SINGER, YOUTUBER ANNIE LEBLANC SHARES HER MUSIC AND TALKS ABOUT RESPONSIBLE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONTENT CREATION
15 year-old American singer, youtuber and actress ANNIE LEBLANC is no stranger to social media and it’s fandom. Together with her family, they got their social media game have been building their millions of loyal fanbase for years. Annie gained popularity as one of the siblings featured in the family-friendly youtube vlog Bratayley (7.26M subscribers), through her own youtube channel, Annie Leblanc (3.79M subscribers) and also via instagram (8.4M followers). With a huge audience following her and her family since she was young, Annie is no stranger to the power and influence of living in a digital age ruled by social media.
In this exclusive interview, the dynamic content creator shares the story behind the music video of her feel good pop anthem- Utopia, her hopes to release an EP, all things youtube and social media, and responsible content creation.
PHOTOGRAPHY: SAMANTHA ANNIS
Diamond Star Ring: LAJOUX, Silver Cuff, UNODE50, Screw Cuff, MIANSAI, Necklace: UNODE50, Blazer: FRAME, Dress: VINTAGE, Tights: WOLFORD, Boots: ASOS
What’s the story and the inspiration behind your music video Utopia?
Utopia is an imaginary place where everything is perfect - so I really wanted the shots throughout the video to be full of light, beauty, and a serene/heavenly type of vibe.
STYLING: LUCA KINGSTON, MAKEUP: ERIN GUTH, HAIR: BRADLEY DARLING
Earrings: ALEXIS BITTAR, Gold Ring: ALEXIS BITTAR, Panther Ring: IRIS TRENDS, Dress: CHARLES AND RON, Jacket: CHARLES AND RON, heels: GIANVITO ROSSI
How long have you been doing music? What inspired you to pursue it as well?
I’ve been doing music for about 2.5 years. As soon as I got off the stage at my first concert, it was an absolutely amazing feeling and that’s the moment when I realized I wanted to pursue it.
In terms of music, what can the fans and the audience expect from you in 2020?
I’m hoping to release my first EP and would like to go on a mini-tour so I can visit fans in different parts of the country, and maybe even the world, that I’ve never been to before.
LEFT: Earrings: ALEXIS BITTAR, Gold Ring: ALEXIS BITTAR, Panther Ring: IRIS TRENDS, Dress: CHARLES AND RON, Jacket: CHARLES AND RON, heels: GIANVITO ROSSI
RIGHT: Earrings: SWAROVSKI, Diamond Star Ring: LAJOUX, Bodysuit: FLIRTATIOUS, Belt: ISABEL MARANT, Pants: SAINT LAURENT, Boots: CALVIN KLEIN
What’s the best part about playing “Rhyme” on Brat’s channel’s Chicken Girls?
I love being able to work with some of my closest friends and getting to see them every day on set. It truly doesn’t even feel like work, as we have so much fun!
Do you remember your first YouTube video? (The one that you actually created). What’s the difference between vlogging now and then?
The first YouTube video I remember was a sponsored video we did with Target – I vaguely remember it being some type of fashion show. Vlogging now vs. then is different, because back then we didn’t have all of the other parts of life taking place – theatrical projects, music, concerts, meet and greets, etc.
LEFT: Earrings: ALEXIS BITTAR, Body Suit: FLIRTATIOUS, Sweater: VINTAGE, Skirt: OTT, Tights: WOLFORD, Loafers: DOC MARTENS x SEX PISTOLS
RIGHT: Earrings: SWAROVSKI, Diamond Star Ring: LAJOUX, Bodysuit: FLIRTATIOUS, Belt: ISABEL MARANT, Pants: SAINT LAURENT, Boots: CALVIN KLEIN
What’s the recipe to be successful in YouTube and social media in general?
Hard work, consistency, and determination. YouTube is a long play, and most of the time you have to do it for several years before you can expect a large following.
How do you utilize your huge social media following and engagement to your advantage?
Whenever I have new projects or new music coming out, I’m able to release it to a large audience in a short amount of time, which helps drive traffic and make my projects (hopefully) more successful.
How do you think content creators and social media influencers with huge audiences can create more meaningful and inspiring contents?
It would be great if large creators partnered with other large creators with different audiences. This way they can speak out for different causes and charities and reach a larger audience than they can do alone.
LEFT: Earrings: SWAROVSKI, Diamond Star Ring: LAJOUX, Bodysuit: FLIRTATIOUS, Belt: ISABEL MARANT, Pants: SAINT LAURENT, Boots: CALVIN KLEIN
RIGHT: Earrings: ALEXIS BITTAR, Body Suit: FLIRTATIOUS, Sweater: VINTAGE, Skirt: OTT, Tights: WOLFORD, Loafers: DOC MARTENS x SEX PISTOLS
How do you navigate your time from personal life to making music, to vlogging to acting?
It’s always important to have a couple of days off each week if possible, to recharge. Some days, I just need to be at home lying in bed with my pups and one of my favorite shows so that I can rest and prepare for the week ahead.
What advice can you give to any young person who wishes to enter the entertainment industry?
Just be yourself and don’t let any of the haters get to you. Staying true to yourself is the ultimate key to success. Also, always stay humble.
