Leo Monira :
“I want to scream, because I am proud of who I am”
Leo Monira :
“I want to scream, because I am proud of who I am”
Leo Monira – a sonic anarchist and design provocateur who is redefining what it means to be an artist in a world saturated with conformity. From their raw, industrial DJ sets that feel more like underground rituals than club nights to their fashion creations that deconstruct the very idea of clothing, Leo operates at the edge of chaos where the rules are burned, and creativity is reborn. In this exclusive with Edgeline, we dive into the mind of this artistic insurgent who refuses to settle for anything less than absolute disruption.
WALK US THROUGH YOUR CHILDHOOD AND THE ROAD TO YOUR SELF DISCOVERY.
Raised in the French Alps, my childhood was pretty average. As an only child, I spent a lot of time playing video games in my room. My parents were quite unstable as a couple, and my mum and I left home when I was 14. She mainly raised me by herself, with help from my grandparents. As a teenager, I definitely lacked references to identify with, which I eventually found online through music and alternative culture.
WHO WAS YOUR FIRST IDOL WHO INSPIRED YOUR PATH AND WHY?
Queer icons from the ’80s, such as Leigh Bowery, Klaus Nomi, Pete Burns or post-punk bands, were the first references where I felt like I could truly identify in a world that felt overwhelmingly heteronormative and binary. The way they fearlessly experimented with their identities and rejected conventional norms was deeply inspiring to me. It gave me a sense of belonging at a time when I was searching for that kind of representation.
Photo: Fany Bardin
HOW DOES YOUR MUSIC REFLECT YOU, HOW DOES IT ENABLE YOU TO EXPRESS YOUSELF?
The way I present myself—through my identity, makeup, clothes, and the music I play—is all interconnected, reflecting the intense energy I constantly feel inside. Growing up as a queer person, I often felt the weight of shame imposed by the outside world for simply being who I was. At first, I tried to hide and limit myself to fit in. But today, I no longer want to hide; I want to scream because I am proud of who I am. I believe that energy comes through in my music.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE?
Moving to London at 21, coming from a working-class background, and trying to find my place in the world as a creative was definitely a challenging learning experience. I worked for over a year in fast food to save enough money to make the move, hoping to find a place where I could truly belong. When I arrived, it was even more difficult than I had expected. I faced financial struggles and uncertainty, but ultimately, it was for the best. It forced me to push my limits, adapt quickly, and stay resilient. While it was tough, those challenges ultimately taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, self-reliance, and staying true to my vision.
Photo: : Fany Bardin
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORT IN YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY?
My mum has been my biggest support throughout my artistic journey. She’s always believed in me and what I was doing, even when things were uncertain. Her constant encouragement and the way she validated both who I am and what I was doing has been invaluable. Having someone like that in your corner, who truly understands and supports your vision, is something I’m incredibly fortunate to have.
Photo: Fany Bardin
Thank you Leo for giving us a peek into your journey. We’ve uncovered the depth—now for the quirks! From ridiculous spends to dream collabs, hidden talents, and party chaos.
WHAT’S THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING YOU EVER SPENT MONEY ON?
Honestly, I don’t really spend money. I’ve lived on a tight budget my whole life, and the first money you earn is the money you don’t waste. Plus, marketing, trends and social pressure are constantly creating new 'needs' for us, which just means spending more, working more, and earning more. I hate working, so I keep my needs to a minimum.
IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANY ARTIST WHO’S NO LONGER ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
I hate eating and talking at the same time.
YOUR FAVORITE PARTY SPOT?
Back in London, I used to go to parties in grimy warehouses and squats. Those are my best party memories—messy, dirty, and unforgettable.
YOUR DREAM B2B COLLABORATION?
The Horrorist. He’s been a huge inspiration for me in electronic music. A collab with him would be insane.
PLATFORMS OR LEATHER PIECES?
Definitely platforms. They’re like an extension of my body—I can’t live without them. I actually injured my foot last year and tried to walk in platforms right after… it got severely infected and developed into cellulitis, a type of foot infection. The infection started spreading up my leg, and the hospital struggled to treat it, leaving me with a few months of recovery.
HOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR COFFEE?
I don’t like drinking coffee.
IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE (AND WHY)?
A cat. They’re just the cutest, and I love falling asleep to cat videos on YouTube.
FAVORITE GIG COLLABORATION YOU’VE HAD SO FAR?
China was unforgettable. I got to perform in Shanghai and Beijing, which felt surreal. I started DJing pretty randomly, so I never expected it would take me to the other side of the world.
Who would you bring to a deserted island with you?
French Toast, my best friend and the funniest person I know.
TELL US YOUR BIGGEST HIDDEN TALENT?
I can move my ears.
YOUR FAVORITE TRACK OF ALL TIME?
You Spin Me Round. Absolute classic.
Photos: Fany Bardin
Photos: Fany Bardin
Full exclusive editorial coming soon in EDGELINE Issue 1