Justin Levinson – Free Love

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would say it’s Indie/Pop/Rock. Sometimes I might fall into the Powerpop genre.

Q) Who are some of our musical influences?

A) I grew up with Elvis, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, The Hollies, Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye to name a few. I was lucky I had pretty hip parents who got me into a lot of good stuff.

Q) What is the process for your songs? Do you write the music before the lyrics?

A) Usually, I’ll start with a chord progression on piano or guitar and then I’ll start mumbling some strange lyrics in search of a melody. I imagine it would be an awfully painful thing to listen to. Eventually, I get a theme and a hook or verse refrain that sums up that theme and maybe a bridge that ties everything together. Before I know it, I have a tune. Usually, the ones that take too long to write end up being throwaways. Most of my inspiration lyrically comes from just listening and observing the world around me. I try not to force it or phone  anything in.

Q) What inspired your song “Free Love?”

A) Well, I’ll be honest, it’s not an autobiographical tune. It’s actually more of an anti-free love anthem. I think I wanted to just emphasize how important emotional connections are in romantic relationships. I did my best to keep it light hearted while poking a few jabs at BP Oil executives, hedge funders and Nickelback fans. We had a lot of fun doing the video in Boston. Ya gotta check it out!

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

A) I have complete artistic control, which is great. I’m able to choose the studio I record in and the producers I want to work with. On most of my albums I play piano, guitar, harmonica and sing lead and background harmony. Sometimes I’ll play some drums or horns. I try to leave the majority of instrumentation up to the session players and producer. There is nothing like the chemistry of musicians playing together. The one man studio album works for some, but isn’t my jam.

Q) What are the challenges/upsides of being an artist based out of Vermont, rather than a larger metropolitan area?

A) I have a lot of family in Vermont and the quality of life here is terrific. I love the local food, beer and sense of community. We also have some wonderful folks representing us in Washington, D.C. Vermont gave me the opportunity to hone my craft and be fed when I started in this business. I’ll always be grateful for that. I’m sure there are challenges wherever you reside, but the lack of industry here can be trying at times. Most of my long lasting connections have come from touring and networking in metropolitan areas. I met my manager Matt on a whim opening up a show at Mercury Lounge in NYC. Shortly after, we started landing supporting slots on national tours (Howie Day, John Waite, Aaron Carter, Teddy Geiger, Tyler Hilton, Ryan Cabrera and Anna Nalick) and I stopped performing as often locally in Vermont. The concentration for me is now shifting a little to licensing music to film and writing for other artists. We recently got a placement in The Den on IFC entertainment. The movie was number one on Netflix for a little while. We were really excited about that! I could also see myself writing for other up and coming artists. If I continue on this path, I may have to reside in a more music/film driven area…somewhere warm could be nice.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Justin Levinson show?

A) A lot of piano smashing!!!

Q) What can fans do to help promote your music?

A) You can share my new music video “Free Love” on Facebook & Twitter! You can follow me and like me page too.

Free Love:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-oJq9lDH2s

Website: http://www.justinlevinson.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jxlevinson

Instagram: http://instagram.com/jxlevinson

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justinlevinsonmusic

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

A) It’s a way we can stay connected everyday when I’m on and off the road .I also like to see what everyone is up to.

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

A) Thank you for believing in my passion. I’m one lucky fella!