What is your name?
Levina
What is your genre of music?
Alt Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
Levina is an independent singer-songwriter who continues to enchant listeners with her contagious musicality and enthralling emotion. Born in Germany, the London-based artist continues to carve out her own realm of alternative pop inspired by the soul. Having been described as a “spellbinding sonic force” her mesmerising sound instantly catches your attention, while her profound lyrics connect with your heart. Her unparalleled strength and passion for alt-pop continue to blossom. With fables inspired by relationships with ourselves and each other, Levina continues to explore what it truly means to be human. Hoping to enable her listeners to feel understood, accepted and inspired, Levina’s resonance shines brightly. After rebranding in 2020, Levina released her EP Thinking In The Dark independently in 2021, produced by BBC Radio 1 regular Zach Said and MPA Awards ‘Best Newcomer’ Amy McKnight, gaining 250k streams on Spotify alone. Receiving humbling praise from the likes of BBC Introducing, Billboard, Wonderland, Earmilk and Notion, her repertoire continues to evolve exponentially. Levina’s Pop-Rock influenced anthem “Danger” received support from editorial playlists at Vevo and Apple Music and her passion for collaboration has also seen Levina featuring on edbl’s Brockwell Mixtape, which has enjoyed global editorial support, alongside Miller Blue and Carrie Baxter. After a sold-out headline show at the renowned Notting Hill Arts Club this November, it’s needless to say, Levina is one to keep a close eye on in the coming months.
What made you go into music?
I think I always knew that I wanted to do music. The first music memory is me being in the garden of my childhood home and making up songs about butterflies when I was like six years old. My mum used to play the piano in the house, so quite soon I would sit at the piano for hours too and just play and write. I then started having singing and piano lessons when I was nine years old. Also, my dad is really into music, and he’d always show me the best new music videos. He also plays the guitar, so we’d often play music together with my sister. When I went to music college in London is when I took it to the next level and knew that I wanted to do nothing else. I’ve tried other things along the way, but they only made me realise that the only thing I want to do is to make music.
Who are your influences?
Levina’s love of music blossomed from a young age and her musical talent can be attributed to the variety of influences she had growing up. Honing her craft, she developed her sound from artists as diverse as Anastacia, Avril Lavigne to Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald and Skunk Anansie.
Are you a signed?
No.
You released your new single ‘Battleground’, tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the song.
I wrote Battleground about my struggles with mental health. I didn’t speak about it a lot, because I felt like no one would understand me and I would be a burden to people. However, after I got regular therapy, through Help Musicians and BAPAM, I realised the importance of opening up, because there are other people who are going through similar situations. I am so grateful to be able to express my emotions through music and I want to raise awareness that struggles with mental health are not always visible. We need to make an effort to be kind to each other, because we never know what someone might be going through. I also want people to know that there’s always someone to talk to and someone who will listen, including services like Samaritans and Help Musicians, who have 24/7 helplines. And my DM’s are always open.
Describe the track in two words.
Lonely Romance.
What was the writing and recording process like?
I wrote Battleground in my bedroom and then produced and recorded it via zoom with my amazing Swedish collaborator Hannes Andersson. I recorded the vocals in a studio in North London with Hannes on the other side of the screen. A pretty 2022 recording process.
Who did you work with on the single?
Hannes Andersson.
Will we see a music video for ‘Battleground’ and if so what can we expect from the creative process?
Yes the video is out now created with my amazing team of friends.
Director/DOP/Editor: Sam Rockman
Creative Direction: Alice Secchi and Levina
Producer: Levina
Stylist: Alice Secchi
MUA: Georgia English
Photography: Esmé Surfleet
Special thanks to Camden Open Air Gallery for this wonderful location and Lisabel, Rachael, Alice and Georgia for lending your beautiful hands.
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect from it?
There might be on coming soon in the new year, so keep your eyes peeled on my socials.
What else can we expect in 2022 and early 2023?
More music. More shows.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I see myself somewhere happy.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Always follow your gut instinct.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My microphone. Water. Vaseline. Handycam. Point and Shoot Camera.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Facebook
Instagram
Tiktok
Website
