Formed from a Pacific heart, LEAO is a Samoan musical project made up of guitarist and vocalist David Feauai-Afaese, bassist Navakatoa Tekela-Pule, steel guitarist Levi Gemmell and drummer Rāhana Tito-Taylor.

With a deep love for Pacific music and a desire to bring contemporary ideas into the mix, LEAO blend non-traditional tonalities with a fa’aSamoa spirit, creating a sound described as ‘niu wave’ and ‘Pacific neo-psychedelia’.

Known for live performances that move between high-octane energy and emotionally lush moments, LEAO continue to expand and experiment with their vision of Samoan music. Their 2024 double single TAEAO / MEA UMA introduced New Wave and psychedelic influences into their wider Pacific sound.

At its heart, LEAO is a celebration of Pacific music and Pacific diasporic experience.