Regarding one’s physical health, tangible remedies may provide bodily relief, but art often heals the soul where traditional treatments might struggle. To be specific, music has historically represented emotional empowerment for those facing physical complications.
Leia Contois, a model turned music artist whose life shifted as a result of her Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) diagnosis, understands better than most how sweet sound and intricate instrumentation can resonate with those required to be resilient.
As Contois continues to navigate the turbulence associated with GBS, she shares how reconnecting with her family and roots has enabled a return to the musical passion that had never waned. Through this rewarding restoration, Contois is excited for the release of her upcoming debut album, Dragonfly.
When Critical Collapse Leads to Comforting Clarity
Although Contois began her entertainment journey as a model in the fashion industry, she found herself consistently drawn to the artistic offerings of music. While she owned each catwalk she graced, adorned in everything from Fendi and Gucci to Vivienne Westwood, she took a liking to the nightlife that would bring forth musically inclined acquaintances and collaborations. The transition might appear smooth on the surface, but behind the scenes, she braved something quite burdensome. The music world, which traditionally demands more than it returns, quickly took a toll on Contois, ultimately leading to her GBS diagnosis.
However, the singer and songwriter refused to let her paralysis hinder her talents. Instead, Contois transformed her diagnosis into a doorway for deeper self-awareness and artistic clarity.
As she continues her journey, the dedicated entertainer maintains a belief that “clarity doesn’t come before action. It comes from action.” Her early encounters, before professional modeling and performing, further prove this notion to be true. Boasting the ability to sing long before she could verbally communicate, Contois’s parents enrolled her in music school during kindergarten.
With this classical training, the young yet optimistic songstress confidently shaped her sound, unveiling an artistic identity with which she felt most at home.
The Significance of Slowing Down
Although Contois desired to remain active in the industry, her struggles with GBS encouraged a much-needed hiatus. In stepping away from the entertainment sector, she rekindled a relationship with her father, who extended nothing but constant love and support.
Spending time in her hometown, Contois soon recognized that her initial understanding of success being linked to wealth was entirely flawed. Financial stability has its benefits, but money didn’t delineate her authentic aspirations.
Her ultimate goal is to be surrounded by those she admires most, for as long as possible
Dragonfly: The Delicate Design of a Dual Album Driven by Loss
Among the many tribulations Contois has encountered, the sudden passing of her mother when she was 11 years old remains one of the hardest. As she grew older, an internal battle with grief would emerge during adulthood.
In her feelings of despair, Contois crossed paths with a spotlight as she laid her emotions bare. Looking up at the sky as she sat in her car, she witnessed hundreds of dragonflies surrounding her space with a vivid presence that resembled her late mother’s.
Thereafter, Contois would constantly sense a strong connection with dragonflies, finding that they’d circle her during her most difficult points in life.
Showing her appreciation for dragonflies and acknowledging their spiritual sentiment that feels reminiscent of her mother, Contois constructed a dual album inspired by the two sides of the insect. One side of the project adopts an alternative-pop and R&B essence, while the other takes on an electronic and techno vibe. These two parts work in tandem to mirror the multifaceted identity of the artist.
The Reclamation of Power Through Performance
Looking ahead, Leia Contois refuses to dull her momentum, keeping her power separate from the managers, agents, and expectations that accompany the entertainment world.
As she reflects on her unforgettable gig at the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, she embraces a novel performance ethos deeply rooted in family, self-preservation, and creative autonomy.
With the release of her debut album, Dragonfly, Leia Contois knows that with hard work, her individualistic artistry can live up to the expectations of those she cherishes. Powerfully positioning herself as “the full package,” Contois hopes to continue displaying her genuine self, aiming to give her best each day.
