Josh Levi – Doctor

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) My sound is mixture of alternative, pop and R&B. I also tend to like and listen to that genre of music the  most, as well as rap music from time to time.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I greatly respect artists like The Weeknd, Alessia Cara, Drake, Beyonce, Tove Lo and Chris Brown. I think those are some of the raddest artists, personally, and I can find something from all of them to be inspired by.

Q) Your new single “Doctor” is out now. What kind of fan response have you gotten to it?

A) Fans have made awesome dance videos, cover videos, sent handwritten letters and countless DM’s of how the song has personally affected them. It’s also really cool to see a bunch of vines, music allies and other positive responses to the song. The most amazing response I received was talking to a fan who called in during a radio show to personally thank me for the song because she had stopped self harming. My whole simple goal is for  my music to affect people in a positive way and for someone to be able to relate and understand what I’m singing and creating…and that’s happening so I’m really excited!

Q) What is it about the song that you think fans are connecting to?

A) The fact that I gave my fandom a voice through a song. The song was inspired by how my fandom makes me feel when I read their direct messages. This song is essentially about taking away pain from people you love. It’s about providing somewhat of an escape for my fans letting them know that my music is there to help them get through things and let them know that I am here for them. I think that’s the reason most people can connect to it.

Q) What is your process like for writing music? Do you need music before you can write lyrics? Where do you get the inspiration for your lyrics?

A) My writing process is pretty spontaneous. Song concepts come from relationships that I’ve been in and interacting with my fans face to face or on social media. Sometimes I can be on Twitter and have something inspire me and then my mind overwhelms me with things to elaborate of that idea…so, I listen to it! Sometimes things as simple as weather or two colors together or a fun film can inspire me and I grab my guitar and go from there. I usually start with lyrics and a melody that I hum and then add my guitar to be a part of the process.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) If I’m able to, I like to have a lot of say and be extremely hands on. Although I’m not a producer, many times I can hear the instruments or track in my head and I’m able to convey that to the producer/engineer. “Doctor” was my first “official” single. I had a lot of say in the production and I think that’s why I connect with it on a high level because it’s a product of me. There have also been times when I have worked with producers who prefer to have more/full creative control and that can also be successful, but I preferred to fully immerse.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song?

A) I’d love to collaborate with Drake. I think he is a musical genius and save, as well as a great person to collaborate with to build brands and add authenticity to artists. I would also like to collab with Zayn Malik (the former One Direction singer) because for some reason I feel like we have similar styles [laughs] and it would be a creative session.

Q) You were featured on “X-Factor.” Who have you stayed in touch with from the show (i.e. contestants, mentor, judges, etc.)?

A) I have bumped into Kelly Rowland a few times and it’s always amazing to reconnect with her. I love her so much. I also see some of the people that supported me behind the scenes on the show. It’s always fun to go back down memory lane with them.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media I think is sometimes the best and only way to connect. It is immediate gratification. Sometimes it is the only way to interact with them face-to-face one on one. When people can’t buy tickets or I can’t fly to different countries to be a part of concerts right away, social media is there for me to fix all those problems. It immediately allows me to connect and communicate with them.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) Simply, thank you. I appreciate you. You’re the coolest human that you know and you make me happy.