A Dirty Dozen with SAPHIR LEVI – April 2025

Photo credit: Jaxon Whittington

According to a recent press release: “Los Angeles-based Saphir Levi is stepping into a bold new era. The alt-rock singer-songwriter is thrilled to announce that she has signed to NOWHERE Recordings, in partnership with Pale Chord Records / Rise Records BMG. Along with the news comes Levi’s debut single “Forget It”, out now, with the music video available now. Initially performing under the moniker Saphir, Levi has amassed over 30 million streams globally, captivating audiences with her raw talent and evocative sound. Now, in 2025, she embarks on her next chapter—both sonically and professionally—with the release of her debut single “Forget It,” her first under her full name.” We get Saphir to discuss new music, influences, and more…

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?

At first listen, the song might sound like just another rock track about love but by the second listen, you’ll notice it’s actually a lot deeper and darker. Forget It is this seductive love song, and the video includes symbolic elements of magic. In a way, the song itself is like a spell meant to seduce someone you’re drawn to. Hidden nuggets? Definitely, some parts of my altar made it into the visuals. Fans who’ve followed me closely might catch things like my pooka shell necklace or the Michael Archangel poster that’s made a few appearances before.

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

Music runs in my family. My mom is a singer, and I grew up hearing her sing constantly. My grandfather played guitar, so I was surrounded by music from a young age. I think the moment it clicked for me was between the ages of 9 and 11 when I started becoming more aware of myself and realized I wanted to create something of my own.

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

The album that shifted things for me was Avenged Sevenfold’s self-titled album from 2007. I remember hearing “A Little Piece of Heaven” and instantly becoming obsessed, not just with the band, but with the idea of theatrical storytelling in rock music. Their range from guitar solos to vocal harmonies, and the way each song explored different dynamics inspired me to experiment and be more playful with structure in my own music.

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

I’d love to work with Benny Blanco. His body of work is legendary, and I feel like at this point in my career, we’d have great chemistry when it comes to building a record. He has an incredible ear for catchy hooks and melodies, and I naturally have a knack for writing strong choruses so I think if we joined forces, we could create something  special.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

I honestly don’t get much downtime. Most days I’m juggling a 9-5, making music, creating content, studying, or working out. But when I do get a moment to myself, I love hitting my favorite brunch spot, thrifting at Brandy Melville, or cuddling with my Italian Greyhound, Björk.

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

I’d say it’s solid rock music with ‘90s girl rock and grunge influences if music could have a genre called attitude, that’s what mine would be. My discography jumps around a lot some fans love everything, some love a few songs, and some don’t vibe with it at all. The most cringe thing people say is usually about my singing style, but honestly, that’s just how I sing. I’m not trying to sound like anyone else.

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

We’re mostly in work mode right now rehearsing and playing shows since our schedules are so tight. But my brother, who’s also the guitarist, is always the first to whip out the guitar whenever we do hang out.

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

When I met Mike Patton, I was completely starstruck. I’ve had a poster of him in my room for years, so seeing him in person didn’t even feel real. I’ve been a fan since I was 13. I got the courage to tell him about my music, even though I was nervous and stumbling over my words. Deep down, I always felt like we’d meet one day. He’s not someone you see often, especially now that Faith No More is on break and he’s mostly with Mr. Bungle, so it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

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?

The creative process is always the best part working on records, building songs from the ground up. If I couldn’t do music anymore, I’d want to be a lawyer.

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

A good question would be: What keeps you up at night? My answer: the grind. I’m always thinking about what’s next, what I need to finish, what I need to build. As for a question I’m tired of… it’s hard to say. I’m usually open to sharing my story, but I do feel like my answers evolve. Like, today I might say Diet Pepsi is my go-to, but tomorrow it’s Coke Zero depends on the mood.

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

Yes and no. I think every misstep was part of the path I needed to take to become my truest self. Destiny kind of designs the steps, even the ones that feel like setbacks. You have to go through the mess to evolve.

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?

I’d love to have been in the studio with Leonard Cohen while he was recording Songs of Love and Hate. I adore his work. That album has this quiet depth his voice, the lyrics, the guitar it’s all so raw and simple, yet filled with so much pain. It’s timeless, and you can’t recreate that kind of energy.

SAPHIR LEVI LINKS:

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Category: Interviews