Eli Lev to Perform at The Dinghy on Sep 21st
Don't miss the opportunity to hear this rising indie folk singer perform live on September 21st at The Dinghy.
Justin Lev, who performs as Eli Lev, vividly recalls receiving his first mixtape from a friend in fourth grade. The mixtape encompassed an eclectic range of artists, including U2, MC Hammer, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, Nirvana, and Johnny Cash. "I learned every word of every song and sang along at the top of my lungs," reminisced the indie folk singer/songwriter. This formative experience resonated deeply with Lev and served as a central inspiration for his latest compilation of songs, which he affectionately refers to as his "pandemic mixtape."
"My latest EP, Walk.Talk.Dance.Sing, was born out of the pandemic," shared Lev. Through his music, he delves into the breadth of emotions experienced collectively as a society in a single instant. The realization of music's profound significance and its ability to sustain and uplift us became profoundly evident to Lev during this time.
Lev's songwriting entails crafting lyrics and melodies that offer enlightenment for everyday life. His songs possess a heartfelt and down-to-earth quality, reflecting the wisdom gained from a lifetime of travel and self-discovery.
Before embarking on a full-time music career, Lev, originally from Silver Spring, MD, spent three years as an eighth-grade English teacher on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona. The indigenous traditions he encountered during this period served as a wellspring of inspiration for his Four Directions project. Similar to the distinctive attributes held by each cardinal direction in Navajo tradition, Lev's 'Four Directions Project' explores the distinct characteristics of each album in the series. These albums imaginatively and boldly connect various spheres and generations, showcasing an uplifting, emotionally resonant, and authentically grounded body of work.
Lev explains the concept, saying, "We are guided by four directions, each with unique attributes, powers, and teachings from Navajo traditions." The EP series began in 2017 with All Roads East, reflecting his youth in alt-country and Americana. Way Out West followed, exploring new boundaries of folk tropes in indie folk. Deep South in 2019 returned him to my Southern roots with a powerful folk rock/pop sound. Finally, in 2021, True North delves into introspection with an acoustic singer-songwriter approach.
The EP comprises five singles, commencing with "Be Your Someone," an indie-pop track that delves into the depths of forced isolation and the subsequent connections we all forged. Lev recounts the journey of navigating the uncharted territory of living and coexisting with his partner in the midst of this new reality.
He shares, "There were tears and confusion as we grappled with understanding one another and our relationship. Ultimately, we realized that we were each other's someone, and it was alright to experience love, hate, and the full spectrum of emotions, enabling us to gain a deeper understanding of one another."
"Dancin' on the Lawn," reminiscent of Lauv and Jason Mraz, exudes an upbeat melody complemented by intermittent whistling. This track embodies the hope of reuniting and relishing live music collectively once again. Lev expresses his longing, stating, "The pandemic resulted in the cancellation of my entire 2020 tour, and I genuinely missed the opportunity to share my songs with people face-to-face. 'Dancin' on the Lawn' encapsulates the anticipation of a future day when we will all dance together."
"Move As You Do" combines pop sensibilities with an acoustic sound, gradually building as Lev contemplates the idea of a "right way" to navigate life. The song serves as a reminder that progress unfolds at its own pace, often in unexpected ways.
The upbeat and vibrant "Vacation" infuses a Caribbean beat, urging listeners to take a physical and mental break from the challenges of the past two years. Lev transforms the mundane into something exotic, emphasizing the need for rejuvenation and movement.
Wrapping up the EP is "Singing Along for the First Time," a lively shuffle beat folk-style song with a touch of Ed Sheeran. It celebrates the joy and power of music, prompting a reconnection with our humanity and our place in the wider community.
Overall, Walk.Talk.Dance.Sing captures Lev's exploration of emotions and the transformative nature of music in a concise and uplifting manner. Don't miss out on your opportunity to hear Eli Lev live on September 21st at The Dinghy.
