Killswitch Engage's JESSE LEACH Reflects On Tour Life: 'We Owe It To The Fans, Dude'
Summary
- Jesse Leach shares how vocal coach Melissa Cross and bandmate Adam Dutkiewicz helped him stay on track vocally.
- On tour, Leach says if the show suffers, the whole day feels off, highlighting the pressure of nightly performances.
- He emphasizes the need for honest conversations, saying backstage support and mental check-ins are part of the routine.
Killswitch Engage singer Jesse Leach opened up about the pressures of touring and how he protects his voice on the road.
In a recent interview with American Musical Supply, Leach explained his routine for staying healthy and keeping his vocals in shape while traveling. He credited vocal coach Melissa Cross and bandmate Adam Dutkiewicz with helping him stay on track.
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Taking care of the voice
“It’s just learning how to take care of yourself, number one,” Leach said. “Getting a proper sleep. And it doesn’t hurt that my vocal coach, Melissa Cross, is one of the best in the entire world to do it.”
He called Cross more than a teacher, saying she’s “a friend” and “a guru.” Her guidance, along with Dutkiewicz’s support in the studio, has helped him improve his singing and understand his vocal limits.
“Between Adam D. and Melissa Cross, those two have kept me afloat in my career,”.
Leach also mentioned the importance of cutting back on partying, focusing on rest, and taking the shows seriously.
“The shows are everything. If the shows aren’t good, the rest of the day is shot. And we owe it to the fans, dude,” he added. “People show up to see us put our best. So I’m gonna do that as best as I can.”
Managing emotions on tour
When asked how he pushes through tough personal days to still give a full performance, Leach said it starts with self-awareness.
“I’m not gonna say it’s easy, but it’s kind of easy because I’m so hyper aware of that,”.
His routine includes breath work, meditation, and talking things out with bandmates. Sometimes, just having a quick conversation or a hug with another band member helps shift his mindset before stepping on stage.
“If I’ve just had a little chat with Adam or Mike or somebody and I said to them, ‘Hey, I’m missing home right now,’ and we do a little hug, that changes everything,” Leach said. “Instead of carrying that on stage with me.”
He stressed the value of being honest about emotions and asking for help when needed. He also tries to stay focused on giving a positive energy to the crowd.
“Hopefully you’re seeing a man who’s doing his best to give love and reciprocate,”. “It’s a deep thing, but at the same time, we make stupid jokes and laugh and have fun.”
New album and tour updates
Killswitch Engage released their latest album, This Consequence, in February through Metal Blade Records. The album is the band’s ninth and Leach’s sixth since rejoining in 2012.
The record launched with strong momentum, including the hit single I Believe, which landed in the Top 10. The band also appeared on the covers of Revolver and Outburn magazines.
Fans first heard the album with the release of Forever Aligned, followed by I Believe and the more recent video for Collusion.
Killswitch Engage is currently on tour as part of the Summer of Loud series, sharing the stage with Beartooth, I Prevail, and Parkway Drive.
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