Pop Levi Explained

Pop Levi
Background:solo_singer
Birth Name:Jonathan James Mark Levi
Alias:Jr. Hi, Mozambique Courier
Birth Date:22 September 1977
Birth Place:Surrey, England
Occupation:Musician, record producer, filmmaker
Label:Counter, Invicta Hi-Fi, Neon Gold

Pop Levi (born Jonathan James Mark Levi,[1] [2] 22 September 1977)[3] is an English singer, multi-instrumentalist and record producer.

Biography

Levi grew up in the suburbs of Birmingham and attended Shrewsbury School, a public school in Shropshire between 1991 and 1994[4] where he would skip church to write songs in the basement.[5] In 1997, Levi re-located to Liverpool to study at LIPA and formed the experimental instrumental band Super Numeri with Karl Webb and James Morgan[6] [7] who signed to Ninja Tune in 2002 and released albums "Great Aviaries" in 2003 and "The Welcome Table" in 2005. During this period, Levi also played bass for Ladytron live and on the album Witching Hour.[8] [9]

In 2004, Levi released singles "Rude Kinda Love" and "Reindeer In My Heart" on the independent "Invicta Hi-Fi" label set up by Daniel Hunt of Ladytron.[10] A planned follow-up single in 2005 entitled "Kissed Her Sister" was shelved along with the album "Foxwatch",[11] and Levi formed The Emergencies[12] with organ player Jake Field and Zukanican members, rhythm guitarist Dominic Lewington (AKA Domino), bass player Harry Sumnall and drummer James Pagella. The band played regularly around Liverpool as "Pop Levi & The Emergencies"[13] [14] including slots at the Merseyside Unity Music Festival and Unite Against Racism Festival. Now backed by The Emergencies, Levi released "Blue Honey", his last single on "Invicta Hi-Fi", before signing to Ninja Tune.[15] After signing the new deal, Levi moved to Los Angeles which resulted in The Emergencies disbanding. With Lewington still on board,[16] Levi recruited drummer Marius Simonsen and bass player Luke Muscatelli (AKA Lucky Beaches) and the band moved to the US, living together in the same house in Echo Park, Los Angeles.[17] The new backing band was named "Woman".[18]

In February 2007, Levi released his debut solo album on Counter Records, an imprint specifically created for Levi by Ninja Tune. The Return to Form Black Magick Party was self-produced and recorded over several years, solely on a lap top & D16 recording machine, at Liverpool studio/rehearsal space The Kif[17] (where a previous Super Numeri album was recorded) and whilst on tour with Ladytron[19] in a number of different locations in "England, China, France, Greece, LA, New York"[20] such as "on trains, in planes, in warehouses, on the top of Cathedrals, at the beach, in bathrooms, hotel rooms and tombs. I made sure to capture the first take of everything I recorded and then took the tracks to Sacramento to be mixed".[21] The album was toured extensively across the US, UK, Europe and Australia, and was listed as one of Lauren Laverne's favourite artists to make it big in 2007 on BBC Two's The Culture Show.

In July 2008, Levi released the follow-up album Never Never Love, which was preceded by the single "Dita Dimoné" which made BBC Radio 6's 'Record Of The Week'. Levi set out to make the follow-up, in contrast to the loose feel of the debut, sound artificial and soulless, that it sounded "like Japanese toys falling in and out of love with each other". The album was recorded at Westbeach Recorders[22] and Westlake Recording Studios, in the same room Quincy Jones recorded Michael Jackson's Thriller and Off The Wall albums.[23] Following the recording of the album, Lewington was asked to leave, returning to England to pursue solo projects, while Simonsen returned to Norway[24] and joined pop band Montée,[25] leaving Levi with no band to tour the album. Levi and Muscatelli played sporadic shows across LA as a duo, with Muscatelli shifting from bass guitar to synth bass. Aside from a handful of solo acoustic shows in London, there was also no tour to support the album in the UK either.

2008 also saw the emergence of Levi's World Empire, Inc. film and music production company.[26] In September, the 37th Festival Nouveau Cinema in Montréal held the world premiere of You Don't Gotta Run, a surreal 37-minute docu-featurette directed by auteur Lucky Beaches and starring Levi.[27]

A planned double album of home demos and outtakes entitled "Micro Sex Tapes", which was originally set for release in 2009 was never released.[23] [28] A stand-alone double A-Side single "Police $ign/Terrifying (For Kenneth Anger)" was released in June 2009,[29] with a new lineup featuring drummer Hayden Scott.[30] An early version of Police $ign was featured in the in-game soundtrack of Gran Turismo 5.

In 2009, Levi travelled to Norway where drummer Simonsen was now based[31] to record his third album, tentatively titled "Records", which was intended to be live and raw sounding. The album was recorded in a mountain-top converted barn[32] and re-titled "Smack Musick",[33] however, after being left in a state of limbo for 2 years, with the last scheduled release date being March 2011, it was eventually shelved.[32]

In April 2011, "Levitation Vol. 1" was temporarily made available as a free download via worldempireinc.com. The 14 track mixtape was recorded and mixed mostly in 2010-11 at The White Arc, Levi's studio in Los Angeles.[34] The release was followed up by "Motorcycle 666" in July 2011, recorded during the "Smack Musick" sessions in Norway.[32] The b-side "Rock Solid" was recorded at The White Arc.[35] The single was backed by select dates in London and Liverpool, with a new lineup with Muscatelli now on guitar.[36]

Levi has also produced and performed with Canadian-born artist and American Apparel model Bunny Holiday in Los Angeles and on a five-city tour of China.[37] In 2010 Pop Levi and Bunny Holiday directed the music video for former N.W.A star Arabian Prince's "Let's Hit The Beach" single on Stones Throw Records.[38] The duo also directed a music video for "The Look" to promote the 2010 VansXStüssy shoe collaboration.[39]

Levi's song "Sugar Assault Me Now" was used in the trailers for the 2010 film, Get Him to the Greek[40] and his music has also been featured in numerous television shows including Chuck, Entourage and 90210.

In November 2012, Levi released his third solo studio album Medicine,[41] his last for Counter Records. The album was preceded by single "Strawberry Shake", featuring a remix by Tom Vek, and followed by 5-track EP "Starlight & Wonder Vol. 1".[42] An album showcase gig set to take place at The Lexington, London was cancelled at the last minute due to change in artist management.

In November 2013, Levi released "Secrets" under the pseudonym Jr. Hi[43] [44] via Neon Gold Records, featuring guest vocals by The Weeknd.[45] Levi's management Roxwell had previously confirmed that Levi had been working with a number of artists including The Weeknd, Kimbra, Switch and Robert DeLong.[46] In February 2014 a second track "Trillion Girls" was released, featuring guest vocals from Childish Gambino.[44] [47]

In December 2013, Levi wrote and produced the Childish Gambino song "The Party" for the album Because the Internet, which was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 2015 Grammy Awards.[48]

In September 2014, Levi and Bunny Holiday formed the Industrial/Electronic duo crush_DLX, releasing through their SoundCloud 1 track a day for 370 days in an Audio Series format called MICRO SEX TAPES 370º.[49] The series has produced collaborations with Ariel Pink[50] and Cabaret Voltaire founder Stephen Mallinder.[51]

In 2020, Levi signed to Toronto based label Boiled Records. On 2 December 2020, he released the album Mark Of Paradise.[52] This was quickly followed up by Juicy Diamond on 17 March 2021.[53]

In February 2022, Levi started a new band with Muscatelli under the project name "The Big Kill".[54]

Discography

Solo

Albums

EPs

Remix

Singles

Mixtape

w/ Super Numeri

Albums
Singles

w/ crush_DLX

Mixtapes

w/ Zukanican

EPs

w/ Ladytron

Albums
Singles

Filmography

Music videos

The following are the music videos starring and/or directed by Pop Levi.

Year Song Artist Director Label
2020Mark Of ParadisePop LeviPop LeviBoiled Records
2020Touch Of You
2012Coming DownLucky BeachesCounter Records
Strawberry ShakeBunny Holiday
2011Motorcycle 666William Overby
2010Chyna GirlBunny HolidayPop LeviWorld Empire, Inc.
Teach Me How To BunnyPop Levi & Bunny Holiday
Let's Hit The BeachArabian PrinceStones Throw
The LookBunny HolidayBunny Holiday & Pop LeviWorld Empire, Inc. for Vans
Tender Young FleshPop Levi & Bunny HolidayWorld Empire, Inc.
Tender Young Flesh (Live Cam)
2009Terrifying (For Kenneth Anger)Pop LeviDylan MulickCounter Records
2008Everything & FinallyAuntie Mum
Semi-BabeAaron Willmer & Martin Dobson
Dita DimonéNeil Mclean
Mai's SpaceAuntie Mum
Never Never LoveNeil Mclean
2007Pick-Me-Up UppercutMox & Pop Levi
2007Pick-Me-Up UppercutBrian Harty
2006Sugar Assault Me NowBrian Harty
Reindeer In My HeartPop LeviInvicta Hi-Fi
Blue HoneyChristian SwegalCounter Records
2005Blue HoneyJackie PassmoreInvicta Hi-Fi
2004Rude Kinda LoveGood Times

In media

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Songwriter/Composer: LEVI JONATHAN JAMES MARK. https://archive.today/20120719170755/http://repertoire.bmi.com/writer.asp?page=1&blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&fromrow=1&torow=25&affiliation=PRS&cae=458596302&keyID=1042718&keyname=LEVI+JONATHAN+JAMES+MARK&querytype=WriterID. dead. 19 July 2012. Repertoire.bmi.com. 21 September 2014.
  2. Web site: ACE Repertory . Ascap.com . 2020-05-08.
  3. Web site: Music.guardian.co.uk. The Guardian. 7 December 2006. 21 September 2014.
  4. Web site: The Salopian No. 144, June 2009 . Shrewsbury.org.uk . 19 March 2013.
  5. Web site: Pop Levi . Freeqmagazine.com . 25 March 2009 . 19 March 2013.
  6. Web site: James Morgan: Biography, Albums, Singles & Playlists . Sharemyplaylists.com . 19 March 2013.
  7. Web site: CLASSIC BRITISH PONDS (Legal Title) BMI Work #8771616. https://archive.today/20120714064500/http://repertoire.bmi.com/title.asp?blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&keyID=8771616&ShowNbr=0&ShowSeqNbr=0&querytype=WorkID. dead. 14 July 2012. Repertoire.bmi.com. 21 September 2014.
  8. Web site: The Return To Form Black Majick Party Reviews . Metacritic . 20 February 2007 . 19 March 2013.
  9. Web site: Nixon . Chris . Live shows prompted Ladytron to shift gears | The San Diego Union-Tribune . Signonsandiego.com . 12 October 2006 . 19 March 2013.
  10. Web site: Pop Levi / Artists / Ninja Tune . Ninjatune.net . 19 March 2013.
  11. Web site: Jack . Victoria . Pop Levi's return to form . M.fasterlouder.com.au . 8 March 2007 . 19 March 2013.
  12. Web site: dBmagazine.com.au. https://web.archive.org/web/20110317081053/http://www.dbmagazine.com.au/449/iv-PL.shtml. 2011-03-17. 17 March 2011. 15 August 2018.
  13. Web site: Saturday 06/11/04 The 747s, The Jones's, Pop Levi and the Emergencies, The Wandering Step @ Zanzibar, Liverpool . Gigwise . 19 March 2013.
  14. Web site: Slut Live! & Mellowtone @ The Magnet Liverpool Friday 19th August 2005, Pop Levi and The Emergencies . Outlar.com . 19 March 2013.
  15. Web site: The Best New Music / Fred Perry Subculture / Pop Levi. https://web.archive.org/web/20101123042033/http://fredperrysubculture.com/band_profile.asp?id=45. 2010-11-23. 23 November 2010. 15 August 2018.
  16. News: No 4: Pop Levi | Music | guardian.co.uk . Guardian . 15 December 2006. 19 March 2013 . London.
  17. Web site: Lucky Beaches: The First Lucky Beaches Interview > New Music Releases > Music . Purple Revolver . 19 March 2013.
  18. Web site: Pop Levi - Pick-Me-Up Uppercut - Listen/Watch Now . Musicremedy.com . 10 April 2007 . 19 March 2013.
  19. Web site: A kind of magic . Hotpress.com . 19 March 2013.
  20. Web site: Pop Levi | Interviews | DIY . Thisisfakediy.co.uk . 12 April 2007 . 19 March 2013.
  21. Web site: Pop Levi Interview Full Transcript | sex as a foreign language . Sexasaforeignlanguage.wordpress.com . 3 September 2008 . 19 March 2013.
  22. Web site: travis huff: recent projects . Travishuff.com . 19 March 2013.
  23. Web site: What Makes Him Pop: An interview with Pop Levi . Blog.kexp.org . 13 August 2008 . 19 March 2013.
  24. Web site: Dekadent og deilig -rbnett.no - nyheter, sport, kultur og økonomi . no . rbnett.no . 4 January 2013 . 19 March 2013.
  25. Web site: MONTÉE [Norway] |publisher=Yugongyishan.com |date= |accessdate=19 March 2013].
  26. Web site: POP LEVI's World Empire, Inc. — K⓷⓻X . Worldempireinc.com . 19 March 2013.
  27. Web site: Feedme Music . Feedme Music . 19 March 2013.
  28. Web site: Pop Levi . Ink 19 . 19 March 2013.
  29. Web site: Pop Levi "Police Sign & Terrifying" Out Today / Headlines / Ninja Tune . Ninjatune.net . 19 March 2013.
  30. Web site: Pop Levi - Police $ign / Terrifying . Paris DJs . 1 June 2009 . 19 March 2013.
  31. Web site: Snapshots : 2005 Graduates. Lipa.ac.uk. 21 September 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20161124094210/http://www.lipa.ac.uk/downloadfile.aspx?ID=288. 24 November 2016. dead.
  32. Web site: Motorcycle 666 / Rock Solid / Pop Levi / Releases / Ninja Tune . Ninjatune.net . 19 March 2013.
  33. Web site: New Video by Bunny Holiday 'Mmm Yummy Yummy Yummy' . YouTellConcerts.com . 11 May 2009 . 19 March 2013.
  34. Web site: WEI#11 – POP LEVI – Levitation Vol. 1 [Mixtape] |publisher=Worldempireinc.com |date=11 April 2011 |accessdate=19 March 2013].
  35. Web site: Pop Levi - Motorcycle 666 - out on Counter Records . Paris DJs . 4 July 2011 . 19 March 2013.
  36. Web site: Pop Levi - The Ladykillers at Mojo, Liverpool review > New Music Releases > Music . Purple Revolver . 8 July 2011 . 19 March 2013.
  37. Web site: Bunny Holiday . Beijing Gig Guide . 28 October 2010 . 19 March 2013.
  38. Web site: Arabian Prince Let's Hit The Beach Video | Stones Throw Records . Stonesthrow.com . 21 June 2010 . 19 March 2013.
  39. Web site: Skate Shoes, Girls, Apparel, Kids, Skateparks, Contests, Music and more! . Vans.com . 19 March 2013.
  40. Web site: Pop Levi at The Shipping Forecast | Sevenstreets . Sevenstreets.com . 5 July 2010 . 19 March 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110611222932/http://www.sevenstreets.com/music-and-listening/announcements-music-and-listening/pop-levi-at-the-shipping-forecast/ . 11 June 2011 . dead .
  41. Web site: Medicine / Pop Levi / Releases / Ninja Tune . Ninjatune.net . 19 March 2013.
  42. Web site: iTunes - Music - Starlight & Wonder Vol. 1 - EP by Pop Levi . Itunes.apple.com . 17 December 2012 . 19 March 2013.
  43. Web site: Eskimo Brethren: Jr. Hi - Trillion Girls Feat. Childish Gambino. Rowdy. Vass. Eskimobrethren.com. 21 September 2014.
  44. Web site: ACE Title Search. Ascap.com. 21 September 2014.
  45. Web site: Jr. Hi ft. The Weeknd - Secrets. DJBooth.net. 21 September 2014.
  46. Web site: Roxwell » Pop Levi. https://web.archive.org/web/20130503102411/http://roxwell.net/pop-levi. 2013-05-03. 3 May 2013. 15 August 2018.
  47. Web site: Jr. Hi - Trillion Girls Feat. Childish Gambino. HotNewHipHop.com. 14 February 2014. 21 September 2014.
  48. Web site: Awards. 30 April 2017. Grammy.com. 15 August 2018.
  49. Web site: Ariel Pink Featured On crush_DLX Track "My Pleasure". Pitchfork.com. 13 January 2015.
  50. Web site: Ariel Pink Featured on Pop Levi's crush_DLX Track "My Pleasure" | News | Pitchfork . . 14 January 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141224123737/http://pitchfork.com/news/57679-ariel-pink-featured-on-pop-levis-crush_dlx-track-my-pleasure/ . 24 December 2014 . dead .
  51. Web site: crush_DLX Walk a Lo-Fi Synth-Pop 'Tightrope' in New Track. 13 April 2015. Spin.com. 15 August 2018.
  52. Web site: Mark of Paradise by Pop Levi. 2 December 2020.
  53. Web site: Juicy Diamond by Pop Levi. 17 March 2021.
  54. Web site: The Big Kill . 3 February 2022. 29 July 2022 .
  55. Web site: EXCLUSIVE | Bido Lito! . 20 August 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150829013121/http://www.bidolito.co.uk/content/exclusive-0 . 29 August 2015 . dead .

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