Levina Lye is an independent artist making waves with her distinctive sound and heartfelt lyrics. Blending elements of pop and soul, her music resonates deeply with fans across the globe. In this interview, we explore her artistic journey, creative inspirations, and what’s next for the artist on the rise.
Your music blends elements of R&B with unique alternative influences. How would you describe your sound to someone hearing it for the first time?
My sound is me—unique, creative, and free. I keep an open mind with my music, as I do with my way of thinking. I love so many different styles of music that I never want to cage myself in a box.
What experiences or inspirations shaped your most recent project, and how do they connect to your personal journey?
I needed time to live, as I did between my first and second EP. I don’t carry the heavy emotional weight around that I once held. It bled all into my music and into everything I did, so much hurt and pain. Now I can write stories about myself and a perspective from another person’s point of view.
Many artists struggle to balance creativity and commercial expectations. How do you navigate this challenge in your career?
I believe everything I create is magic and therefore that is the commercial expectation. I love good music and every time I record that’s what I aim to make, good music. Not only good but GREAT music that will be forever timeless.Your lyrics often explore deep emotions. What’s your creative process when writing songs that resonate so personally with your listeners?
I’m just being who I am, a human being. I know that people will relate to that because I’ve been through so many different things in life that I can relate to all people. We all feel hurt, we all feel pain, misunderstood, confused, and sometimes lost. That’s why I am here to share my story with those who may feel like nobody gets it, but I do.How do you feel the alternative R&B scene has evolved in recent years, and where do you see yourself fitting into this movement?
I honestly feel like music in general has been so watered down. There’s no more rawness to it, no authenticity and no truth. I’ve always been my true self and felt the need to share who I was with the world. I’m no gimmick or industry plant and I think real people who love real music will appreciate that.Who are the artists or genres outside of R&B that have influenced your sound, and how have they impacted your style?
I can only say I have always been inspired by myself. When I was younger, I liked a lot of artists, but as I grew older, I began to look at them as peers and not as competition or someone to learn from musically. I am my own teacher and inspiration. My competition is me.Social media has transformed how musicians connect with fans. How has it shaped your relationship with your audience?
I’m able to be more transparent with my audience. I share who I am unapologetically, as I always have. I used to have No F* cks Given Fridays and always shared my thoughts and truths even outside of music. I’m honest and I don’t hold back.Can you share a particularly memorable moment in your career that confirmed you were on the right path?
There are so many moments. I remember I sang Fade Away in the city and my project manager, Be’n Original, was there and recorded the reaction to it and it was so enlightening. The response they gave me was so beautiful and real. I remember thinking, wow strangers love me and I knew I had so much more potential than I even knew I had.What challenges have you faced as an independent artist, and what advice would you give to others pursuing a similar path?
I’ve never been one to sell sex. I can be sexy, but my intelligence and emotional intelligence are so much more. I’ve always felt that my integrity to not be a sex symbol has held me back, but I am me. I am living my truth my way and I won’t let the world shape me into something that I am not. My advice to others is to be you. No matter how much you want to blend in, you will no longer be true to your inner self.Looking ahead, what do you hope listeners take away from your music, and what’s next for Levina Lye?
I hope people will always see that I am talented and throughout the years I have always shown growth. My new music will definitely share a new side of me that is more lighthearted and happier than I was before. I can’t wait to share my new sound. Much love, Levina Lye.
