Audeze chats with Gladys Knight producer Leon Turner

Audeze Artist Profile

Leon Turner

Leon Turner is a Music Director, Keyboardist and Producer. He has played and worked with - Gladys Knight, Fox, BET, CMT, TV ONE, CBS, BBC, PBS, Disney.

In His Own Words

"LCD-X has changed the way I make music. The stereo imaging is incredible. While working on tour stems for Gladys Knight’s spring and summer tour I used LCD-X and noticed the accuracy is impeccable."

- Leon Turner

Can you pick a few highlights from your work that you're especially proud of?

Having the opportunity to work with superstar Legend Gladys Knight in the studio.

How would you define your main role on most of your projects these days?

Overseeing musical aspects leading up to the live show as Music Director, and production work in the studio as Executive Producer.

What was some favorite music growing up and how has that evolved?

I was born into a musical family. I started playing for my family gospel group (The Turner Singers) and at local churches. I’ve always listened to Jazz, Gospel and R&B music. Jazz and R&B really opened my mind up musically.

Can you name any factors that influenced the course of your musical life?

George Duke was the musician and producer that really motivated me to be better. I would always listen to his albums to pick up things from him. My approach musically advanced when I started listening and studying the late great George Duke.

Can you describe a moment of frustration from your past work, and how you may have overcome it?

A struggle during my work in the studio would always be with gain staging and panning, especially when I was younger. Once I got better studio monitors, I was able to fix those issues and hear the proper details.

What is your current favorite instrument, effect, or piece of gear?

My Merging Technology (Horus) and Hazelrigg Industries (VLC) are incorporated in my everyday workflow.

Do you have any words of wisdom for people who might aspire toward a similar path?

Trust your ears and never overthink the music production. Success doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time.

How long have you been working with headphones, and how do you use them in your workflow?

I started using a pair of LCD-3’s with my mobile rig (some years ago) and they made my life a lot easier. They allowed me to get the high end pro audio mixing quality I needed to finish my projects.

How have your Audeze headphones affected your work? Can you tell us what you've been working on with them recently?

LCD-X has changed the way I make music. The stereo imaging is incredible. While working on tour stems for Gladys Knight’s spring and summer tour I used LCD-X and noticed the accuracy is impeccable. I also found the LCD-X headphones to be useful when working on music for sync placements. They are definitely a main component of my mixing and tracking rig.

Lastly I want to emphasize the power of believing in yourself... When you have the right discipline and drive, you’re unstoppable.