INTERVIEW: We chat to emerging Kiwi artist Lévyne
New Zealand’s always been a country that punches above its weight when it comes to world class femxle talent. Artists like Kimbra, Lorde, Gin Wigmore, Ladyhawke, Brooke Fraser, Benee and Aldous Harding have taken the world by storm in the last 10 years; and there’s no shortage of up-and-comers ready to follow in their footsteps.
In a three-part series, Women in Pop gets to know emerging Kiwi artists. Today we meet Lévyne, who has recently released her new single ‘Misconceptions’, a mesmerising song that harks back to the 1980s with its soundscape and production, with lyrics that explore coming to terms with a relationship breakdown where the other side is not interested in your perspective: “I’m not going to waste my time / I’m not going to waste my love on you…I did it all out of love / You did it all out of misconceptions”
Make us a pitch about yourself in 50 words or less…
Lévyne brings herself messily to the table and invites listeners to do the same. She captures chaotic early adulthood with clean sounding, honest songs that don’t have an agenda. If you like unassuming, empowering music these ones are for you.
What was the last EP/album you listened to in its entirety?
Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers. Album of the year for sure, she’s so painfully relatable.
What was your first-ever concert?
I think it was when my dad took me to Coldplay!
What was the last concert you attended?
A show that was a favourite of mine was when Merk played earlier this year. Very sad to think I haven’t been to any big ones this year!
Tell us about your new single ‘Misconceptions’
It’s a lot of fun. In the studio we jammed this 80s style beat, and the lyrics were just my stream of consciousness at the time. I think I wrote it to back myself on a few decisions I’d made and for that reason it transformed into this upbeat, self-declaration that my time is valuable.
Is there a recommended best time to listen?
It’s definitely more a ‘dancing in your room’ or ‘going for a walk to clear your head’ type beat.
As a newcomer to the music scene what has been the steepest learning curve for you?
I think for me it’s been hard to balance the two minds you need in the scene. One mind for your creation and maintaining its integrity, honesty and respecting its formation, and one mind for business and transactions and a go-getter attitude. Sometimes you focus on one and miss the other out but that balance is so important for good, successful art.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Such a wide and varied range. Songwriters like JP Saxe, Caroline Polacheck, Kate Bush, Tom Waits, Phoebe Bridgers, Lennon Stella the list goes on. Not necessarily for the sounds, but mainly for the feelings!
Best thing about the NZ music scene right now?
I think for the most part, everyone in the scene wants everyone to succeed, we innately support each other. And people are throwing caution to the wind a bit and doing whatever they want with their art a bit more now, I love that.
Hot tip on other Kiwi up-and-comers to look out for?
Georgia Lines, RIIKI, Navvy and deryk are all great women. Always also obsessed with Neil Macleod, Julius black and Thorington. New Zealand is so top tier.
What’s your goal for the next 12 months?
I have a lot of funny little songs to finish and release and I’m close to having an EP out in the next 6-12 months! Hopefully by then I can pick up some more shows too. It’s very hard to plan for the future right now.
‘Misconceptions’ by Lévyne is out now. You can download on iTunes and stream on Apple Music and Spotify.
To keep up with all thinks Lévyne you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
