Leif Volbekk
Vollebekk has this uncanny ability to make time feel like it’s slowing down, like his music exists in its own pocket of the universe. I found myself wondering, why doesn’t everyone talk about this guy more?
Leif’s sound is a blend of folk, soul, and indie with a touch of jazz—a vibe that feels both timeless and completely contemporary. Born and raised in Canada, Vollebekk has been making music for over a decade, but his breakthrough didn’t come until Twin Solitude (2017). That album wasn’t just a collection of songs; it was a meditation. It felt like the kind of record you listen to when you’re walking home late at night, trying to piece yourself back together.
What sets Leif apart is his ability to make everything sound so intimate. His voice is soft but brimming with emotion, often cracking in just the right places to let you feel the weight of the moment. And his lyrics? They read like poetry. Lines like “Well, if you see me out tonight, I hope you see me the way I am” don’t just hit—they linger. He writes like he’s pulling fragments of his life and stitching them into something universal.
His instrumentation is equally captivating. Leif’s piano and guitar work are understated but so deeply expressive. He has a knack for using silence and space as much as he does sound, creating songs that feel like they breathe. The production on his albums feels organic, almost as if he’s sitting in the room with you, playing these songs live.
And then came New Ways (2019), which was somehow even more personal and introspective. It’s an album about love and heartbreak, but also about finding beauty in impermanence. Tracks like “Hot Tears” and “Blood Brother” feel like they were written in the dead of night, full of longing and reflection. It’s music that doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it wraps you in them.
Vollebekk isn’t flashy. He’s not out here chasing radio hits or viral moments. Instead, he’s quietly building a body of work that feels like it’ll stand the test of time. His music is the kind you grow into, the kind that reveals more layers every time you listen.
If you’ve ever felt like the world is too loud, Leif Vollebekk is the antidote. His music isn’t just something you hear—it’s something you feel, something that stays with you long after the last note fades away.