by Mike Romero
Photos by Matthew Takes
Leroy Sanchez is a talented singer-songwriter from Spain, known for his golden pop voice and captivating performances. He gained recognition in 2015 with heartfelt covers on YouTube and has since achieved widespread acclaim, performing at major events and contributing to hit songs like "Una Señal" in Disney's Strange World and "SloMo," which topped the Billboard Spanish Songs chart. His latest release, Sorry for the Chaos, marks an exciting new phase in his music career.
You had massive success with your single "Nuclear." It resonated with listeners so much that they started "making art about art." The song changed mediums from music and took on a life of its own in dance form, with people all over the world hopping on the trend. What was that experience like for you?
Honestly, seeing "Nuclear" blow up like that was absolutely insane. Knowing that something I created connected with so many people, in so many different ways, is honestly mind-blowing. And then watching it go viral and transform into dance trends, with people all over the world getting creative with it? It's like the song had a life of its own beyond anything I imagined. It felt surreal, but in the best way.
Some of the best musicians I know started out posting covers. What did learning some of the best songs in the world teach you about songwriting? What are some tricks or techniques that have made it into your own songwriting that you use to this day?
When I was doing covers, honestly, I didn’t think too much about how the song was written or produced. I just focused on making it my own and really putting my emotion into it. If I was covering a song, it was because I loved it and it hit me in some way. That said, I’ve definitely picked up on certain things—like how certain melodies, rhythms, or cadences work better for different types of songs. But overall, I’m super “feeling driven” and that’s where I put most of my attention. Over time, I’ve learned, for example, how certain songs just feel right when I sing them, how the key can totally change everything, and how certain vocal nuances can get a big reaction from a crowd.
For me, it’s all about making people feel something, and those are the tools I really focus on.
You had a new album come out today. What does Sorry For the Chaos mean to you? Is it tied together by a central narrative concept? A certain sound? Or is it the kind of album that captures an important moment in time for you?
I’d say it’s a mix of all of that! Sorry For the Chaos means a lot to me, and honestly, it’s one of the biggest milestones of my career so far. I’ve been waiting forever to drop my first full-length album, so it’s a pretty emotional moment for me. The story kind of comes full circle. It’s about a relationship that starts off strong but ends up getting wrecked by self-doubt. Then there's that self-realization moment where you own up to the chaos you’ve caused, leading to a bit of reconciliation and getting back to where it all began.
When I started working on the album, I knew I wanted it to be pop through and through, with my strongest material, making every song feel like it could be a single. I’ve always been a pop guy. Growing up in Spain, I didn’t speak English, and all the music I had around me was in Spanish. But once I discovered top 40, I was hooked on those American/English radio hits. So, I knew my debut album had to have a pop heart. But I also made sure every song could stand on its own with just an instrument and a vocal.
In the past few years, I’ve written for myself and others, and I wanted that songwriter side of me to really shine on this record, too.
What do you hope listeners walk away from the album feeling?
I just hope listeners connect with the music in some way and feel something from it. Honestly, that’s all I could ask for.
You've just finished playing a show. Are you the type that goes out for an after party? Or do you crash and need some down time to recover? What do you do after a show?
I’m definitely more of a homebody, so I’m definitely going straight to bed after a show. I’m never opposed to a party if the vibe’s right, but honestly, I just need that solid night of sleep to recharge!
Someone has just decided to write a novel based on Sorry For the Chaos. What is the novel about?
The novel would be about a first love that feels too perfect to be true, leaving the main character constantly questioning why things are going so well. As they try to hold it together, that doubt slowly starts to chip away at the relationship. It’s all about that moment when they realize their own flaws and chaotic tendencies, and in the end, they can’t help but own up to the mess they’ve made. It’s a raw, real look at self-doubt, growth, and the hardest part—saying sorry for the chaos you’ve created. Oh, and maybe throw in a vampire or two for kicks, because why not?
Make sure to follow Leroy Sanchez on Instagram. Sorry For the Chaos is out everywhere now.