John Leslie Explores Consciousness and Sound with Immersive New Single Dream

Hailing from Australia, John Leslie is a singer/songwriter who recently put out one of my favourite tunes of 2025. Titled Dream, the track features sitar virtuoso Sudha Manian and acclaimed drummer Jackie James Barnes. Together, the pair add a beautifully unique texture to John's dreamy and immersive soundscape, resulting in a rich, meditative offering that I'm finding myself returning to again and again.

Recorded over a year and across four studios, Dream is a delicate fusion of rock, neo-psychedelia, and classical Indian instrumentation. From a sitar to a tabla, the arrangement unfolds gently - and nothing is rushed or hurried. 

Drawing thematic inspiration from Vedic philosophy, John explores the metaphor of the universe as a dream. "It provokes deep philosophical inquiry into the nature of life, consciousness, and the self," he says. "By exploring this concept, we aim to uncover the spiritual significance and transformative potential it holds for individuals seeking deeper truths."

A showcase of the artist's sonic evolution, Dream and its slow-burning brilliance reveal a musician who's allowing his ideas to develop naturally. Acting on instinct, John, Sudha, and Jackie have crafted one of the most original and compelling pieces of music I've heard this year. My only hope is that they don't make us wait too long to hear from them again!

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