East London’s most captivating new voice Leah Cleaver follows her striking debut ‘Last Time’ with ‘Have You Ever’, a sparkling alt-pop confession that feels like stumbling into your best friend’s kitchen at 2am – all messy truths, chaotic laughter, and the comforting certainty of being loved despite your flaws. Released via PACE, the track wraps spring-loaded drums and skittering piano around Leah’s signature alto rasp as she delivers lyrics that dance between self-deprecation and celebration. “It’s that moment when you’re en route to meet your crew,” Leah explains, “realizing you’re about to be your most dramatic self, but knowing they’ll love you anyway.”
The magic of ‘Have You Ever’ lies in its contradictions – sonically bright yet lyrically vulnerable, meticulously crafted yet deliciously spontaneous. Like the best late-night heart-to-hearts, Leah’s conversational vocals pull listeners into an intimate circle where oversharing isn’t just allowed – it’s encouraged. This knack for transforming personal chaos into communal catharsis stems from Leah’s own musical odyssey: a childhood soundtracked by Bing Crosby records (courtesy of her aunt) and Irish rebel songs from maternal grandparents, teenage years soundtracked by Arctic Monkeys and Mary J. Blige, and now – as a BIMM London graduate and former member of neo-soul collective ZEBEDE – the emergence of a sound entirely her own.
But Leah’s artistry extends far beyond the recording booth. As co-founder of U Gd, Girl?, she creates real-world safe spaces for women and non-binary individuals through workshops tackling everything from body image to boundary-setting. This commitment to community mirrors her eclectic style – a vibrant mashup of East London streetwear, 80s ballroom glam, and 90s hip-hop swagger that recently landed her in Crocs x OFFICE Shoes campaigns.
With ‘Have You Ever’, Leah continues building what might be alt-pop’s most welcoming universe – one where flaws become badges of honor, vulnerability sounds like victory, and every listener gets to be the slightly messy protagonist of their own story. As she prepares more music and live shows, one thing’s certain: Leah Cleaver isn’t just making songs. She’s creating a movement where belonging sounds this good.
For fans of: Arlo Parks, Lava La Rue, Joy Crookes
RIYL: Late-night confessions, imperfect friendships, glitter through tears
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