2025 has been a HUGE year for Leon Majcen. Not only has he opened for some of country music’s biggest acts and played his biggest headlining gigs to date, but he’s proven prolific in his output as well, having already released two full length albums this year. And he hasn’t sacrificed quality for quantity in the process, either, Released back in April, Majcen’s third record Better Days is a masterclass in his signature laid-back, gulf coast vibe. A relatively stripped-back project featuring seven imagery-filled tracks that prove his songwriting prowess – as well as a cover that tipped the hat to one of his most important influences in the late great Townes Van Zandt – Better Days was an impressive yet logical step in the direction Majcen’s catalog was clearly headed. His second album of the year hit streaming platforms last week, though, and as spectacular as Better Days is, his latest project represents a major leap in his artistry. Aptly titled Makin’ A Livin’ (Not a Killin’), the 26-year old troubadour’s fourth record in five years is an introspective and deeply reflective foray into life on the road, and the coming of age moment that transpires when a musician realizes exactly why they are making music for a living. Spoiler: It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme or a vain attempt at fame and glory. At least not in Majcen’s case it isn’t. As a seasoned road warrior at this point in his career, it’s clear in this album that he not only understands and welcomes the highs and lows of life on the road, but he’s found a way to make light of the struggles through clever lyricism and humorous quips. Using descriptive lyricism to set the scene for the listener, the Czech Republic born and Clearwater, Florida bred artist weaves seamlessly through love songs and tale of life on the road, all bound together by the aforementioned common theme. Aside from the lyrical contents of Makin’ A Livin’ (Not a Killin’), Majcen’s latest work also signifies a sonic leap, bringing in the full band for a bigger and better sound while still managing to keep the songwriting on the forefront. Give the new album a listen for yourself below and you’ll understand why the buzz surrounding Majcen’s name keeps getting louder and louder – and why 2025 is the year that Leon Majcen has truly arrived on the scene. Here’s a few early favorites: “If That’s What It Takes” “Down The Road” “Making A Livin’ (Not A Killin’)” “Thinking ‘Bout Love” There are plenty of opportunities left this year to catch Leon Majcen in concert and hear these songs live, so I suggest you make it happen. Leon Majcen Tour Dates 10/23 – Knitting Factory Concert House – Boise, ID* 10/24 & 10/25 – The Elm – Bozeman, MT* 10/30 – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI* 10/31 & 11/1 – Saint Andrew’s Hall – Detroit, MI* 11/6 – Petersen Events Center – Pittsburgh, PA% 11/7 – The Anthem – Washington, D.C.% 11/8 – Wolstein Center – Cleveland, OH% 11/11 – The Commonwealth Room – Salt Lake City, UT^ 11/12 – Belly Up Aspen – Aspen, CO^ 11/14 – Longhorn Ballroom – Dallas, TX^ 11/15 – Emo’s – Austin, TX^ 11/16 – John T. Floore’s Country Store – Helotes, TX^ 11/19 & 11/20 – The Eastern – Atlanta, GA+ 11/21 – St. Pete Country Festival – St. Petersburg, FL 12/5 – Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, TX+ 12/12 – Jack Rabbits – Jacksonville, FL*** 12/13 – The Merry Widow – Mobile, AL*** *support for Kip Moore +support for Sam Barber %support for Turnpike Troubadours ^support for Margo Price ***support for Liam St. John ^^^support for American AquariumThe post Leon Majcen Hits His Stride With Cleverly Penned New Record, “Makin’ A Livin’ (Not A Killin’)” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.