East London’s rising alt-pop star Leah Cleaver ignites the music scene with her electrifying new single “Get You Home,” a sultry, impulse-driven anthem that cements her as one of the genre’s most captivating new voices. Released via PACE, the track is the third offering from her debut EP Pushing Up Flowers, set to drop on October 3, 2025, following her acclaimed singles “Last Time” and “Have You Ever.” With its playful pop-funk instrumentation and evocative storytelling, “Get You Home” captures the thrill of fleeting romantic tension, blending groovy off-canvas side stick drums with a curious bassline and Cleaver’s soulful, gritty alto vocals. Described by CLASH as “a truly independent voice, blending pop tropes with empathetic R&B aspects” and by HUNGER as “one to watch,” Cleaver’s music weaves a vivid world of community, self-expression, and fearless authenticity. As she builds anticipation for her EP, her genre-defying sound—rooted in influences from Bing Crosby to Mary J. Blige—and her advocacy for queer, trans, non-binary, and ethnic minority communities through her U Gd, Girl? collective make her a trailblazer in both music and culture, resonating with fans seeking a safe space in her art.
“Get You Home” is a cheeky, groove-laden track that transports listeners to the electric atmosphere of a classic house party, where mundane small talk fades into the background as stolen glances with a special someone send sparks flying. Cleaver describes the song as “beyond cheeky,” capturing “the game of cat and mouse” where “every time you meet eyes with that one person, electricity runs through your body.” Its pop-funk foundation, with jittery drums flirting with a curious bass, creates a risqué sophistication, while Cleaver’s novel-like storytelling evokes the rush of first-time romantic encounters. Her alto vocals, honed during a period of vocal strain that forced her to embrace a rawer, more soulful delivery, carry a conversational charm that invites listeners into her world, much like a late-night confession among friends. This single builds on the humid, late-night chaos of “Last Time,” which CLASH likened to “a black cab whizzing through central London,” and the playful, self-aware warmth of “Have You Ever,” described as “7pm in August on your way to meet your friends” (Oculate). Together, these tracks form the foundation of Pushing Up Flowers, an EP that promises to explore the nuances of modern intimacy and societal realities with a balance of grit and innocence.
Cleaver’s journey to this moment is as eclectic as her sound. Born to a Jamaican father and Irish/English mother, she grew up between Exeter and Luton, absorbing a rich tapestry of musical influences. Her aunt introduced her to Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, while her uncles shared alt-rock anthems from The Kooks, Arctic Monkeys, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Her maternal grandparents immersed her in Irish rebel music by The Dubliners and Luke Kelly, but it was in her adolescence that she gravitated toward soul and R&B, connecting with her Blackness in predominantly white surroundings. After moving to London in her late teens to study at BIMM, Cleaver gigged at local bars and clubs, building a grassroots buzz as the frontwoman of neo-soul outfit ZEBEDE. In 2024, she left the group to pursue a solo career, seeking uncompromised self-expression. A mysterious loss of her voice during this period became a turning point, leading her to craft the music now defining her solo path. “Losing my voice forced me to lean into my alto range,” she shared in Shesaid.so, developing a gritty, lived-in style influenced by Nina Simone, Channel Tres, Jungle, and Little Simz. This resilience shapes Pushing Up Flowers, an EP that channels angst, uncertainty, and empowerment into a cohesive narrative.
Beyond her music, Cleaver is a passionate advocate, co-founding U Gd, Girl?, a London-based intersectional feminist collective hosting monthly workshops and discussion circles for women and non-binary people. Tackling topics like women’s health, boundaries, love languages, and body image, the organization reflects her commitment to creating safe spaces, especially for underserved communities. This ethos permeates her music, which she hopes will resonate with queer, trans, non-binary, and ethnic minority listeners, offering a platform for self-discovery and connection. Her personal style, inspired by East London’s vibrant energy, ‘80s New York ballroom divas, ‘90s hip-hop icons like Mary J. Blige and Lil’ Kim, and the women in her family, adds a bold charisma to her artistry. Her appearance in a Crocs x OFFICE Shoes campaign for the Classic Oasis collection, as noted in Wonderland, showcases her fashion-forward presence, blending streetwear with high-glamour flair that mirrors “Get You Home”’s seductive groove.
The buzz around Cleaver is undeniable, with strong support from NME, BET UK, Wonderland, and CLASH, which praise her as a rapidly rising talent. Her debut single “Last Time,” released in July 2025, captured late-night romantic tension with shape-shifting keys and rattling drums, earning a Jamz Supernova session and comparisons to a dimly lit, sexy cab ride. “Have You Ever,” dropped in August, leaned into playful chaos with springy drums and jittery piano, described by Bong Mines Entertainment as “a conversation between friends.” Pushing Up Flowers builds on this foundation, promising a collection that challenges conventions around women’s sexual autonomy and societal norms. Cleaver’s storytelling, as seen in “Get You Home,” strikes a delicate balance between cheeky innocence and raw honesty, reflecting the complexities of modern intimacy in a way that feels both universal and deeply personal.
As Cleaver prepares for her EP’s October 3 release, her trajectory suggests a star on the rise. Her performances at events like British Summer Time festival with ZEBEDE and her growing grassroots following in London’s music scene signal her potential to break out globally. Fans on X are buzzing about “Get You Home,” praising its “infectious groove” and “electric vibe,” with posts from @leahcleavahh amplifying the single’s release. Available on all streaming platforms via PACE, the track and its forthcoming EP invite listeners to embrace their own complexities, much like Cleaver has. With Pushing Up Flowers, she crafts a world where vulnerability, empowerment, and community collide, offering a safe space for fans to explore their identities through her fearless alt-pop lens. As she continues to peel back the layers of her multifaceted artistry, Leah Cleaver is not just making music—she’s sparking a movement, one groove at a time.
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