As Josh Levi brings to us his first-ever project, DISC ONE, he also brings with it passion and talent. DISC ONE marks the debut of his career in which he felt as if he was meeting himself again for the first time but then again… not at all. Completely embedded in him, his music truly feeds his soul and that of those around him. Hoping his audience feels transported when they hear his music, Levi embraces the past, present, and future. His love for music began at a young age and after years of hard work he is finally where he is supposed to be. Also very engaged in what has been happening in our current World, Levi inspires us and those around him to keep fighting for justice… After all, we are all human. We all have a heart, body, and mind and it’s time the rest of the world acknowledges that.
By Alexandra Bonnet
Share with us what it was like working on your first-ever project, DISC ONE. What inspired you to write it?
Creating Disc One felt really trippy in the sense that it felt like I was creating the start of my career. I felt like I re-met myself in these songs but at the same time, nothing felt foreign–I hope that makes sense. I’ve heard these melodies and ideas before in my head, but I was never able to accomplish them more accurately than I did on Disc One. This project is so special to me because I’ve been an artist for so long, but this project made me feel like this was the actual beginning. I’m a perfectionist so there were so many late nights I rarely got sleep because I didn’t want to leave the studio without a finished 100% complete song… which meant singing ad libs half awake and leaving the studio at 1 or 2 am haha.
What do you hope your audience feels and gets from it?
I always say, I hope whoever listens to Disc One feels like they are somewhere else, whatever ‘somewhere else’ is to them. Could be the future, could be the past, could be in space, could be heaven, wherever that is. I wanted to create an escape with my music and this EP. I also want people to feel like they know me, or at least know me better–see what I did there 🙂
Tell us more about your favorite moment working on the Emmy-winning series “Friday Night Lights” alongside Michael B. Jordan.
I had no idea I was working with legends – I was 11 years old! It was such a blessing to be able to witness such talented actors be so graceful yet so amazing at what they do–it set such a good example and made a huge impression on me as a kid. Also, Jurnee Smollet – who played my sister – is now in one of my favorite shows on HBO called “Lovecraft Country” which is brilliant. I’m toning down how obsessed I am with that show… I don’t know if you can tell.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in singing?
For me, I knew when I really young, which is cool. It’s a blessing to be able to figure out your purpose at a young age and I saw the way I was able to make people feel with my voice in elementary school. I just knew in my heart that it was what I was here to do.
As an artist, what is your main purpose?
Oops, I kind of answered that early. My purpose is to use my gift – every inch of it – before I leave here. Using my gift to heal, to help people escape, to help tear down walls that should be broken, to help someone find happiness, and to help give me a platform to make real change in society and the world I live in.
How has music helped you in your own life?
It’s given me a sense of identity. I know when I wake up every day who I am and what I’m supposed to do with my life. Even though I struggle with the ‘how’ part of my purpose, I’m so grateful to have the gift of music. It’s like waking up every day with a superpower.
Growing up, what artists influenced your being?
A lot of gospel artists for the first 9 years of my life. After that, I found Brandy, Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Nirvana, and a bunch of other rock stars and bands I now am in love with.
What can fans expect next?
Disc Two? A collab? A live performance? More music videos?
If you could collab with anyone (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?
Stevie Wonder, Michael, Beyonce, Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy – all because they had so much to do with who I am.
Message to your audience.
Let’s keep applying pressure on justice for Black people and Black lives, PLEASE VOTE, and please help me fight for a new America that is built in favor of the people, anti-racism, equality, proper use of funds, and love. And PLEASE PLEASE VOTE, that’s actually the only thing I said today that matters.
TEAM CREDITS
Photographer FRANZ MAHR @franzmars
Creative Direction ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC @alekandsteph
Styling ROCIO VEGA @_rociovega
Production @BELLOmediagroup x @maisonpriveepr_la x @bonnetalex18
CLOTHING CREDITS