Levitt8 Interview
Here's an interview with Levitt8. Thank you Matt!
Question:
"Names of the members of the band and the instruments they play?"
Answer:
"I'm Matt and I play guitar and sing. Jeff plays bass, CJ plays drums, and we have Scott on keys/synths. We also have different horns, percussion, guitars, and other people fill out the band when we want a different vibe. We like mixing it up a lot to keep things fresh, just following the currents,,,"
Question:
"How did the band get its name?"
Answer:
"To Levitate is to rise, to lift up, off this world, this plane really. Our music says that. Well, we don't actually say it but I think it's clear when you hear us, you get that feeling. That, and my last name is Levitt."
Question:
"How long has this group of people made up the band?"
Answer:
"We played our first show last December."
Question:
"How long has the band been in existence (if different)?"
Answer:
"If you go by our first show, under this name, with these people, then since December. But before that there was different combos and projects."
Question:
"Album(s) released and the year(s) they were released? First single released?"
Answer:
"Tao Jones 2002. We're currently starting work on a single for the song '"Open Wide" which is a live staple of ours. (a live version is available at mp3.com) The b-side will be "Dillyo" which is another song we play live quite a bit. It will give people our first recorded dose of our dance fusion hybrid."
Question:
"Where can people find our more about your band?"
Answer:
"See us live. We definitely have something for everyone without watering down our influences. We also have a website that our friend Chris keeps updated really well. www.levitt8.com"
Question:
"Where's your favorite place to perform?"
Answer:
"The First Avenue Mainroom was a big step for us. Three of us grew up in Minneapolis so that place has always represented the pinnacle of what so many musicians aim for. We are really happy at the 5 Corner's Saloon on the West bank as well. They have been instrumental in our success in Minneapolis, allowing us to experiment musically as well as with the acts we bring in to play with us."
Question:
"What's your favorite thing about entertaining?"
Answer:
"I don't know. I'm doing this because I have to, I'm trying to find that place
inside me which has to express this music. It's like asking yourself what your
favorite thing about being entertained. I'm just following the lead, so to
speak. The music is where it's at."
"What's your least favorite thing about entertaining?"
Answer:
"Having to sell beer and alcohol to justify playing shows."
Question:
"What's your most memorable moment on stage?"
Answer:
"In Levitt8....probably at this gig we had up in Moorhead last spring. It
wasn't as outwardly exciting as playing the Big Wu Family Reunion or First Ave
but the six of us that night really connected on a different plane and the
resulting music was incredible. It was definitely one of those instances that
you remember when you're broke and wondering why is it you will drive hundreds
of miles for next to nothing show after show after show."
Question:
"What's your most memorable moment off stage, music related?"
Answer:
"Any moment that I can be completely here and now. I've had some spiritual
experiences that have been musical and not, but they always came about by me not
thinking so much and just being."
Question:
"Is there anything your fans don't know about you that you think they should?"
Answer:
"We used to have parties at our house before and after all of our local shows.
Sarah would cook up a bunch of food and we'd have refreshments and such and it
was really our way of saying thanks and let's all do this together. I think
we're all pretty approachable guys anyway. There's no big wall between us and
everyone else there."
Question:
"Is there anything you want to say to your fans?"
Answer:
"That we love each and every one of them. Sign our guestbook on our website and we'll write you back."
Question:
"Is there anything you want to add?"
Answer:
"For us this is a movement. It's a spiritual thing, a consciousness thing, wrapped in a musical package. It's a chance for each person to do there own thing, and know it's all a part of the whole. We've definitely got something that people can relate to, musicians and non-musicians, dance fans, serious academic-minded listeners. Whether you're into rock or jazz or techno or you think you like some of it and not others, well, satisfy your curiosity. We welcome you with open arms."