Interview with Guitarist and Vocalist Don LeBlanc of The Purple Helmets

October 24, 2025

Interview with Guitarist and Vocalist Don LeBlanc of The Purple Helmets

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View/ MBM Ten Pounder. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

Don Leblanc: Thanks very much for having us.

CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. Many struggle just to move from one level to the next, and some, unfortunately, never do. What would you consider to be a pivotal point in an artist's career which would take them from one level to the next that a struggling artist should be aware of? Is it an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all together different in your opinion?

DL: Success in the music industry rarely hinges on a single factor—it’s really a blend of mindset, effort, and timing. Artists need to cultivate self-belief and resilience and be willing to put in serious work—not just creatively, but on the business side as well. And honestly, timing and serendipity play a huge role. Sometimes, being in the right place at the right moment can open doors that hard work alone might not. Understanding how all these elements work together is key for any artist trying to move to the next level.

CV: What do you feel an artist can do right now to stay relevant, especially in an environment, such as the present, where performing in front of a live audience is not an option?

DL: In today’s climate, where live shows might not be possible, staying relevant really comes down to how well you connect with your audience online. Digital platforms are key. Whether it’s livestreams, behind-the-scenes content, virtual collaborations, or simply sharing the story behind your music, consistent and meaningful engagement helps maintain visibility. Building a strong social media presence, releasing music regularly, and interacting directly with fans can help gain fans. The artists who thrive are the ones who stay adaptable and authentic in this ever-evolving landscape. Its honestly something we struggle with a bit but we’re trying to become savvier and broaden our social media presence. It’s an ongoing effort.

CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Is there a fine line between the two or can it be looked at to some degree as the two essentially being one in the same?

DL: There’s definitely a fine line, and it’s one of the more subtle challenges artists face today. Staying relevant means consistently offering something meaningful, fresh, or engaging—whether that’s through music, visuals, or storytelling. Oversaturation, on the other hand, happens when content starts to feel repetitive, forced, or just too frequent, which can lead audiences to tune out. While both involve visibility, relevance is rooted in value, whereas oversaturation often stems from volume. Artists should aim to create with purpose, not just presence. Quality, authenticity, and timing matter more than constant output. So no, they’re not the same—but they can easily blur if you’re not mindful of how your audience is experiencing your work.

CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on expectations, whether it being your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?

DL: There’s always a level of consideration when it comes to expectations—both personal and from the audience. As an artist, you want to push boundaries and evolve creatively, but there’s also a desire to keep the connection fans have with your previous work. I think the key is to stay rooted in authenticity. If the new material is honest and reflects where you are artistically, it tends to resonate. It’s about growth, not just meeting a checklist.

CV: For you, what’s first when it comes to songwriting…is it a matter of lyrics melody, chords, beat, attitude? Or is it more organic than that where the moment dictates the process and outcome?

DL: Honestly, we think it’s a bit of all the above. Sometimes it starts with a lyric that hits a nerve, other times it’s a melody that just won’t leave your head. There are moments when the rhythm or chord progression sets the tone, and everything else follows. But more often than not, it’s organic. The creative process isn’t always linear—it’s shaped by the mood, the environment, even the energy in the room. Some songs come together in minutes, others take weeks of layering and refining. We’ve learned to let the moment guide, rather than forcing a formula. That’s where the magic tends to happen.

CV: What do you believe makes songwriting more honest and impactful...that something that both the artist and listener can share?

DL: We think it all starts with vulnerability. Honest songwriting comes from being willing to say something real, even if it’s uncomfortable or raw. The most powerful songs aren’t the ones trying to impress—they’re the ones trying to express. When a song feels contrived or overly calculated, it loses that emotional resonance. But when it’s rooted in truth it creates a space where listeners can genuinely connect. That shared emotional experience is what makes a song memorable. If the artist feels it deeply, chances are the listener will too. To sum it up in one word, authenticity.

CV: What do you feel has been the greatest contribution to your success as an artist?

DL: It’s been a combination of mindset, resilience, and timing. Believing in our work, and learning to navigate both the creative and business sides of the industry have all played a role. But above all, we’ve tried to avoid being contrived. We focus on creating music that’s honest and intentional, not just content for the sake of staying visible. When you lead with truth and connect with people on a real level, that’s when the momentum starts to build.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming up?

DL: We’ve just signed a new record deal with SODEH Records, and we’re really excited to have them behind us as we roll out our new album, Weirdo Squad. Right now, our focus is on promotion—getting the music out there, connecting with fans, and building momentum. We’re also planning to hit the stage again with some live shows this fall, which we’re really looking forward to. As for what’s next? More music, more creativity, and definitely more fun. That’s always been the heart of what we do.

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with

our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.

DL: Thanks very much. We appreciate it!

Check out The Purple Helmets at:
https://www.facebook.com/purplehelmetsband/

https://www.sodeh.ca/the-purple-helmets

https://www.instagram.com/the_purple_helmets/

https://x.com/helmetsmusic

https://www.youtube.com/@ThePurpleHelmets

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.