Pull by Tina Leon
Tina Leon’s sophomore EP, “PULL”, tells a passionate story. Her art focuses on romance, intimacy and love, drawing her listener’s attention to specific moments when these themes find expression in her life. Leon acknowledges that these instances may seem insignificant or scarce, but by giving them the attention they deserve these blessings can grow.
The opening song, “Hold Me”, sets a welcoming tone. Leon invites her audience to “forget your burden and worries” as her emotional honesty helps create a comfortable environment. The song expresses a desire to slow down and appreciate the physical closeness of a loved one. Leon imparts some of her personal philosophy. These simple pleasures are “the key to a happy life”. The light instrumentation fits with the emotional intention behind Leon’s words and voice. The song’s opening structure mimics the feeling in our stomachs when someone makes us happy.
“Plans” tells the story of a burgeoning romance. Leon starts from the beginning—“you got a vibe I’m diggin’”. She builds the tension and chemistry, as two people get to know each other and hit it off. The chords are direct and solid, complimenting the confidence and certainty of Leon’s vocals. Laser synths shoot off like fireworks and rhythmic bells bounce with the feeling of new love.
“Like” directly approaches romantic relationships. The temperature rises, a horn section in the chorus gives the track an extra “umph”. Leon blends sentiments of physical romance with emotional quality time. These two angles work together to paint a realistic picture of two people existing together and enjoying each other’s company.
Leon takes an introspective turn with the song “Fire”. She expresses the frustration of losing touch with oneself. This song shifts the tone of the EP. In an effort to be there for others, sometimes we neglect our own well-being. Leon shows how relationships can be damaging when independence is compromised. An innovative rhythm stokes the fire as Leon sings with fervor, vowing her faithfulness to her own spirit.
“PULL” is an EP that explores a human being’s passions and longings. The desire to feel close to someone and the happiness of genuine connection, the satisfaction of living and existing with a chosen partner, and the sweet details of a relationship that sustain us through tough times. Even when we feel estranged, and our spirits are low—one ember can be nurtured into a healthy, hot fire.
Credits
All songs written by: Marie-Christine Depestre
Vocals: Marie-Christine Depestre
Drums: Kevin Warren (track #1), Maxime Bellavance (track #2, #5), Alex McMahon (track #3), Thomas Sauvé-Lafrance (track #4)
Bass: Antoine Gratton (track #1, #5), Alex McMahon (tracks #2, #3), Fabienne Gilbert (track #4)
Keys & synthesizers: Antoine Gratton (track #1), Ariane Moffat (track #2), Alex McMahon (track#3), Jérôme Beaulieu (tracks #4), Antoine Gratton (track #5)
Piano: Antoine Gratton (tracks, #1, #5), Alex McMahon (track#3)
Tenor, baritone saxophone: Sebastien Grenier (tracks #4, #5)
Flute: Félix Petit (track #2)
Violin: Amélie Lamontagne (track #5)
Percussion: Alex McMahon (track #2, #3), Thomas Sauvé-Lafrance (track #4), Antoine Gratton (#5)
String quartet: Quatuor Esca (track #1)
String arrangement: Antoine Gratton (tracks #1, #5)
Horn arrangement: Antoine Gratton (tracks #5)
Programming: Antoine Gratton (track #1, #5), Ariane Moffatt (track #2), Alex McMahon (track #3)
Recording engineers: Ghislain Luc Lavigne (track #1), Alex McMahon & Ariane Moffat (track #2), Alex McMahon (track #3), Jérémi Roy et Félix Petit (track #4), David Laurendeau (track #5)
Record producers: Antoine Gratton (track #1, #5), Ariane Moffat (track #2), Alex McMahon (track #3), Jérôme Beaulieu & Félix Petit (track #4)
Executive producer: Marie-Christine Depestre
Mixing engineer: David Laurendeau
Mastering engineer: Richard Addison at Trillium Sound
Recording studios: Studio Makina, Studio XS Music, Studio Donde, Studio L’Gros, Studio Pink Noise
Photography: Jetro Emilcar
Artwork: Siou-Min Julien
Stylist: Melanie Brisson
Makeup artist: Lucia Dias
Hairstylist: Verline Siverne
Special thanks to FACTOR and Canada Council for the Arts without whom the realisation of this project would have been impossible.
Ensoul Records, 2023.
License
All rights reserved.
Tina Leon is a singer and songwriter from Montreal who draws her inspiration from the Motown Generation and the soul music of the last decades. Having already sung and collaborated with Stevie Wonder, DJ Champion and Garou under the artist name of Marie-Christine Depestre, she now appears in a new light, more authentic and full of life than ever.