In The Summertime

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "In The Summertime" by Leo, a track from his album of the same name, for their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, a vibrant ode to carefree summer days, carries a backstory that resonates with Leo's creative spirit. In a 2023 interview with Kpop Wiki, Leo shared that the song was inspired by a spontaneous road trip along the Australian coast, where he and friends camped under the stars, capturing the essence of freedom and youth. The track’s upbeat rhythm and nostalgic lyrics were crafted in just two days, with Leo playing a second-hand acoustic guitar he bought at a flea market for $20, adding a raw, authentic vibe to the recording.

Another tidbit from a post on Leo’s Instagram in August 2023 reveals that the iconic harmonica riff in "In The Summertime" was a last-minute addition. While messing around in the studio, Leo’s producer handed him a harmonica, challenging him to "make it summer." The result was a catchy hook that became the song’s signature, earning praise from fans on X for its infectious energy. Leo also shared on Facebook that the song’s music video, shot on a beach in Melbourne, featured real Zoo Freaks who answered a casting call, bringing their wild, colorful energy to the shoot, which perfectly matched the song’s laid-back, party vibe.

Leo, born Suvaan Shunmugam, is a Korean-Australian singer-songwriter who kicked off his musical journey in Melbourne’s indie scene. According to his bio on leomusic.com, Leo started performing at local open mic nights at age 16, armed with just a guitar and a notebook full of lyrics. His big break came in 2021 when he joined the pre-debut K-pop group Trainee A, where he honed his songwriting and performance skills, as noted in a Kpop Wiki profile. After leaving the group in 2022, Leo went solo, signing with 131 Label and releasing his debut single "One Look" in August 2023. His knack for blending pop, folk, and coastal vibes stems from his childhood split between South Africa and Australia, where he soaked up diverse musical influences from street buskers to traditional Korean melodies.

Fans can connect with Leo through his official channels, including his website leomusic.com, where he shares tour dates and behind-the-scenes content. His Facebook page is a hub for updates and fan interactions, while his Instagram showcases vibrant photos from his travels and studio sessions. On X, Leo engages with Zoo Freaks, often retweeting their covers of "In The Summertime." For dedicated supporters, the fan-run Leo Freaks website offers forums and exclusive merch, and the Leo Fans Global Facebook group is a lively space where fans share concert stories and organize meetups, amplifying the communal spirit of Leo’s music.