The Leo Twins of Singapore are Composing Southeast Asia’s Musical Movement
Through their platform FRSHOFF, the Leo Twins are working to bridge the gaps between different musical communities
The twins fostering a melodic Southeast Asian upbringing
In today’s creative world where only a few ideas remain unexplored, one topic that’s rarely delved into is the unique bond between twins.
Throughout history, creative twins have stood out across various fields— artists like David and Pieter Oyens, musicians such as Robin and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees, and fashion icons Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The shared connection between twins often sparks a symbiotic creative process, deep-rooted in mutual understanding.
Brandon and Julien Leo, known as The Leo Twins, are a prime example of this. The 29-year-old Singaporean brothers, founders of the music platform FRSHOFF, have carved their own path in the music industry.
Despite their prominent family background—born to well-known entrepreneurs Lionel Leo and Tina Tan-Leo—the twins were drawn to music from an early age.
Julien recalls his early connection with music, describing it as “a matter of vibration,” a feeling that resonated deeply with him. “I fell in love with music when I loved the way it made me feel. It was that simple and profound,” he says.
Brandon shares a similar story, having been inspired by the music of The Beatles, Queen, and Eminem. To think you can resonate with someone you’ve never met is beautiful,” he reflects. Although Brandon initially flirted with the idea of pursuing music, it was Julien who inspired him to make it a career.
The twins are deeply immersed in genres like alternative R&B, pop, and hip-hop. Brandon notes, “Genres and audiences are cross-pollinating more than ever before.” For Southeast Asian artists like the Leos, the timing couldn’t be better.
“There’s a growing demand for international Asian music,” Brandon observes. “Artists need to lock into their authentic vision to stand out.”
Composing communities through music
Through their platform FRSHOFF, the Leo Twins are working to bridge the gaps between different musical communities. “In my experience, the spirit of brotherhood in music is alive but decentralized,” Brandon says. “I hope to bring these ‘neighboring tribes’ together, creating a stronger, more impactful brotherhood.”
Julien echoes this sentiment, expressing a desire to build a collective where diverse artists can unite under a common cause: “A new wave. A new movement.”
At the heart of this mission is a call for solidarity within Southeast Asia’s music scene. The Leos emphasize the importance of brotherhood and unity. “Brotherhood is the rallying cry that gets you on your feet after falling down,” says Brandon. “It’s the victory feast after a battle, and the wind that guides you when the path is unclear.”
For the twins, this sense of camaraderie has always been a constant. “I’m lucky to have had this ‘built-in’ since the beginning,” Brandon adds.
“Being a twin teaches you that there’s someone on this earth who is your complete equal. At one point, we were the same person, split into two. That’s the essence of brotherhood.”
For the Leo Twins, the idea of brotherhood extends beyond blood, encompassing those you choose to stand with in life. “It’s about love, trust, and the culture of unity that I hope to share with my tribe and the world,” Julien concludes.
In their vision, the Leo Twins aim to unite the Southeast Asian music community through a collective of like-minded artists, driven by the unshakable foundation of brotherhood.
This spirit of unity, they believe, will propel the next generation of musicians into global prominence.
Read the story in the pages of VMAN SEA 02: now available for purchase!
Photos courtesy Julien and Brandon Leo
