Credit Leandro Lara
25-year-old Levi Evans was born in Dublin, Ireland, and raised between New York City and Los Angeles. Growing up in a nomadic, music-filled environment, he developed a connection to songcraft from an early age, and began experimenting with production in his teens. Last year, he released his debut solo EP Head Chatter, which received praise from American Songwriter, KCRW, Hot Press, Wonderland, and more, and earned him a devoted following in his adopted hometown of LA and beyond.
Your music blends storytelling with infectious melodies—what inspired the concept behind your new single “Run”?
When writing a song, especially on my own, the concept often comes to me naturally, rather than being premeditated. For “Run,” the idea unfolded quickly. I knew I wanted something high-energy, so I started with a drum beat to lay the foundation, then added guitar and bass. The lyrics followed shortly after, and from there, the song’s story came together.
The “wolf in sheep’s clothing” theme in “Run” is intriguing. Is this song based on personal experience, or was there another influence behind the narrative?
Once the song’s story presented itself, I realized the message embodied the “wolf in sheep’s clothing” metaphor perfectly. While all my songs are rooted in personal experience, I also believe it’s important to write stories that are bigger than myself. I enjoy weaving narratives and embracing the role of a storyteller.
You wrote, produced, and mixed “Run” yourself. What’s your creative process like when building a song from the ground up?
My creative process blends songwriting, production, and mixing. It’s crucial for me to stay engaged throughout the process while avoiding getting lost in the details. I typically start with instrumentation, which sparks the initial inspiration, followed by melodies. Sometimes, I’ll even begin mixing before the lyrics are fully written just to get a sense of how the melodies fit with the music. While there’s no one right way to create, this method works well for me.
The DIY approach to your music video is impressive—you conceptualized, designed costumes, and even illustrated the artwork. What drives your hands-on approach to your artistry?
I’m driven by a deep passion for exploring all the different mediums that contribute to a full artistic vision. I believe it’s vital for every aspect of my work to feel authentic and true to my creative vision. I’ve always had a DIY mentality because I find fulfillment in learning new techniques and mediums. While I do enjoy collaborating, I’m particularly protective of my work, ensuring that everything, from the song mix to the artwork, aligns with my vision and feels genuine.
Your debut EP Head Chatter was widely praised. How does “Run” signal your evolution as an artist since then?
My musical journey has had many chapters. I grew up in a musical household and started playing instruments at a young age, but I didn’t fully begin expressing myself through music until I moved to Los Angeles at 15. Over time, I found my place in a small rap group, and around 2020, my passion for instrumentation and singing was reignited as I rediscovered the artists I grew up with, like The Kinks, Gorillaz, and The Strokes. After years of releasing music under a different alias, I launched the Levi Evans project in 2021. Head Chatter was my first cohesive body of work as Levi Evans, marking the discovery of the sound I wanted for the project. “Run” is a natural progression and refinement of that sound, and reflects my growth as an artist.
Growing up between Dublin, New York, and LA, how have those different cultures shaped your sound and perspective on music?
Moving around a lot as a kid made it tough to find my identity, but art became a constant that helped me adapt to new places. The nomadic lifestyle had its challenges, but it also gave me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and be exposed to the art that influenced them, which broadened my perspective on music and creativity.
You’re a member of the LA collective NOFUN! How does collaborating with a larger group differ from working on your solo material?
While both projects are an authentic expression of my creativity, my solo work allows me to dive deeper into vulnerability and explore personal experiences in more detail. It gives me more creative control and the freedom to tell stories with more precision. On the other hand, NoFun! is a collaborative effort, and with each member having their own solo projects, we come together to create something unique that we couldn’t achieve individually. It’s a supportive community that unites artists from diverse backgrounds and genres.
Your aesthetic has been described as ‘sophisticated simplicity.’ How would you define your artistic vision, and how does it translate across your music and visuals?
My artistic vision focuses on authenticity and a balance between simplicity and depth. I want every element of my work—whether it’s the music, visuals, or overall presentation—to feel honest and reflect my true self. This aesthetic comes through in the minimalist yet impactful nature of both my sound and visuals.
From songwriting to video production, you seem to embrace a multidisciplinary approach. Do you see yourself expanding into other creative mediums in the future?
I’ve become increasingly passionate about incorporating my visual art into fashion. I’m eager to design clothes that go beyond just being band merchandise, aiming to make a statement in the world of fashion. I also want to collaborate with other artists and brands that share a similar vision, creating pieces that allow for expression through both visual art and fashion.
What can fans expect from you in 2025? More singles, an album, live performances?
In 2025, I’ll be releasing a new single every six weeks leading up to my sophomore EP, which will also include live shows. My next single, “Lay Me By Your Side”, will be out in early April. I’ll also be touring with NoFun! in Europe this summer, including some festival appearances.
