arriving at the venue, she sings

“Casamigos chasin it with a wine/We gonna have the time of our lives/Spark it up, go to Cloud 9/Leave all fuckboys behind/Can’t nobody stop us tonight.“

Then, she turns down a wannabe catcaller with the following 

“Baby, don’t call me mamasita/I’m out with my girls/I know you wanna freak, goodbye nice to meet ya.”

Through her illustrative lyrics, we also get an image of how the night goes and how it’ll end. Leshley and her girls intend to live it up ’till the crack of dawn. They iterate that they didn’t get dressed up for suitors. But rather, they look good for themselves. 

She delivers, “Don’t call my phone/I ain’t answering bro/But you might see a post.” Also, “Please just move along/Don’t be moving too fast/We might run up your tab.”

Listen to Coaster of Emotions by Leshley below: