Biography
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Born
23 October 1994 (age 30)
Leo Skyvell, born October 23, 1994, is a Swedish multigenre artist and songwriter from Gothenburg, known professionally as Boy Destroy. Before starting his solo project, he was a member of the pop-rap trio YANUARI, alongside Vince Wavy and producer Lone Loner. The transition from YANUARI to Boy Destroy was a seamless one, as Skyvell describes how the project had already been a part of his life even before the group ended. Boy Destroy allowed him to blend his indie and alternative pop background with elements of hip-hop, creating a more personal and introspective sound.
His debut single, "Warpaint," was released in 2020 and reflects the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Written during a period of self-destruction, the song explores feelings of being lost and searching for a way out, both physically and spiritually. This track marked the start of a journey for Skyvell, one focused on self-discovery and acceptance of life's complexities.
Following "Warpaint," he released "As Time Goes By" in December 2020, a song about nostalgia, inspired by a personal relationship and the movie Casablanca. The lyrics provide a brief escape from life's challenges, capturing the perfection of the present moment. In early 2021, Skyvell released "You Don't Want Me When I'm Sober," a reflection on his personal battle with addiction and sobriety. Skyvell has been sober since realizing that the path he was on was unsustainable. The song speaks to the internal struggles of individuals who use substances to mask their pain, touching on themes of betrayal and the dark side of self-medicating.
In March 2023, Boy Destroy released "NO SLEEP," a song about burning out and the constant need for substances to function, drawing parallels with the horror manga Uzumaki to describe the inevitability of life's spiral. Skyvell’s work under Boy Destroy fuses genres like rock, emo, pop, and trap to craft emotionally charged music centered around themes of self-destruction, addiction, and rebirth.
His debut six-track EP Warpaint EP was released in 2021 and gained recognition in Sweden and internationally. The track "You Don’t Want Me When I’m Sober" was named "Tune of the Week" by Jack Saunders on BBC Radio 1’s The Future Artist Show and was also included in the rotation on Swedish Radio P3.
Boy Destroy is signed to Loyalty Obsession, an independent label started by Skyvell and his manager, and is also signed to Due Process in Australia, a subsidiary of Universal. His influences range from 90s alternative rock icons like Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins to legacy artists such as Jeff Buckley and Joni Mitchell, combined with modern emo, trap, and hip-hop elements. His songs are known for their raw and honest portrayal of harsh realities, including addiction, sorrow, and personal struggles.
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