The album "Raširena kapija" is a compilation of eight singles he has released over the past seven to eight years, which have been featured at festivals and achieved significant success. Alongside these, the album includes seven new songs that he says he can't wait to find their way to the audience. Speaking about how long the album took to create and how the creative process differed from previous projects, the singer emphasized:
"We worked on the album for about a year, of course, not intensively but slowly, without haste or pressure. There wasn't much difference compared to my previous work because the collaborators on this album are my friends, so the work was actually a pleasure, a social gathering."
In addition to the new songs, the album also features hits Leo has released over the past eight years. When asked about the decision on which songs to include, the singer revealed it wasn't a difficult choice.
"It wasn't a hard selection. We took all the songs we've released over the past eight years—songs that have already found their way to my audience," he said.
When it comes to picking a standout track from the album, Amir Kazić Leo admits it's hard to choose just one. Although each song has its unique significance, he notes that all of them had a special impact at the moment of their creation.
"It's hard for me to single out one song because I cherish them all, and each is special in its own way. At the moment of creation, every one of them was the right one. Additionally, several songs were composed and written by my dear friends, and they brought a special touch to this album with their energy, quality, and uniqueness," he stated.
"In my early days, it was much harder to reach the media and the audience"
Regarding changes in the music industry, Amir Kazić Leo notes that the scene has undergone numerous transformations over the years, but the core values have remained the same.
"A lot of time has passed since my beginnings, and each era brings something new, something different. Genres and styles change, but what always remains the same is a good song. That can never change. In my early days, it was much harder to reach the media and the audience, whereas today, young people have enormous opportunities. They don't even have to leave their room for their work to be seen and heard by a huge crowd, because today's technology allows them that," he said.
He emphasized that, although today's world is fast and often impatient, artists can still remain true to themselves and their authenticity.
"If a person wants to be authentic, of course they can do that today too. Be who you are, stand firmly behind it, and the audience will recognize that. It was the same before; nothing has changed in that regard. The only problem with today's times is that young people are impatient, they want everything immediately, which leads them to 'dabbling,' and that often means a loss of authenticity," he conveyed.
"For myself, I can say I am happy and satisfied"
Reflecting on his career, Amir Kazić Leo states that, although he might have made better decisions in some moments, he is generally satisfied with what he has achieved so far in his career.
"I don't think there's a person who has done everything perfectly in their life. We all make mistakes, but everything we've been through, both good and bad, has shaped us into the people we are today. For myself, I can say I am happy and satisfied because, in most cases, I was the one who chose and decided, with God's help. So, in the end, I would change very little," he said.
Although he now lives in Istria, as he reveals, his hometown still holds deep emotional significance for him. Even though he started elementary school in Čaplja and finished high school in Sanski Most, he says that returns to his hometown are always special.
"Yes, I go back to my Sana, maybe not as often as I'd like, but every time I'm there, I try to make the most of that time. My family is scattered around the world, so when we gather for holidays or vacations, it's a real treat. Friends from our earliest days also visit, so there's a lot of laughter, reminiscing, and of course, plenty of time spent by the Sana River, which holds a special place in my life," he shared.
I am happy because I have an audience that has followed me for 30 years
The support Amir Kazić Leo has received from his audience for three decades is incredibly important to him and deeply fulfilling. Over the years of his career, he has gained a loyal and numerous following, and he considers this connection with fans key to his success and lasting relevance on the music scene.
Discussing the significance of his career and his relationship with fans, he said that the most precious thing to him is that his music has crossed generational boundaries and continues to be passed from parents to children.
"Everything we do, we do primarily for ourselves. If we do it sincerely and with heart, people recognize that. I am happy because I have an audience that has followed me for 30 years, especially since the generations from my beginnings have passed on their passion for my music to their descendants. Performing around the world, I've realized that my audience is the same everywhere—people who love and listen to Leo are similar and very good people, something I've been convinced of a million times," he stated.
Speaking about possible future musical collaborations, Leo emphasizes that the song itself determines with whom and whether to do a duet.
"As for duets, the song always decides. It's the one that, at that moment, says who would be best to sing it with me, depending on the theme, melody, energy, and arrangement. When I have such a song again, there will certainly be a duet," he conveyed.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly finding its way into the music industry, bringing with it many opportunities but also challenges. While some musicians approve of the potential AI offers in music creation, others express concern about its negative aspects.
Regarding the growing influence of artificial intelligence in music, Amir Kazić Leo said that new technology brings both positive and negative aspects, depending on how it is used.
"New technology always brings both good and bad, depending on how it's used. AI is an excellent tool when you're in doubt; it gives you templates, shows new ways, opens new horizons. But many people abuse it. I don't use AI when I create, but I know that many people who have nothing to do with music but have mastered the technology now consider themselves authors. That technology can do a lot, and who knows what will happen in a few years, because it's developing very quickly. I've heard recordings where AI sings so convincingly that few humans could perform it, but again, it lacks humanity, it lacks emotion. Who knows where that will take us in a few years," he highlighted during the conversation.
To conclude the interview, he said that his audience can always expect a lot from him.
"My audience knows what to expect from me, that's why they've followed me all these years. I always give my best, without calculations, and I want to stay that way. I love that special synergy between me and the audience, which is truly unique, and it's felt every time we're together," he conveyed.