Leon Thomas: Winter Warmers

“Winter definitely shifts things for me,” Leon Thomas tells Apple Music. “It’s more of an introspective time. I find myself focusing on creative projects, staying cosy and tapping into deeper thoughts that can sometimes get lost in the rush of the year. This season brings a slower pace that I really appreciate—it lets me get in tune with my craft and reflect on what I want to bring into the new year.” The singer-songwriter, producer and actor knows, too, that there’s a certain kind of music that can help ease you into that slower, more contemplative place—and he’s shared 90 songs that hit the brief right here. This music harnesses, he says, a “richness that’s comforting and reflective. Winter has a low-key, moody sound—a mix of soul, jazz and R&B that feels like sitting by a fire or watching snow fall, if you’re in the right location. It’s something with weight and warmth, like a bassline that wraps around you.” He envisions these songs being heard “anywhere cosy—a cabin in the woods, chilling at home with a candle lit or even on a night drive”, but what counts most is where they take you. “This playlist is all about setting a mellow, introspective vibe, wherever that may be,” he adds.