The Knockturnal | Leanna Firestone Talks ‘Keeping Score,’ Songwriting Secrets, and Embracing Her Inner Fangirl

From writing fanfiction to touring internationally, Firestone reveals her creative evolution and inspiration behind her latest single.

Leanna Firestone is no stranger to storytelling, whether throughout her early days as a fanfiction writer or creating deeply personal lyrics, the 23-year-old singer-songwriter has always had a talent for narrating her words into something special. Her latest single, “Keeping Score,” tells the tale of getting revenge on an ex. However, on the track, the Nashville-based artist takes a break from autobiographical songwriting and embraces a playful and fictional story. 

We caught up with Leanna to discuss her journey from writing stories and blasting Taylor Swift and Shania Twain as a child to becoming a full-time musician. In conversation, Firestone reflects on the intricacies of songwriting, life on the road as a touring artist, her long-standing admiration for various artists, and, yes, how being a One Direction fangirl played a role in shaping her career down the line.