FROM THE PIPELINE

by Scott Osika

Twenty three year old Justin Levinson, featured on Plattsburgh Pipeline Radio, is an Indie-pop/Folk solo artist who has had the opportunity to open for well know musicians, such as, Chris Barron of Spin Doctors. Justin graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2007 and now resides in Burlington, Vermont. Levinson writes his own material and on occasion will do a co-write or ask a producer for advice on song structure. Justin’s music is being aired on many college radio stations throughout the country and is definitely worth checking out.

When asked about the main topic for most of his songs Justin replied, “I feel as though I have have a bit of Holden Caulfield syndrome. My most re-occurring theme is loss of innocence. I write from many different places, but that’s a topic I find rears its head out the most.” I asked him if he thought these themes would change over time and he replied, “I’m hopeful that with maturity my work will evolve.
“Everyday I’m inspired by new things,” says Justin. Who also says that a good song doesn’t really have a particular formula to it and his favorite songs are always ones written from the soul.

I asked him just what he wants the listener to get out of his music and he said, “I’d like my listeners to be able to relate to my lyrics. I find that my favorite artists always make me feel secure. It’s nice to know someone else is going through similar things. I’d also like my listeners to have a sort of empathy for me, it’s nice to feel that you know the artist you’re listening to. I hope they like me.”

When I asked Levinson what he likes and dislikes most about the music industry he spoke about the web creating opportunities for all musicians to be heard. He says that websites such as myspace and reverb nation give independent musicians the same opportunity bands like Coldplay have to display their music. Justin says the demise of the major label has given him complete control of his work. The evolution of the recording industry has given him the ability to make quality recordings from a computer at home. He wishes, that making a living creating music was easier, but knows that equal opportunities for success can go a long way when paired with hard work and perseverance.

Justin’s musical goals for 2009 are to heavily saturate the college scene, get into a lot of NACA festivals and to be touring for the majority of the year. Justin is confident that he will receive some film placements with his new record, which is due out sometime this year. He also says, “I’d really like to quit waiting tables on the side!”

I asked Justin if he had any favorite local bands and/or artists and he named “Apollo Sunshine”, a local Boston band. He said “I thought they were one of the more hip groups from the Berklee College music scene.” As far as Vermont artists go, Justin enjoys Gregory Douglass. Justin had the opportunity to perform with him at Nectars in Burlington, Vermont, and also in a sold out show at The Living Room in New York City.

Justin is playing many local shows in the coming months but will not venture out too far. He is staying close to home, spending most of his time focused on recording new music. His new material has a bit of an alternative-country feel to it. Justin said a lot of time has been spent honing his skills on the harmonica for this record.

Justin has been doing mostly solo shows the last two years and his first band performance in quite some time will be at Nectars, in Burlington Vermont, on the 16th of January at 9 pm. Members of The Honky Tonk Tuesday Band will be backing him up. This will surely be a pleasure to attend! Learn more about Justin and his music at www.justinlevinson.com.