Overview of Leon Thomas — "Mutt" (Song Exploder)
This Song Exploder episode features Leon Thomas breaking down the creation of his breakout single "Mutt" from the album Mutt. Recorded live at IBM's New York offices, the episode follows Leon and producers David Phelps (D. Phelps) and Rob Geringer (Freaky Rob) as they trace the song from a New Year’s Day studio epiphany through arrangement, interpolation of a vintage groove, vocal production, and the lyrical ideas that shaped its theme of vulnerability and mixed identity. The conversation also touches on Leon’s transition from behind-the-scenes hitmaker (SZA, Drake) to front-facing artist nominated for multiple Grammys.
Key takeaways
- "Mutt" began on January 1, 2023 — a deliberate “swing hard” session driven by Leon’s urgency to make a standout record.
- The instrumental started as a sparse eight-bar loop (drums, 808, and a groove inspired by Enchantment’s "Silly Love Song"). The team interpolated the vibe rather than relying on the original sample.
- Production blended live funk, P-Funk/Bootsy-style bass effects, piano, strings, and modern 808/drum programming to create an analog-meets-digital sound.
- Vocals were developed playfully in the room (call-and-response, falsetto, Verispeed trickery) then re-recorded more precisely at home.
- Lyrically, the song uses "mutt" as a metaphor for a mixed, imperfect self — simultaneously affectionate and defensive; Leon leaned into vulnerability rather than bravado.
- The creative chemistry among Leon, D. Phelps, and Freaky Rob — who’ve worked together since their teens — was essential to the song’s quick development and playful energy.
- Business/legal choice: the team interpolated the feel of the Enchantment song to manage licensing/finances and to add unique character.
Song creation — step-by-step
- Spark: Leon had an image/epiphany (dog/cat interaction + Elvis/hound dog motif) that tied together themes of being a “mutt” — part outsider, part lover, part scrappy survivor.
- Instrumental origin: Rob had an eight-bar sketch (drums + sample vibe + 808). Leon heard it and insisted they build it out.
- Interpolation: Instead of clearing a direct sample of Enchantment’s "Silly Love Song," the team recreated the bass/guitar/piano/string vibe to capture the same backyard-Chicago soul feeling while managing costs and adding their own sonic personality.
- Bass: They aimed for a Bootsy-like, wah/auto-wah/open-closed funk bass to give character and groove.
- Arrangement: After bass and drums, they “got out of the way” — letting the hook and vocal melodies lead the structure. Busy Crook contributed songwriting ideas via an ongoing writers’ text thread.
- Vocals: Leon improvised and shaped verses/hooks in the studio (call-and-response idea suggested by Phelps). A falsetto middle part used Verispeed; Leon then re-recorded cleaner, more precise lead vocals at home.
Lyrics and themes
- Central metaphor: "Mutt" = a mixed-breed dog; a self-aware, imperfect lover who’s equal parts protective, playful, and vulnerable.
- Emotional frame: Rather than swagger, the song foregrounds vulnerability — “I let my guard down for you / Said I’ll be vulnerable / So you can break my heart if you want to.”
- Colorful, autobiographical lines: Leon references real-life moments (waking to his dog barking and a stranger in his home) as narrative proof of the “dog protecting the home / complicated person” motif.
- Tone: Flirty, playful hook contrasted with honest admissions about trust and risk in relationships.
Contributors & roles
- Leon Thomas — writer, vocalist, conceptual lead; had final vocal production and re-recorded final takes at home.
- David Phelps (D. Phelps) — drums, longtime co-producer and collaborator; suggested vocal call-and-response.
- Rob Geringer (Freaky Rob) — initial beat sketches, bass/guitar parts, studio host (the Playground); found the Enchantment-style groove.
- Busy Crook — contributed verse ideas via collaborative text thread.
- Production context: Session took place at Freaky Rob’s studio (“the Playground”); Leon had prior success producing for others (e.g., SZA’s "Snooze") and felt pressure to make a signature solo record.
Notable quotes
- Leon on the song’s origin: “My dog and my cat were bickering… his face looked like mine. I was kind of seeing myself in him.”
- On the record’s mission: “It was a survival instinct… I decided January 1st, 2023, we going to have to go in and really swing hard on something that works.”
- On interpolation vs. sampling: “You pay either way… but interpolating the song actually did add a unique energy to the sonic wall.”
- On collaboration: “It’s like a party in the studio when you’re there with your boys… the art of collaboration can really turn into a really positive thing.”
Impact, release, and context
- Mutt is the title track of Leon Thomas’s second album, Mutt, which earned Leon six Grammy nominations including Best New Artist and Album of the Year; Leon had previously won a Grammy for his production work (e.g., with SZA).
- The episode includes the full song and points listeners to links for buying/streaming and watching the music video.
- The Song Exploder episode was recorded live at IBM NYC and sponsored by IBM (note: episode contains explicit language).
Where to listen / credits
- The episode plays the entire song "Mutt" and is available via Song Exploder (Radiotopia from PRX).
- Song credits (as discussed): Leon Thomas (artist/writer), D. Phelps (co-producer/drums), Freaky Rob (co-producer/bass/guitar), Busy Crook (songwriting input).
- Additional episode credits: produced by Hrishikesh Hirway with Craig Ely, Mary Dolan, Kathleen Smith; episode artwork by Carlos Lerma.
Actionable next steps (if you want to follow up on the music)
- Listen to the full episode on Song Exploder to hear the isolated discussion and the song in full.
- Stream/buy "Mutt" and watch the official music video to hear the finished production.
- Explore Leon Thomas’s album Mutt and his earlier album Electric Dusk for context on his artistic evolution.