Published: January 02, 2010 5:06 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight January 2010 Edition
Justin Levinson
Folk/Powerpop Music Artist/Band of The Week January 03, 2009 - January 09, 2010
Justin Levinson
Singer/Songwriter Justin Levinson is making sweet melodic music that mixes Folk and Power-Pop that music fans will fall in love with when they hear the artist's music for the 1st time. Levinson recently spoke to our Webzine about his music and what he feels that he will bring to the music industry. Here is what developed in this online conversation with Levinson. Enjoy!
Isaac: I just watched one of your music videos off of your YouTube Channel for the song, "Home". What was the inspiration for making this song and your new album?
Justin: In 2007, I made trip to Nashville with a bunch of my college friends. I was able to go to the Grand Ole Opry and see Loretta Lynn perform. It was my first taste of country music. Before that road trip, I was writing mostly Power-Pop music on the keys. I guess that song was kind of my segway drug into this new sound.
Isaac: Who were your influences?
Justin: Oh too many to mention. I grew up with The Beatles, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Marvin Gaye; All of the classics. As far as current artists in my iPod…Wilco, Sean Lennon, Gillian Welsh, Ben Folds Five, Ben Kweller and Amiee Mann have been getting a lot of plays.
Isaac: What do you consider to have been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?
Justin: In 2005, I had some major label interest that fell through. I really thought it was going to be the big break. For years, I'd bumped into the guy who knows a guy, who's cousins brother in law is the head A and R of so and so records, but this was legit! I just had to pick up the pieces and start over.
I've had a lot of high points in my career, but Performing with Chris Barron of The Spin Doctors was pretty amazing. He was one of my idols in the 90's. It was crazy to be backstage hanging out with man who wrote "Two Princes."
Justin Levinson
Isaac: Brief history about your background plus the style of music you play.
Justin: I'm the Son of a Music Teacher. I was pretty much the music geek in my High School. I then went on to study at Berklee College Of Music in Boston. Now I play Folk infused Power-Pop.
Isaac: How easy is it to gets gigs for you as an artist? What is the live music scene like in your area?
Justin: Good gigs are always hard to get. You have to be a hustler these days. It's not so hard if you just want to play at your local coffee shop, but if you want to provide support for established artists, get on TV, perform Colleges and land licensing, you best be in front of you laptop 4hrs a day. As far as music in Vermont goes, I can't complain. It's a small pond, but there is a lot of talent here.
Isaac: What do you think of the state of music at the moment? Do you listen to radio much at all? Has the Internet helped music grow or hindered it in your opinion?
Justin: I think musicians are in a good place right now. All of these mediums like MySpace have really put everyone on a equal playing field. I'm optimistic about our future.
Isaac: If you could create a fantasy band - what would be the line-up and why?
Justin: Nels Cline from Wilco on Lead Guitar, Stewart Copeland from The Police on Drums, Robert Sledge from Ben Folds Five on Bass and Sir Paul on lead vocals and rhythm guitar.
It would be a weird group but I'd love to hear them!
Justin Levinson
Isaac: What CD's do you currently have available and where can they be purchased from?
Justin: I have 3 records "1175 Boylston", "Bury Your Love" and "Predetermined Fate" all available on Cdbaby.com and iTunes.
Isaac: Where can fans access your music, videos, blogs, and anything else about you online?
