Levina Lye has built her name on raw honesty and emotional depth. From her breakout debut, Pieces of Me, to her defiant anthem “DFWM (Don’t F*ck With Me),” the singer-songwriter continues to merge vulnerability with strength. Her music, rooted in poetry and soul, reflects the duality she openly embraces—the artist who smiles through pain yet finds truth in her lyrics. In this conversation, she opens up about her creative evolution, emotional resilience, and the personal boundaries that inspired her most unapologetic work to date.
You’ve described your stage name as being derived from “Livin’ a Lie.” How does that idea continue to influence your music and personal growth today?
I’ve always felt like I was living a lie, even as a teenager. It’s not that I’m not being my true, authentic self. It’s just that sometimes in life, people fail to see that you’re not always “happy.” I always portray myself as a strong woman, and I am, but there are times when I feel like I just can’t put on a brave face anymore. I always do it, though. I show up. I wear a smile, and I put my best foot forward. Music is the one place where I feel like I can be myself. I can say whatever I want and openly feel however I want. I don’t have to pretend when I write my songs. My raw emotions just come pouring out, and that is what makes me an artist.
Your work often explores vulnerability, pain, and empowerment. How do you balance sharing such personal truths with maintaining your own privacy?
Musically, I’m an open book. You could know me for years and never know anything about me until you hear it in a song. It’s just the way that I am. It’s easier for me to express my feelings through music than it is for me to actually communicate them to someone. I’m honestly not so good at opening up to people. Maybe it’s the Gemini in me, but I like to study and observe before I feel comfortable with others. Sometimes that can take quite a while.
You began writing songs at 15 after an early passion for poetry. How does poetry still shape your songwriting process?
I’ve always said that I am a poet first and foremost. In my song “I’m a Star,” one of the lines is “I flow deep because I’m a poet.” I am an extremely deep individual. I feel things from the depths of my soul, and there is no better way than poetry to express that.
“Pieces of Me” marked your debut in 2014 and received global attention. Looking back, what lessons did you take from that early success?
I don’t think much has changed since my first EP. I’m obviously older and wiser, but soulfully, I am still the same person. The only thing that really still and truly applies is that I’ve never changed who I am to fit any narrative. I have always been unapologetically me. I’ve learned to fully embrace every aspect of who I am and love myself, and most importantly, forgive myself for at times not loving myself enough.
Your 2018 EP “More of Me” expanded your presence in pop and R&B. What did that project teach you about your evolution as an artist?
“More of Me’ was my passion project. It contained all the hurt and pain I was feeling inside, and it gave me an outlet. That EP honestly probably saved my life. I love “Pieces of Me’ because it was my introduction to my life and the things I was going through, but “More of Me’ was literally my heart and soul poured into five songs. Five songs that I never knew I would need so much at that time in my life. They helped me maneuver through my feelings of being lost and not knowing what was next. I am so thankful to everyone who contributed to that project musically.
Many have called you the “Emo Queen.” How do you feel about that label, and does it reflect your current creative direction?
I am and will always be the “Emo Queen.” That is because I am, overall, just an emotional being. I don’t like to show it in my personal life, but in my music, my emotions bleed out. Sometimes my thoughts are dark and heavy despite the brave persona I put forward, and I had to learn that there is nothing wrong with thinking that way at times. There is nothing wrong with being emotional.
You’ve said, “I represent everyone who is unafraid to be human and make mistakes.” How do you translate that message into your live performances?
When I sing live, you can literally feel the soul in my voice. To be honest, it’s the feeling that my voice gives when you hear it. I don’t have to belt or yell to make you feel my emotions. It’s just the way I convey it. To me, singing isn’t about hitting every note perfectly. It’s about how I feel and how I make others feel when they hear me sing. That’s the same way I live my life. I’m not perfect, but one thing I can guarantee is that you will feel my presence.
Songs like “I’m an Alien” and “DFWM (Don’t F*ck With Me)” highlight themes of individuality and defiance. What inspired those tracks?
Since I was a teen, I have always referred to myself as an alien. My real name is Ashley, and before I came up with Levina Lye, I was ‘Ashley the Alien.’ It was actually my name on Facebook. There are times when I just feel so out of place, like I don’t belong here. It’s almost like people just don’t understand me, but I own my uniqueness and accept that I am different from others. That is what brought me to write “I’m An Alien.” “DFWM” came shortly after. After feeling out of place for so long, I decided that if people choose not to fuck with me, then I will make the personal decision to not deal with them either. I mean, if it’s “fuck me,” then it’s “fuck you” too.
“DFWM (Don’t F*ck With Me)” delivers a powerful message about boundaries and self-respect. What personal experiences or emotions fueled the creation of that song?
People get tired of showing love and continuously giving and receiving nothing back in return. That is what fueled the lyrics for “DFWM.” At some point, you have to accept that people won’t love or show up for you the way you do for them. After sitting back for so long and just taking it, I decided that enough is enough. I don’t have to care either.
The tone of “DFWM” feels both unapologetic and liberating. What impact do you hope it has on listeners who may be struggling to stand up for themselves?
I hope that it inspires my listeners to give up on people who make them feel like they’re not enough. You matter too, and if you feel like people are playing with your emotions or being spiteful, then it’s time to give up on them. It may hurt to do, but you have to love yourself first and foremost. Your feelings come first, and if people can’t love you like you need them to, it’s time to let them go.
You refer to your listeners as “supporters” rather than fans. Why is that distinction important to you?
I don’t want fans. To me, the word “fan” comes across almost like saying you worship someone. I really don’t even want people to look up to me. I am still a work in progress. I just want people to know that I am human and I feel emotions very deeply, and music is how I express those feelings. I want people to know they are not alone and that if no one else gets it, I do. I know what it is to go to sleep feeling so alone, but then having that song or artist that just sings or raps how you feel. Those songs have helped me through the toughest moments of my life, and I want to be that light for others.
With two EPs and a growing catalogue of singles, what can your supporters expect next from Levina Lye?
Expect Levina Lye to keep being versatile. I will keep giving you ALL of me until the day I run out of ideas to sing about. Expect me to keep being me, and most importantly, know that I will always keep it real and be my true and authentic self. Even if the world tries to pull me every which way, I will always give you me.
Be’n Original
