Leah Cleaver - Pushing Up Flowers (EP)

Leah Cleaver Blossoms on Bold Debut EP Pushing Up Flowers.

East London’s own Leah Cleaver makes a striking entrance with her debut EP Pushing Up Flowers – a six-track exploration of womanhood, friendship, sexual liberation and self-determination, delivered with raw honesty and an alt-pop edge. Released via PACE, the project sees Leah bring life’s intimate, often chaotic moments into full technicolour.

From the lush, cinematic opener Buttah to the jarring contrasts of Last Time – Leah’s debut single – the EP effortlessly shifts between soulful reflection and explosive energy. Her self-described "jump-scare music" lives up to the name, often flipping moods and genres in seconds. Tracks like Have You Ever capture the messy joy of real conversations between friends, while Get You Home leans into cheeky Prince-esque grooves and late-night mischief. The title track is a standout moment – a defiant declaration of Leah’s desire to bloom on her own terms, free from expectation. The closer I Go (Outta My Mind), made with Franc Moody’s Jon Moody, ties it all together with hypnotic rhythm and mantra-like vocals.

Leah’s genre-defying sound reflects her eclectic upbringing – from classic crooners like Bing Crosby to the alt-rock grit of Arctic Monkeys and the rebel spirit of Irish folk music. Born to a Jamaican father and Irish/English mother, she began carving her own path in London after stints between Exeter and Luton. Following time as part of neo-soul outfit ZEBEDE, Leah found her true voice – quite literally – after losing it, forcing her to rebuild her vocal style from scratch, embracing her alto range and signature soulful grit.

Off-stage, Leah co-founded U Gd, Girl?, a community platform for women and non-binary people, offering workshops and events that create safe, open dialogue on everything from body image to boundaries.

Visually and sonically, Leah’s bold charisma shines – drawing influence from East London’s creative pulse, ‘80s ballroom icons and ‘90s hip-hop legends like Lil’ Kim and Mary J. Blige. She’s already caught the eye of NME, CLASH, Wonderland and more – not to mention a spot in the Crocs x OFFICE Classic Oasis campaign.

With Pushing Up Flowers, Leah Cleaver cements herself as one to watch – unafraid to be messy, magnetic and completely herself.