Interviews: Levinia

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Metal band Levinia from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just happen?

The name Levinia evolved over time. Originally, the project was called Lavinium, but as the band grew and our sound became more refined and personal, we wanted something that felt darker, more elegant, and more representative of who we are artistically. Levinia felt natural. It has this haunting and cinematic quality to it that perfectly fits our music and atmosphere.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Metal has always been one of the most emotionally honest genres to me. Symphonic and melodic metal especially allows us to combine aggression, vulnerability, storytelling, cinematic elements, and theatricality all into one experience. As someone with a background in classical singing, theatre, and rock music, this genre gave me the freedom to blend all of those influences together authentically.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Some of us did, some of us didn’t. Like many bands, it evolved through mutual connections, local music circles, and shared musical goals. Over time, though, we became more than just musicians working together. We became a family creatively and personally.

4. Each band member’s favorite band?

We all have very different influences, which honestly help shape the Levinia sound. For me personally, I’d say bands like Nightwish, Kamelot, Lacuna Coil, and even artists like Alice Cooper had a huge impact on me growing up. The rest of the band ranges from progressive metal and deathcore influences all the way to classic rock and film scores.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Real life. Human behavior. Personal struggles. Relationships. Society. A lot of our music explores manipulation, identity, grief, mental battles, and the pressure people face in modern culture. Literature and film inspire me heavily as well. I’m actually an English teacher by day, so storytelling naturally finds its way into everything I write.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last performance was in Los Angeles. The LA metal scene has always been home for us, and there’s an energy here that’s chaotic, creative, and inspiring all at once.

7. Where would you like to act/play?

Honestly, everywhere. But some dream locations would definitely be international festivals and historic venues throughout Europe. Playing somewhere like Germany, the UK, or even a massive festival crowd would be incredible.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

There are so many talented artists we admire. Collaborating with Mark Jansen or Simone Simons from Epica, Sharon den Adel from Within Temptation, or anyone from Kamelot would be amazing creatively!

9. Whom not?

We’re open-minded musically, but authenticity matters to us. We’d never want to collaborate with someone who treats music like a trend or who lacks respect for the art itself.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Absolutely. I think almost every performer experiences nerves at some point. The biggest thing is learning to transform nervous energy into performance energy. Preparation helps tremendously. Rehearse until your material becomes second nature. Also, remember: audiences usually want you to succeed. Beginners should focus less on perfection and more on connection.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Definitely bands like Nightwish, Epica, Lacuna Coil, Kamelot, and Within Temptation. But inspiration also comes from outside metal. Film composers, classical music, theatre, and even literature influence our songwriting and presentation.

12. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Probably to scream at them in an opera voice and then immediately switch into a Disney-style vocal. Honestly, that was pretty entertaining.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We genuinely appreciate every single person who listens to our music, comes to shows, streams songs, or supports what we do online. Independent bands survive because of dedicated fans, and we never take that for granted.

14. What do you think of our site?

We appreciate sites like yours that continue supporting independent and underground artists. Platforms that help expose newer bands are incredibly important for the metal community.

15. Something to add?

We’re entering a completely new era for Levinia right now, and we’re excited for everyone to hear what’s coming next. Our newest releases are the most honest and ambitious material we’ve created so far. Stay tuned… There's a lot more coming.

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