what Leo Waters is doing...

Meet Leo Waters: Tampa's Next R&B Sensation

wdyd - what do you do?

artist spotlight - Leo Waters

Leo Waters is a dynamic singer beginning to gain buzz for his soulful voice and captivating performances. Hailing from Tampa, Leo is starting to make a name for himself in the music industry with his unique blend of classic R&B sound and contemporary vibes.

what are they doing?

what is attributing to Leo’s recent buzz?

1. Leo Waters' debut single went viral

In December 2023, Leo released his debut single “Smoke + Mirrors,” which has gone on to receive more than 7 million streams on Spotify alone.

His journey began when he moved to Chicago at the age of 15 to pursue a career as a professional dancer. Despite being the youngest member of his dance crew, Leo's determination and talent propelled him forward.

He joined The Future Kingz, a group known for their viral TikTok hit "3 VETS," and spent a few years performing with them. This experience not only honed his skills but also gave him invaluable insights into the music industry and building relationships, ultimately paving the way for his successful transition from dancer to recording artist.

2. building his team

A life-changing trip to Los Angeles in 2023 changed everything for Leo...

This pivotal moment ignited Leo's passion for performing his own music, steering him towards a career as an R&B artist.

Leo would also go on to work closely with Donn Robb, a renowned producer who has worked with the likes of Juice WRLD, The Kid LAROI, G Herbo, and many more, who recognized his potential.

Under Donn’s guidance, Leo released “Smoke + Mirrors,” which catapulted him as a voice to watch in R&B. To maximize the reach and impact of his music, Leo partnered with the distribution service ONErpm, ensuring his songs would reach a wider audience and building his position in the music industry.

3. major co-signs

Leo Waters’ burgeoning career has not gone unnoticed, receiving high-profile co-signs from industry heavyweights.

Notable artists like Ty Dolla $ign and SZA have praised his work, acknowledging his talent and potential.

Additionally, Leo has earned the admiration of actor Channing Tatum, further highlighting his wide-reaching appeal.

These co-signs, along with several others that cannot be publicly disclosed, underscore the growing recognition of Leo’s artistry and the promising trajectory of his career in the R&B scene.

3. content content content

Leo is leveraging TikTok to propel his music career, like any artist should, using the platform's viral potential to his advantage. By posting consistently and showcasing his vocal talent, Leo has successfully set the foundation for building his core fanbase.

@itsleowaters

🪞 #presave #fyp #leowaters #smokeandmirrors #trending #relatable

His debut single “Smoke + Mirrors” has benefitted immensely from this strategy, garnering more than 1,400 UGC creates. These fan-made videos have amplified the song's reach, catching the attention of curators and other creators on the platform.

4. Leo’s new ep

Leo just released his new EP, "On Waters Ave," a project that showcases his evolving artistry and versatility. This EP features six tracks, including the viral hit “Smoke + Mirrors” and fan favorites “That's Tough” and “Outlaws.” Alongside these well-loved songs, Leo introduces three brand new tracks that delve deeper into his musical range.

community highlights

@just_d3vine_

Leo waters too underrated #fyp #music

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tiktok interview

@trwlsh

Asking @Leo Waters what he does for a living… #whatdoyoudoforaliving #leowaters #smokeandmirrors #newmusic

tyler’s take

Leo's TikTok-first approach, tailored with his major co-signs and an amazing team around him, is putting him in a position to win big, as evident in his first record being a viral success.”

Tyler Walsh, wdyd

what’s buzzing

  1. S.A.M gets the Drake co-sign and releases his new song “LATISHA”

  2. Dave Blunts released his new album ‘Well Dude Here’s My Thing’

  3. Lil Mabu disses XXL with “BANG! BANG!”

  4. BabyTron hops on a song with fellow Detroit artists Eminem and Big Sean for their track “Tobey”

  5. XXL released their 2024 Freshman List

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