Article Contributed by Win-Win PR
Published on 2026-09-11
Denver psych-funk artist San Leandro, the project led by singer, songwriter, keyboardist and producer Leandro “Leo” Albertoni, released his new single “I Won’t Give In” on September 4.
The track is the final preview of San Leandro’s debut full-length album, Dive, arriving September 18 through Color Red Music, the Denver-based independent label founded by Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds. San Leandro is supporting the release with a California tour taking the band to several independent West Coast venues.
“I Won’t Give In” arrives as San Leandro’s most urgent and emotionally direct statement yet, capturing the spirit of resilience and personal conviction at the heart of Dive. Built on vintage keyboard textures, live rhythm-section chemistry and introspective songwriting, the new single adds another dimension to an album that has already generated momentum through the previous singles “Receive” and “Fractures.”
The earlier singles have received coverage from Denver Dive Magazine, KDVR FOX31, Grateful Web, Rabble Rouse News, Indie Pulse and BroadwayWorld. The band will make its debut appearance on KUSA 9NEWS’ lifestyle program Colorado & Company on December 3.
“I write, produce and perform music under the name San Leandro. At its core, it’s a project built around songs, groove and atmosphere,” says Albertoni. “I grew up playing by ear and learned music from being around other musicians, especially in blues and R&B settings, so I’ve always been drawn to music that feels lived-in rather than overly polished.”
Dive is an eight-song debut album exploring renewal, vulnerability, self-discovery and the ongoing search for personal conviction. Albertoni recorded the album while drawing inspiration from the warmth and humanity of classic 1970s recordings, when musicians played together in the same room and imperfections were part of what made records timeless.
The result is a psych-funk and West Coast soul record that evokes artists including Vulfpeck, Neal Francis and Magic City Hippies while remaining unmistakably its own.
“The older I get, the less interested I am in impressing people and the more interested I am in making music that feels true,” Albertoni says. “If a song can help someone feel a little less alone, that is usually enough for me.”
The album was mixed and mastered by Noam Wallenberg, whose credits include work with Vulfpeck. Before launching San Leandro, Albertoni spent years building his reputation alongside figures in American blues and funk, performing with Buddy Guy, Neal Francis, Andy Frasco, Paul Nelson and Damon Wood. He has also worked directly with Color Red founder Eddie Roberts as a music producer.
“Chicago gave me my foundation,” Albertoni says. “Denver helped me expand that into something that has become uniquely San Leandro.”
Dive is available for preorder through Color Red Music and Bandcamp.
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