A Dirty Dozen with LEVARA – November 2020

According to a recent press release: “Mascot Records has announced the signing of LEVARA, and the premiere of the first recording from the band’s debut studio album coming in 2021. Guitarist Trev Lukather shares, “’Heaven Knows’ is the opening track to our album so it makes sense to have it as our introduction to The World. Fast pace, in your face rock n roll with that added LEVARA swag. The video is an old school homage to the early MTV takeover days adding our album color concept, bringin’ that sharp dressed Miami Vice vibe to the mix. We are just three guys that love making music and having as much fun in the process so the video is simply an accurate representation of us.” If you want to get real deep, singer Jules Galli reveals, “’Heaven Knows’ is about digging through the darker parts of your own psyche. It’s about asking questions to yourself and recognizing our mystical connection to the bigger picture, a higher power… I like to think of it as a shamanic reading someone would receive in the Amazonian jungle. What’s stopping you from reaching your ultimate potential?” In summation, drummer Josh Devine states, “Whatever…” Trev Lukather, Jules Galli and Josh Devine are LEVARA.   Collectively, their musical union brings life to the individual talents of three musicians that together have enriched the aural landscape for all of us. Their songs offer an escape, as all music does, with points of reflection that relate to any listener’s life. The collective hope is simple. To be the catalyst for each and every person who comes across the music to find revelations through the experience of hearing these songs.” We get Trev, Jules, and Josh to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

Photo credit: Jake Hays

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Jules: At first listen, “Heaven Knows” sounds like a strong upbeat song, high energy and fun. But once you dig into the words, the listener might realize how introspective and self-reflective this song truly is. We’re asking “you” many questions about yourself, like holding a mirror to your higher self. We make meaningful, high energy music, and I think the more people listen to “Heaven Knows” and our next releases, the more they will realize that we’re trying to convey real, and truthful stories to the world.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Trev: As long as I can remember. One of my first memories is playing drums. I was inspired by growing up in a house of musicians. My Pop was always playing and he would always have his buds over who I’d grow up to realize how respected and loved they all were and are. You don’t know any different when you are that young. It puts everything in perspective. But that doesn’t take away the awe factor in being surrounded by such legends.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Jules: Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Jamiroquai, and Johnny Hallyday.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Josh: I grew up on rock and metal. So for me bands like Linkin Park, Korn and Slipknot were a heavy influence on me, but also the more melodic bands like Toto and Tears for Fears. It’s tough because I’m influenced by so many different genres and artists, but I always end up when jamming to music for fun, going back to these bands!

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Jules: Would love to do a song with Lenny Kravitz. He writes, produces, is a multi-instrumentalist, a rockstar, and he’s so versatile. He also seems like a genuinely good person.

Josh: I would love to get a great female vocalist in, like Christina Aguilera. Imagine Xtina and Jules doing a duet… DAMN!

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

Trev: If you combined everything you love about the 80’s and 90’s and put it in to a 2021 blender. We bring a little taste of different genres that inspired us with an anthemic modern touch, mixed to face melt.  We are a song band. We don’t want to be boxed in any kind of sound or category. We like to explore and find that common ground where each of us are getting the feels. It’ll make more sense as more songs get released.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Josh: Usually Jules’ Dad would cook for us, as he is an incredible chef, but I love cooking too, mind you they never wanted to eat anything I was making when I was on certain diets haha. Trev gets the drinks in, and give Jules half a chance and he’s on whatever instrument ready to jam at any point haha.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Trev: I never get star struck but this time was different. My Pop and I went to The Forum in LA a few years back to see David Gilmour play. Had no clue that we were gonna meet him. Pop surprised me. Gilmour is one of my all-time favorite guitar players.  We went through three different security checks. I thought, It’s LA, maybe I’ll get a handshake. Come to find out, we were the only ones David wanted to see. I had a couple glasses of wine with David. He was the chilliest guy but noticed I was a little shaky. STAR STRUCK in full swing!!  I kept my cool but inside, I was fan girling.  It is so great to meet a hero that acts every bit of what you would hope. His love for my Pop was really special to see. Out of 20,000 plus people, he only wanted to see my Pop. You have great taste David. On all levels.

Josh: I think the only time I’ve been like insanely star struck was meeting Will Smith at the Kids Choice Awards in 2012. He just came up and started chatting and I was legit like in awe! He’s such a legend, and such a nice guy too!

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Trev: Getting that emotion out that you can’t express otherwise without causing trouble. It’s the best therapy there is. Connecting with people all around the world from something you create out of thin air.  All of it is so spiritual and humbling. If I wasn’t a musician, my dream job would be in advertising. A solid way to get my pun jokes out to the world. I create commercials in my head all the time. I crack myself up. I am my biggest fan.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Josh: Hmm, a question I’m constantly tired of answering not just from interviewers but just anyone in general is “Can you get One Direction back together to tour again?” I don’t know how many people think I have that kinda power but it’s DEFINITELY not up to me haha! A question I would love to be asked, would be about the charity work I do in Rwanda. would love to talk more and shed more light on that, so hopefully people could help!

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Josh: Luckily no, I kinda feel everything happens for a reason. I’m glad everything I’ve done has led me to this point in my career, good or not so good. I’ve already had such an incredible journey doing things could have never dreamed of doing, and I feel it’s made me so much more excited and driven to do it again, this time with my own band.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Jules: I would want to witness The Beatles recording Abbey Road and/or Sgt Pepper. Legendary!

BONUS QUESTION – Due to the current world situation with COVID-19 / quarantine / shelter in place, what have you discovered you miss the most from your life before the pandemic struck?

Trev: Touring! Playing live and going to shows. Hands down, no question. This has been a surreal experience to really appreciate all of the things we have all taken for granted.

Jules: Yes, I am right there with Trev. Playing live is what we’re made of and I can’t wait until we can tour and meet the people, face to face.

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Category: Interviews