Award-winning singer-songwriter and global citizen Eli Lev’s empathic writing and infectious folk-based sensibility has been his universal passport into our collective hearts.
Over the last five years, the Maryland-based artist released his epic debut, Four Directions, which compiles four conceptual EPs (All Roads East 2017, Way Out West 2018, Deep South 2019, True North 2021) into one 20-song statement.
The indigenous traditions he learned during his time as an eighth grade English teacher on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona were his inspiration for the critically-acclaimed tune tome. Together, the series imaginatively and intrepidly connects spheres and generations within a body of work that is irresistibly uplifting, emotionally resonant, and down-to-earth authentic.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Eli about this impressive, impactful project, surviving the pandemic, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do you describe your style of music?
I’m originally from Silver Spring, Maryland but have traveled the world picking up sounds from
the Appalachian mountains in Virginia, the sandstone canyons in Northern Arizona, ancient
deserts in Israel, and pop radio from across the globe.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I got here by always having a guitar or harmonica or flute in my hands and trying to make
sounds and silly songs out of everyday events. Creating music has always been part of my life
but recording and releasing songs under an artist name has actually been a relatively recent
phenomenon.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
My latest project Walk.Talk.Dance.Sing. is rooted firmly in a time and a place of our world’s
history – it’s a pandemic mixtape of all the highs and lows I experienced during lockdown
compiled into one chronologically ordered sonic journey.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented times. How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
At first it was quite the struggle to produce anything creatively, but eventually my muse kicked
in and had something to say about my personal experience, relationship paradigms, and
connecting with society at large. I took all my tour dates online for livestreams and built a new
community there of amazing music fans who I now consider friends!
What was the last song you listened to?
Harry Styles – As It Was (I have a song called As It Is so was comparing themes)
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I came into the world listening to Vinyl, missed 8-tracks completely, got my first mixtape on a
cassette, joined BMG and Columbia CD clubs, was the first to join in the Napster craze, and
listen to Spotify everyday on the search for new tunes.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
Join my Levitators community for free merch, unreleased music, and chance to be in my next
music video! → https://go.eli-lev.com
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks for taking the time to share my story! One song at a time, I’ve been singing my story
and sharing my musical adventure with the world and will be back on tour July – October, 2022.All my tour dates are updated here: https://eli-lev.com/tour
