Justin Levinson has a new album out called Yes Man.
The first glimpse I got of musical artist JUSTIN LEVINSON was a picture of him generously leaning between a row of vinyl and CD's. It reminded me of when I used to visit Sam Goody in NYC. (Sam Goody was a music and entertainment retailer that closed around 2006.) So right away, I was intrigued.
Justin Levinson is an award-winning, multi-talented singer, songwriter and musician on the rise. Justin has won the Billboard Song Contest, the International Acoustic Music Awards Best New Male Artist, as well as being nominated for Sirius Song Writer Discovery of the Year.
Justin grew up in a family immersed in music. His father, and first hero, is a music teacher and songwriter and one of the first influences on Justin’s musical career. Even his great grandmother played the piano for silent pictures. Justin could not escape music. Wherever he went, his parents would play the classics from the 60’s. While friends in elementary school would play MC Hammer, Justin would play The Hollies, The Beatles and Chuck Berry.
I'm so excited to bring you an interview with Justin Levinson and the premiere of his latest music video “Homewrecking Machine” from his new album Yes Man.
Your new music video, Homewrecking Machine, is part of your latest album called Yes Man. Give us some background on the song AND video for Homewrecking Machine.
I wrote this song in my music room while living in Winooski, Vermont. Most of this record was written in that room. I remember I was listening to a lot of The Zombies and "She's Not There" was definitely getting some heavy rotation in my shower. I sort of took the lyrical inspiration and created my own character... a woman who gets her self worth by seducing men and pulling them out of their marriages. For me it's less about demonizing the woman and more about warning these men about how much they're going to lose if they give in. I see it more as cheerleading for love. There's just so many layers between temptation, our ego and wanting to be desired. There's a million songs to be written.
You won the Billboard Song Contest, the International Acoustic Music Awards Best New Male Artist. What was involved, step-by-step, in applying, winning and what happened after you won?
Well I think most of these contests are really just about bragging rights and hoping you'll be recognized by gate keepers of the music industry. Honestly I don't know what has directly come out of them but I appreciate being recognized as an artist. It's hard to really judge art is in this manner. It's more about ones taste I imagine.
Currently you play five instruments. Do you have a desire to learn any more instruments? If yes, which ones? What was the first musical instrument you ever learned to play?
That's a good question. I don't know if I really have time to pick up another instrument, but I'd certainly love get better at the ones I already play. Piano was my first instrument and will always be the tool I feel most connected with. It's just the mothership of all music. I love everything about the piano. When I grow up I'd love to have a baby grand in my living room.
You're from Vermont. Why and when did you move to Los Angeles? When you first moved out there, how'd you support yourself?
I moved to Los Angeles about a year and half ago and it's the best decision I've ever made. I love Vermont, I love my family there and I love Bernie Sanders with all my heart. It wasn't easy to move thousands of miles away but the reality was I felt I had taken Vermont as far as I could. Musically it was a great place to be creative but the lack of industry made it quite the trap for me. I really needed something new and I feel like I've found it in LA. Supporting yourself is always a challenge when you're pursuing your dreams. Along with songwriting and writing for film and TV, I teach piano, guitar and voice at La Canada School of Music. It's really rewarding and the kids are the best. I had back to back students wearing Hendrix T-shirts last week. I'd like to think I had something to do with that :)
OMFCG. (Oh. My. Freakin’. Cuteness. God.) You too, Justin! Pthth.
You were born in 1985 but grew up with 60s music. Who introduced you to the 60s sounds? What do you like about 60s music as opposed to today's music?
Well my parents are baby boomers and they have great taste in music. I was so lucky that they exposed me to such great stuff at a young age. I love the 60's fashion, message, experimentation, the singing and harmony. I also really dig a lot of music from the big band era too. I'm not completely stuck in one decade, ha! I don't know, maybe I'm not looking in the right places but I'm just not really moved by anything quite that way in contemporary music. I'm gonna stay open minded though. That's the only way to grow.
What inspires you to wake up every day?
All the people in my life that I love. There's a lot!
Vinyl or CD?
Vinyl.
What things, besides music, do you enjoy? Any hobbies?
I'm a huge Atlanta Braves fan and in another life I'll be pitching for them. I also love playing Hearts. Not to brag but I'm pretty good, ha! I think I've logged over a week's worth of hours playing online with the Hearts+ app. If you want to get schooled my SN is jxlevinson.
What's it like being on tour?
Well it's a rush and it's a grind. My first touring experience was playing trumpet for Jazz legend Lester Bowie and Motown's Fontella Bass as a Teenager. They took me out of High School for bit and I got a taste of the touring life. It was then I knew it was what I wanted. They had come to Vermont on a grant and were impressed when they heard me solo in my local big band – it's still a career high for me. Over the last ten years I've supported so many different artists on the road that I should write a book.
Quick funny story: I was on tour with John Waite (The Baby's, Ringo Starr & His All Star Band, Bad English) and I accidentally told the crowd it's a pleasure to be opening up for Tom Waits this evening. It was like the first thing I said on a 20 show run and I was already getting booed! Looking back it was pretty hilarious. Not at that time though!
Anything else you'd like to say?
Yes. Thank you so much for your time. I truly value journalism. Lets spread nothing but love in 2017. The world desperately needs it.