The One And Only, Ariel Levine!
Ariel Levine remembers the smell of the record cabinet as his father held him in their New York City home. “It’s funny but, as a baby, I remember dancing to, Talking Heads and Huey Lewis and the News. When I was about 5 years old, I remember my babysitter listening to Michael Jackson and around the same age, I was introduced to Pink Floyd. By the age of 10, I began playing instruments. I knew by a young age that I wasn’t meant to be in an office working 9-5. I tried acting, film-making, and art but music had always stuck.” #music #art #love #mentalhealth
As you can tell, Ariel’s world revolved around dope tunes. By the age of 12, he wrote his first song inspired by the band, Nirvana. Levine’s interest in music and recording exploded after a recording sesh with some friends. He explained; “I was 14 and played in a band with my friend’s; [who have successfully made it in the music world] We were at my friend's house recording and I became obsessed with the recording tools.”
After dropping out of high school, Ariel continued to pursue his dream of performing on stage yet, he felt as though he wasn’t going anywhere in life. By the age of 20, he decided to start his own flippin’ band! It took a few years, and countless band members before KiNDERGARTEN, was established and remained a team for 5-6 years while releasing 2 albums. Ariel admits, “Learning to communicate and accept feedback is very difficult, it took years for me to learn. We broke up in 2010; New York was a tough place for the music scene back then. I didn’t know how to put us out there, I was waiting for someone to hand me an opportunity.” Frustrated but full of pride, Levine decided to move to LA to continue reaching for his star. Realizing LA wasn’t the easiest life for a new artist, Levine headed south to San Diego, CA.
Having previously attended school to study audio engineering, Ariel continued to build a network with musicians by assisting with mixes and recordings. After a few years of audio engineering, he wanted to get back to what made him truly happy, creating music himself. In 2016, Levine founded, Ariel Levine & Mechanical Royalty. Ariel’s first solo album, Let The Machine Get It, was released in 2017. In 2018, Ariel won, Song Of The Year at the San Diego Music Awards. This could have been the dream he had always dreamed of yet, he had too much self doubt while battling his own depression and mental health to keep the band together. Levine fully “regrets” disbanding the group in 2019.
Ariel’s depression came in tsunami sized bundles. He felt as though his music was a failure alongside his newly ended engagement. Self medicating and wallowing in his own self pity, Levine knew he needed to make a change in his mental health before his path ceased to exist forever. Antidepressants were not an option therefore, he sought holistic treatment. Transcendental meditation, tai-chi, yoga, and therapy have assisted in Ariel’s recovery as he continues to stay as positive as possible. Levine admits, “Actually I'm still an angry basket case but, I'm taking baby steps”.
So what is Ariel Levine up to these days? “I’m working on a singles series. My plan is to release 7 songs every 2 months.” Levine continues with a smile, “I have released 4 already and I am working on more although the virus has delayed my progress. After that, who knows! I plan to reunite with a few band members of Mechanical Royalty, to form a new trio. We will have to wait and see, I’m not pressuring myself to hurry. Putting out a single is less pressure and honestly, I do it for myself.”
Balancing a healthy life while doing what you love is important. Ariel only has one tip for all artists which he believes is of the utmost important tip of all. “Do it for yourself, no one else.”
Take a gander at all of Ariel’s tunes, feel his emotion while submitting yourself to relaxation. Until next time...Stay Golden Team!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaZRWdTey6yJp9yeB82Fl_g
https://www.facebook.com/TalkingHeadsofficial
http://www.hueylewisandthenews.com/
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Photography By: Brandy Bell
LTMGI Cover Photography by: Ryan Abribat
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