Levi Petree

L.A. is filled with talented artists, each with a story waiting to be told. We caught up with local musician, Levi Petree, to talk southern roots, his career, and more. "Opportunity comes from putting yourself in a position to succeed," says Petree. Read on to get to know the man behind the music.
"I feel a genuine appreciation that maybe things happen for a reason and it’s led me to form great relationships and friendships with people I may not have met or worked with otherwise."
When did you start making music and how does it affect you?
I started making music about 5 or 6 years ago. It was something I’d wanted to do since I was a kid, but I never took lessons and didn’t have the self-discipline to teach myself. About 9 years ago, though, I was in a play with some Irish musicians and they invited me to their jam sessions. I sat in the back and just observed what other people were doing. I learned a few chords and just started tearing into my guitar, teaching myself how to play songs I loved. I already had the itch to write, so I started doing that pretty quickly once I’d learned how to put some progressions together. - Lucky Brand

Levi Petree has released a “haunting” video right in time for Halloween.

But at this time of the year, when “haunting” generally refers to ghosts, Petree is haunted by the ghost of a past love in the new video for his song, “I Know You’re Gonna Haunt Me.”

Petree manages to capture a very Chris Isaak feel in his latest video. With “I Know You’re Gonna Haunt Me,” The Americana musician has created a video that captures the imagination of everyone who has ever loved and lost.

Levi Petree Gets Lonely Too
The Louisiana-born Petree, who these days calls California home, has a great demeanor and is often surrounded by all sorts of friends. So you’d never know it but he confided that he too occasionally he gets lonely. That was when he fessed up and debuted his video for the song “Eyes So Blue” at CaliforniaRocker.com a few months ago.

In the meantime, “You’re Gonna Haunt Me” has a completely different tone; one of longing and the desire to go back to the loves of our past.

This is one talented folk-inspired singer-songwriter, like Peter Yarrow of the legendary Peter, Paul and Mary, except he gives his innovative songs a modern punk rock twist.

Petree has paid his dues and he will get his well-deserved time in the spotlight, mark our words. And we’re enjoying every moment of this great music. - California Rocker

Levi Petree and his band are rockin’ the Lousiana sound in Los Angeles. CaliforniaRocker.com premieres his new song and video “Eyes So Blue,” check it out. Petree brings a much needed infusion of good old rock and roll to the Golden State. Born in Lafayette La., he’s ready to tear up the scene. Check out “Eyes So Blue” here:
Levi Petree Blends Humor and Upbeat Sound

“It’s a rockin’ and catchy little tune we think could get stuck in the listener’s head and we’re proud to push it as a single,” said Petree. The video is a comedic one, directed by Sue Redman, which intercuts between a silly storyline and live band performance.

“Eyes So Blue” features great lead guitar work by Domo Daracki. The band is Chad McKinsey on drums and Sean Novak on bass, both out of Encino. When the band plays live, the guys are known by Levi Petree and The Radio Publica. They play the Satellite March 5. - California Rocker

More often than once, due to some serious songwriting chops, this artist makes you do a double take thinking you might just be listening to John Denver. The music is an eclectic blend. Petree does what a writer is said to do best––write what one knows, from the heart and staying true to his roots. With roots in Louisiana, Petree’s music does make some Cajun nods, while at the same time clearly seems to be influenced by a broad range of rock, country and even punk music. The addition of harmonica adds a John Lennon quality.

Musicianship: The bass and vocals are low at points, but the drum levels aren’t too overpowering so those issues are a minor concern. McKinsey and Novak are very in sync, clean and consistent. Together they bring down and ramp up tempos expertly. The group is joined by Guzman and Pennison, both members of Petree’s opening act, the High Life Cajun Band. Together they perform a medley of Cajun numbers including “Louisiana Saturday Night,” “Diggy Liggy Lo” and “Play Cajun Man.”

Performance: Petree is very in command, animated and stylized. This clearly seasoned performer is comfortable working the stage and interacting with his audience. At one point Petree seems to be challenged with his tuner and Novak wisely fills that time with banter. Together they work up their audience with hand clapping, feet stomping and tambourine. In particular for “The Rapture” they get the joint jumping with lots of stops and double timing.

Summary: While all aspects of the act are engaging and fun it feels like the set list could be broken up a little better between faster paced and slower tempoed songs. It felt like the Cajun tunes were bundled together toward the end, whereas integrating them throughout the set may have sustained the energy of the audience. It felt like “The Rapture” is really where the group could have left on a high note rather than reverting back to the initial pace of the performance. Given that this music is so lyric-heavy, having an instrumental section within the structure of each song might help with energizing the overall set as well as adding additional instruments to perform said solos, such as saxophone or keys.

The Players: Levi Petree, guitar, harmonica, vocalist; Chad McKinsey, drums; Sean Novak, bass; Ben Guzman, fiddle; Jacob Pennison, accordion.

Photo Ashley Ann Caven

Venue: Trip Santa Monica
City: Santa Monica, CA
Contact: lpandtherp@gmail.com
Web: levipetree.com - Music Connection

Levi Petree’s debut album is called It’s Country, but it isn’t. It’s a delicious melange of things that might fit neatly under the Americana umbrella: pastoral balladry, kick-ass stompers, folksy sunniness, and more than a little punk-rock snarl. They come together to make a debut that is strong and assured, with loads of personality.

Levi Petree is from Lafayette, Louisiana, and there’s a hit of swampy garage rock that wanders through It’s Country. The opener, “The Rapture” showcases Petree’s gift for lyrics (the last verse is fantastic and shot through with humor) and opens in a strident, almost Proclaimers-like way. That swells into a barreling, swaggering rave up with soaring guitars and a great deal of appeal. Petree’s lyrics on “What’s It Gonna Take” are shattering. The song is about the theater shooting in his hometown, and he asks when is enough enough? When will change take place? How many more people have to die? It’s heartfelt and moving and infuriating. The final line cuts right to the bone.

“Do What You Want” starts out sounding like the Sex Pistols, and becomes a pop-punky diatribe of one-sided friendship. It’s got an early 1980s feel of the masters of confessional writing, like an early Elvis Costello without the angularity but with an earthy grit instead. It’s deeply lovable and sounds like an instant classic. “Rockaway,” too, feels classic. A sly charmer with accordion, it’s an easy lope that bursts into a beautiful, Beatles-y technicolor stroll with utter sweetness.

It’s Country is often a terribly fun album. “The Habanero Do-Si-Do” is a witty and grungy story song, reminiscent of a Refreshments track. The punky closer, “Eyes So Blue” is a sing along that ends in a full on rave up of blistering vocals and giddiness. It’s enormously fun.

Levi Petree’s voice has a delightful timbre to it, and it’s highlighted nicely on “Lover’s Cove.” It’s a beauty of a ballad, lush and lovely, warm with sentiment. “Fight On” is both heavy and hopeful, lyrically, with bright guitar and a chugging beat. Petree’s voice has the barest twang, and the sound of a singer unstuck in time; current and classic at the same time.

It’s Country is one fine debut album. It firmly establishes Petree’s world view and heart, as well as showing his versatility as a singer and songwriter. It’s a Sunday morning album, but it’s also a road trip album. It implores you to sing along, but it also wants you to just sit and listen. It’s a good one.

It’s Country was self-released on March 3. - PopShifter

At its thunderous acme, which is where It's Country most often dwells, this stirs rush-blooded, reciprocal dedication. A stony, anthemic rock and roll marching mission with heart on parade, jaw out, and gaze targeting a convivial horizon.
Recommended "The Rapture," "Eyes So Blue," "The Habanero
Do-Si-Do," "I Know You're Gonna Haunt Me," "Do What You Want" - Damnation Dance Party

Levi Petree's debut album will feel familiar to fans of this blog. But to one of his friends, Petree's blend of punk, honky tonk, and country pop perplexed her so that when she asked Petree what his music was, he smiled and gave her the name of his debut album: It's Country.
If you're a fan of Frank Turner, you'll get hooked by the album's first two high-octane tracks "The Rapture" and "Fight On." Petree, a California resident by way of Lafayette, LA, certainly appreciates blending genres and putting on a great show. Petree's delivery on the album feels a little practiced and theatrical, but he's a great actor so it's hard to be bothered by it. It's Country is as entertaining as it is thoughtful, as can be seen on Petree's love songs and "With You By My Side," a slower version of "Fight On." The band's sense of fun is infectious and makes me excited to see them in person -- hopefully they'll make it over here. - Adobe and Teardrops

I met Levi through Sean, who I met through his wife, Christina, who went to college with my wife. Levi is cool. He plays country music, and I like it. Sean is also cool. We talk about music, politics, success, hardship, and keeping your nose to the grindstone in the face of adversity- Listen and enjoy! Check out the band at: www.levipetree.com - Living With a Genius (Podcast)

The first half of these tracks rock: “Fight On” and “Do What You Want” are real toe tappers, and spew the energy Cajun music is known for.
Somewhere around “The Habanero Do-Si-Do” gears shift, that track is an upbeat dance number about meeting the girl from across the tracks but the subsequent tunes are softer, more romantic, and drip the sappy romantic sound that comes from a lucky man who found his Maid Marion. That’s the read you’ll get from “Lovers Cove” and a much softer “With You by My Side (Rapture Reprise).”

We used to joke about “Punk Country” but it’s been a thing for some time. Cajun singer Levi Petree sings it sharp, but his real roots are in traditional guitar-based country. True, there’s a punk flavor on title track “The Rapture.” It’s a poke at the fundamentalist belief all the good people will disappear and only the creeps remain. This MAY have already happened, but what do I know about theology?

There some good rocking on this disc as well as some heartfelt romance. There’s even some storytelling, but not enough to qualify as a full up concept album. Its good music, sung well.

Carl F Gauze - ink19

Self-produced by Petree and recorded at Exposition Studios, It’s Country contains ten original songs that feature a diverse range of musical styles from the rallying, thrashing, punk flavored “The Rapture” which kicks off the record to the closer “Eyes So Blue,” an 80’s tinged rocker about loneliness. The album also includes “Fight On,” a roots based tune about pressing on through difficulties, “Do What You Want,” a country rocker of a kiss-off song, the thoughtful “What’s It Gonna Take?” and the good-humored and infectious “The Habanero Do-Si-Do.” The album is rounded out with the gentle, mandolin tinged “Lover’s Cove” and “I Know You’re Gonna Haunt Me” a roots rocker which features Liz Beebe on vocals. Give it a listen. - The Daily Country

Levi Petree is a talented artist who makes music that's hard to quantify but often has a rootsy heartbeat. "Fight On" is one of those songs from brand new album It's Country which speaks to us and we think it'll speak to you too. Below is a quick Q&A about the song and the video! If you like the song, we encourage you to check out Levi Petree at his website and all the music outlets where you can buy It's Country. (clicking cover art below takes you to iTunes)

We're always looking for some new stuff to share and when presented with the opportunity to share new music, we love to do that. Check out our exclusive world premiere of Levi Petree's single from his just-released new album "It's Country!"

1. Tell me about the song itself. What inspired you to write it?

To me, the most impressive thing about the human race is how we resilient we are. For all the things we get thrown at us, things that everyone will most likely experience in life, we find a reason to charge ahead. I wanted this to be something people could turn to if they needed a reminder.

I was fiddling with a chord progression one night and just started humming a melody that would become the verse. The first couple lines I came up with were about my cousin, who was a Marine and a new father. The song eventually morphed into being sectional - a personal verse, a verse about what was going on in the lives of people I knew, and a last verse about what I wanted for our future and their future. Took a while for me to find the right story, but once I had the chorus I felt it all started to click.

2. Where did you get the idea for the video? What were you hoping it would convey?

This particular video is a result of working with what you have. In this case, we had a great location. I was spending a couple months with my family down in south Louisiana and I wanted to take advantage of the very beautiful and natural scenery it has to offer. So, I had the area and chose a song to fit that. It's such a different way of life down there and we wanted something that would capture that.

3. Who directed the clip?

A good friend of mine named Courtenay Johnson directed the video. We'd met a few years before and I've loved the videos she'd directed for a couple other artists. She's also a great writer, which I think is another reason why it's easy to trust her. In addition to trying to find good visuals, she really gets the story-telling aspect of it. She wants you to feel something, rather than just have it look cool.

4. Where did you shoot it?

We shot all around South Louisiana, in the Acadiana area, which is where all the swamps and bayous of Cajun lore are. We shot outside a small town called Welsh, which is where my dad lives, as well as parts of Lafayette, which is the city I grew up in. - RoughStock

He proceeded to rock the Historic USO building like it's rarely been rocked before. By the end of his set, a crowd had gathered at the foot of the stage to dance to the band's thrashing riffs, highlighted by HSUMD's multi-color flashing light display.

The Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert generally hosts classic movie nights and invites speakers to talk about the area's history, but their event on Saturday night was all about making some noise.

Levi Petree & The Radio Publica took the stage next. Petree's bandmate, Chad McKinsey, knew someone from Ridgecrest and had performed at the Historic USO building before. Petree said, "He said when you walk in here, it feels like the kind of place Johnny Cash would've played."

The band opened their set with a bit of country, making a smooth transition from the soothing sounds of Alas de Liona's set. After a few songs, Petree grabbed the mic and said, "Thank you for enjoying the country segment of our set. Now it's time for some rock and roll." - The Daily Independent

In this newest installment of the Guest Room Sessions, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Levi Petree is performing his song “Do What You Want” exclusively for readers of The Boot.
For February’s Guest Room Sessions clip, Petree is joined by his friend Reneice Edwards. Petree tells The Boot that he chose “Do What You Want” because of its “bouncy energy and drive.”

“I’d also always wondered what it would sound like as a duet. I’d love to hear a woman cover it someday — is Beyonce reading right now?” Petree jokes. “I asked my friend Reneice to join me because we’d been wanting to do something together for a while. We’ve got a playful banter in our relationship, and I thought that chemistry would be good for the video.”

Petree’s original plan was to film his Guest Room Sessions video in a cramped elevator, taking advantage of any unsuspecting neighbors who called for the elevator as extras; however, he switched things up at the last minute.

“I walked past the trash chute [in my apartment building] and thought, ‘What better place for a song about taking out your emotional garbage?'” Petree explains. “We left a note on the door saying people could leave their rubbish in front of my apartment and I’d throw it out when we were done. Only one neighbor took us up on the offer … rubbish.”

“Do What You Want” appears on Petree’s forthcoming album, It’s Country, set for release on March 3. Readers can press play above to watch.

Read More: Guest Room Sessions: Levi Petree, 'Do What You Want' | http://theboot.com/guest-room-sessions-levi-petree-do-what-you-want-video/?trackback=tsmclip - The Boot

Opening for Unconditional Life was Levi Petree and the Radio Publica. Fronted by the Louisianan singer-songwriter Petree, the trio just about brought down the house with their raw, unfiltered rock and roll.
What Petree and his band lacked in polish and musical complexity – they more than made up for with stirring songs with genuine, honest lyrics. Many of their songs sound as if they’re anthems that have been belted out by bar patrons across the nation for the last hundred years.

While their latest album is simply titled “It’s Country,” the group is really much more than that. Petree and his band, drummer Chad McKinsey and bassist Sean Novak, merge the narrative singing style of Johnny Cash with their special mix of old-school-punk and americana rock for a sound that makes you just want to get up and dance. And for a lot of the audience, that’s just what they did.

Maybe the album title is a hint to Petree’s lyrical sense of humor. Songs like “The Rapture” and “Habenero Do-Si-Do” are chock full of tongue-in-cheek lyrics, but you’ll also sing along until your voice is raw.

The ballad “Neverwas” highlighted Petree’s baritone voice and had a very Cash-like quality (and he even tagged the song with the refrain to “I Still Miss Someone” just in case anybody didn’t pick up on it). The band may have only used three instruments and as many chords, but that didn’t impede them from putting on a great show.

Petree and company may have even given Unconditional Life a run for their money as to who was having the most fun that night. It seemed like they were never quite finished playing any of their songs. As soon as it was over, the middle eight chords would just start right back up and they danced around the stage to the audience’s clapping.

The band brought a lot of noise, a lot of fun and a lot of heart to the USO stage. I don’t know how Mr. Petree found his way to Ridgecrest from Louisiana, but I hope he and his band do it again. I’ll be there in the front row.

More about Petree and the Radio Publica and their music can be found at www.levipetree.com.

— Brian - The News Review

Levi Petree is releasing his new album "It's Country" this week and to celebrate we asked him to tell us about the inspiration for the song "What's It Gonna Take". Here is the story:

On July 23, 2015, I was at a little movie theatre in Los Angeles, watching the documentary "Amy." When it was over, I turned my phone on and received a flood of text messages. There'd been a shooting at a movie theatre in my hometown of Lafayette, LA, and a couple of people had died. Genuine shock. That was one of the few times in my life where I remember being genuinely shocked. Then I became angry. Rage. It'd happened again and now it'd happened in my hometown. It was the same theatre I'd go to with my family while I was in town and all I could think was that it could've been someone I knew. I remember taking out a notebook I had on me and just started writing what I was feeling. It just poured out.

By the time I went to bed that night, the names of the victims hadn't been released, but I knew for sure at least a couple of people had been murdered. Senselessly... and it made me rage inside. When I woke up the next morning, though, rage was replaced with dread. I had multiple texts from my sisters that just said "call me" and a voicemail from my Dad that mentioned someone who was basically family. Dread. I knew what they were about to tell me. We'd known someone in the theatre and we knew they'd been shot. The distance between Los Angeles and Louisiana had never felt so far away.

We got lucky, though, and learned our friend was going to pull through. But then I learned who hadn't made it and my heart broke for my hometown. They were two young women, vibrant and active in the community. I was an acquaintance of one of them who happened to be a musician and designer for a local clothing shop she owned with her husband. They sold Louisiana and Cajun-centic shirts and hats that featured original designs by her. Every time I went home, I'd stop by her store and pick up a new t-shirt. It was a way of taking Louisiana back to California with me. A little piece of home. Going to her store and wearing her designs helped me maintain a sense of pride in where I was from. I couldn't stop thinking about the two women who were gone, or my friend who was sitting in a hospital bed. I couldn't stop thinking about their families. And for the rest of the day, I just sat down with my guitar and processed. I didn't want to stop till it was done.Â

It's a song I feel very weird and torn about. On one hand, I'm proud of it and want it out there because it's a message I firmly believe in. It's a conversation. But I also can't help thinking of my friend, or the families of the victims. And I feel weird because, in a way, it's an attempt to tell their story while they're still living it. They're not something to politicize. So even though I have my own feelings on what caused this to happen and the larger political issue, the focus for me is always on them, the people who were directly impacted and suffered the hardest loss. This song is my prayer for them and a prayer for what happens from here.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself here and learn more about the album right here! - AntiMusic

Lafayette, Louisiana-native Levi Petree is a ragin’ Cajun who has an affinity for Johnny Cash and The Clash. Mix in his Louisiana roots, and the singer/songwriter has a sound as spicy as the gumbo his state is known for.
The bayou-bred musician learned his craft at Irish jam sessions where he was educated on “three chords and the truth” of songwriting. This style became his credo of sorts as Petree started crafting songs which would eventually become his album ‘It’s Country,’ a sarcastic title if there ever was one.

The songs on ‘It’s Country’ showcase a range of styles and influences. There’s a little Americana thrown in on tracks like the hopeful “Fight On” and humorous story song “The Habanero Do-Si-Do,” but you’ve also got barn-burning rave-ups (“The Rapture,” “Eyes So Blue”), an ode to Morrissey and ’50s pop (“I Know You’re Gonna Haunt Me”), a Beatles-esque sing-a-long (“Rockaway”), an early-Elvis era ballad (“Lover’s Cove”) and the snarl of the Sex Pistols (“Do What You Want”). The closest the album ever comes to truly tapping into its country namesake is the song “What’s It Gonna Take?” an emotionally charged, Springsteen-esque response to a movie theater shooting in Levi’s hometown of Lafayette in July 2015.

Innocent Words is honored to premiere Levi Petree’s riveting track “What’s It Gonna Take” off ‘It’s Country,’ and we sat down with singer to talk about this emotionally charged single.

Innocent Words: The background story for “What’s It Gonna Take?” is such a fucked up event. Was it hard to write this song?

Levi Petree: Unfortunately, this is something that came as a result of a horrible and unnecessary tragedy. There was a shooting at a movie theatre in my hometown of Lafayette, LA a couple years ago, and I wrote this song the night it happened. I’d been at a movie theatre here in Los Angeles and was hit with texts and voice mails about it as soon as I came out. It was an awful feeling because, as we’d seen so many times in the news, it could happen anywhere and it’d finally happened to a place and people I loved. I was angry and floored and just sat down to write. It was the same theatre I’d go to with my family while I was in town and all I could think was that it could’ve been someone I knew. Most of the lyrics just poured out of me. The next morning, though, I found out I actually had known someone in the theater who’d been shot, but they were going to survive. Then I learned the names of those who hadn’t made it and it just broke my heart. They were two young women, vibrant and active in the community. One of the women happened to be a musician and designer for a local clothing shop she owned with her husband. They sold Louisiana and Cajun-centric clothing that featured some of her original designs.

Every time I went home, I’d stop by her store and pick up a new shirt, or a button for my guitar strap. It was a way of taking Louisiana back to California with me, a little piece of home. Going to her store and wearing her designs helped me maintain a sense of pride in where I was from. I couldn’t stop thinking about the two women who were gone, or my friend who was sitting in a hospital bed. I couldn’t stop thinking about their families. And for the rest of the day, I just sat down with my guitar and processed. I didn’t want to stop until it was done.

Innocent Words: Writing the song is one thing, but recording it is another. Was it tough to get “What’s It Gonna Take?” how you wanted it to honor those effected by the tragedy?

Levi Petree: There was a great sense of fun for all of the other recordings, but this one was a little more serious. Because of the subject matter, I think everyone brought a bit more weight and wanted to make sure we did the subject justice. The majority of the songs on the album had all been in my band’s repertoire for a while, but this is one we hadn’t worked on much. I know we’d attempted rehearsals with it, but can’t remember if we’d ever felt confident enough to do it at a show. When we were recording, it felt like something new. It’s also one of only two songs we basically recorded live for the album. The rhythm guitar, bass, and drums were all recorded live and then we layered a bit of lead guitar and organ months later.

Innocent Words: I’m sure you had an idea in your head of what this song would sound like. How does the end result measure up to that idea in your mind?

Levi Petree: The final piece of the recording puzzle was getting our friend Erik Szabo to put some organ on it. I was in Louisiana for a couple months, but Sean and Chad kept working with him on all their keyboard parts for the album. I can tell you exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard the first mixdown of this song with completed organ. I was in Baton Rouge, killing time before a show by driving around on I-10. They’d just sent me the file and I played it through my grandmother’s car stereo. It was magnificent. I know it’s my own song and I’m invested in it, but Erik’s presence on this song made such a change in the recording that I completely forgot what had come before. There will always be things with my vocals and some extra guitar that I wish I could go back and tinker with, but I knew once we had that organ on there it was done. It felt complete. It brought more power and build to the chorus, also giving the song this elegiac, gospel tone that I thought was necessary. Chad and Sean also came up with this beautiful harmony for a background vocal on the bridge that I think added something special to that moment. What we released with this one is something I’m quite proud of.

Innocent Words: How do you think “What’s It Gonna Take” represents you as an artist? What do you hope listeners take away from having listened to it?

Levi Petree: I think it does a good job of representing the hybrid where I live. There’s no medium slog for me. I either want to do something simple with just my guitar and harmonica, or I want to have the life-affirming power of a rock & roll assault behind me. In a strictly musical sense, you get the best of both worlds on this one. Lyrically, I try to be thoughtful and compassionate and I think that helped to drive the song, as well.

I hope people that listen to this song can either relate to it, or maybe gain a different perspective without feeling like they’ve been preached at. That was never the purpose of this song. It obviously came from a very personal place for me and I’ve gotten involved with certain causes as a result. My only goal in releasing and promoting it, though, was to draw out awareness and empathy for someone else’s plight. - Innocent Words

Los Angeles-based Levi Petree’s music is a blend of flavors as rich and diverse as the Louisiana bayou in which he was raised. From British punk to outlaw country, he covers all kinds of bases, a fact evident on his new album, It’s Country, set for release on March 3rd.
The first song recorded for the album, “Lover’s Cove,” is a contemplative journey born from unexpected inspiration. “I’m one of those people who will turn their birthday celebration into a week-long affair, always has to be some sort of adventure. A couple years ago, I decided to spend the day taking advantage of every free thing that businesses offer you on your birthday,” he recalls. “Free breakfast at Denny’s (AND IHOP!), free coffee at Starbucks, ice cream at Baskin Robbins, etc. In Southern California, you can also take advantage of a free trip to Catalina Island on your birthday. Once you’re there, you’re like a kid on Pleasure Island. Free mini-golf, free bowling, free snorkeling, and the best part…free burritos. I walked around the island all day, nodding my head in acknowledgment at fellow ‘Birthday Ribbon’ wearers. By the end of the day, though, spending my birthday alone caught up with me and it didn’t feel that great,” he continues. “I started walking in the opposite direction from town. I’d wanted to get away from people and embrace the loneliness I’d foolishly thrown myself into. About half a mile down the unpaved road, I came across a rocky area called ‘Lover’s Cove.’ Seemed like a nice place to sit down and put a little dream to paper.”

The sound of crashing waves and crowd noise captured on Petree’s iPhone brings ambience to the early-Elvis-style ballad. “I thought it was important to add romantic instrumentation you’d hear in a sea-side town late at night,” he recalls. “To me, this song is about the vulnerability of contentment. Like waking up next to someone you know you’re in love with, but you haven’t said anything yet. Maybe you’re afraid to say it, or maybe you just wanna hold on to how full it makes you feel. But you know. For sure you know.”

“If this one ends up resonating with people, then I hope they’re also in a position where they can share an experience to it with someone they care about, that’s the vision I have any time I listen to it,” he adds. “A simple life, where it’s just you, me, and whatever we bring into it. A little house near the water, a Sunday night drive after a long weekend, making love in the rain, falling asleep under the stars, or a lullaby for the family of three you’ve just become. It’s saying, ‘Ya know, maybe I’ll try to get this right the first time.’”

Without further ado, Mother Church Pew proudly premieres “Lover’s Cove” by Levi Petree: - Mother Church Pew

Ragin' Cajun singer-songwriter/musician Levi Petree talks about his heartland rock/British punk/Outlaw country sound and premieres his new rockin' single.
Ragin’ Cajun Levi Petree may currently be located in Los Angeles, but his roots are in Lafayette, Louisiana where he grew up on the bayou. That unique environment and upbringing runs through Petree’s blood and informs the music that he creates. The singer-songwriter/musician also blends British punk, New Wave, 1970s Outlaw country, and classic heartland rock to into his sound.
“Do What You Want”, which premieres right here, does just that. It’s a gritty, but upbeat rocker filled with Petree’s direct, but rich vocals, harmonizing backing vocals, jags of distorted guitar, deep bass line twang, an emphatic drum beat pace, and constant smash of cymbals scintillation. - Rebel Noise

Levi Petree and The Radio Publica broadcast out of Lafayette, Louisiana. The band was born on the bayou, brings that spirit into their music. The band spins a radio dial of influences settling on cow punk to debut music from an upcoming album release in the video of “The Rapture”. - The Alternate Root

The new album from Levi Petree is titled “It’s Country”, but, it isn’t…really. A bit of country, some rock, some ballads (Which could be either rock or country) & maybe a little bit of punk too. The music is good, but, for me, Levi seems to have that rough twangy sound that old country singers had. Me, I’m not a fan of that, but, I know a lot of people are. The songwriting is good, so, you give it a listen, & let me know what you think. I give it a 3 out of 5 Music Guru Stars. - Music Guru Radio

TEN: Starting in 2013, each Friday, Innocent Words started shining the spotlight directly on up and coming artists/bands with 10 questions we like to call IW10.

Hometown:
Lafayette, LA

Members and Instruments:
Levi Petree – Songwriter, Guitar, Vocals
Sean Novak – Bass, Backing vocals
Chad McKinsey – Drums, Backing vocals

Short Bio (in your own words):
I grew up in Lafayette, LA, which is right in the heart of Cajun country. It’s hard to come out of there without a love for good times and good music. As a kid, I had a fascination with the history and imagery of popular music, be it classic rock, country, or the hits of the day. I wanted to know the little trivia nuggets behind each song and could tell you who sang what, when it came out, and what album it was on. I wanted to be part of it so badly, but lacked the discipline to teach myself an instrument. My parents got me an electric piano for Christmas when I was 10, but when I asked for a guitar years later, they said, “Nope, you never learned the piano.” Fair enough.

I played football and other sports as a kid, but was definitely more drawn to performing in some capacity. I did a couple of musicals in high school and when it was time to choose a career field, I told my counselor I wanted to be an actor. He set me up with an audition at a small school in central Louisiana and I ended up getting a scholarship. The rest just kinda tumbled from there. I moved to Chicago after school, helped start a theatre company, and eventually left for Los Angeles. In all of that time, though, I maintained that what I really wanted to do was play music. I’d put off learning my guitar for a long time, but lucked out when I did a play with these Irish musicians. They’d invite me to their jam sessions and it took off from there. Once I’d learned a few chords, I started writing my own songs and eventually got over my fear of performing them live. As fun as it was to finally play my guitar, I knew I wanted the energy of a rock ‘n’ roll band, so I pulled from my circle of friends and started making noise. Put out one EP called ‘Rebel Music’ a few years ago and now my full-length debut, ‘It’s Country,’ comes out on March 3rd.

What was the first live concert you ever went to?
The first concert I ever went to was a quadruple bill at the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA. It was Hank Williams, Jr. headlining, Charlie Daniels, The Marshall Tucker Band, and Molly Hatchett. My Dad was a member of the Rotary Club and they were hosting an international exchange with some Australians (“Young Levi” they called me). My Dad wanted to take them out and he got tickets to this show.

What is your funniest, or worst tour experience?
The absolute worst was a show I set up in Portland a few years ago for my birthday. I got it in my head I was gonna go somewhere I’d never been and set up a mini-tour in the process. What I failed to take into account was that I’d never been to Portland and nobody, not one person, had any idea who I was. Therefore, no one was gonna go out of their way to see me. I fly in, exhausted from celebrating the night before and having taken a red-eye with long layover, then show up at the venue where it was pretty much me, the lady playing before me, and her friends. I let the jet lag and embarrassment get the better of me and proceeded to laugh and stumble through my set. I played my entire set for those three, or four people in the room and it was AWKWARD. Felt like I made a complete ass of myself. The girl running the show, Ashleigh, was really sweet and took pity on me. She brought me to Voodoo Donuts immediately after. That’ll pick anyone’s spirits up.

What THREE things are a must have when you go on tour or play a show?
1. Ten minutes pre-show to sip a drink and write the setlist out. Before the show, there’s a lot going on with load-in, visiting with friends and, if you’re lucky, soundcheck. I’ve learned that if I don’t sneak away for a few minutes I probably won’t be in the best frame of mind to start the set. Not much of a drinker, but a little red wine, or scotch whiskey helps me relax and writing the songs out helps me visualize the flow of the evening.

2. A band huddle before we start the show. I’ve found the best gigs are usually the ones where we have a little inspirational pow-wow right before we go on. The delivery usually ranges somewhere between Jack Black in “School of Rock,” or a Marty Schottenheimer pre-game speech (“There’s a gleam, men!”).

3. A new battery for my tuner. I mainly play a ’78 Gibson Les Paul (that I’ve been “borrowing” from my stepdad for about 16 years). It’s notorious for going out of tune during shows, which leaves us up there practicing our Abbot and Costello routine. All of the band have given me enough grief over it to where I’m a little on edge going into shows. Lord Snark to the rescue!

What was the first record you ever purchased?
I’m pretty sure it was a cassette single of Weezer’s “Undone (The Sweater Song).” Our local pop station, 94.5 KSMB in Lafayette, had an underground show on Sunday nights and I remember lying in bed, trying to go to sleep, and hearing this really weird song about destroying a sweater. I didn’t know who sang it, though. About a week later, I was with my friend’s family at the New Orleans Riverwalk and saw a tape in the music store that said “Sweater Song” right there in the title. Surely, there could only be one. “Holiday” was the B-side.

If you had to record an EP of covers, which FIVE songs/artists would make the cut?
This is a tough one cause I love to cover songs and have been known to throw them at my band with zero notice before shows. These are the five I’ve got in my head right now, but I’m sure they’d change if you asked me next week.

1. “Shut Up Kiss Me” by Angel Olson.

I was obsessed with this song the last half of 2016 and strum it at home all the time. It reminds me of early Bowie. I wouldn’t wanna do anything too different from the original of the song, but could see it being performed a little heavier, a la The White Stripes. Pretty sure this is gonna get covered in rehearsal tomorrow.

2. “If It Makes You Happy” by Sheryl Crow

Had iTunes on shuffle the other day and when this came on, I thought, “Oh yeah, we GOTTA cover that!” Love me some girl pop and this song packs snarl without being over the top about it. That opening guitar riff is so gritty and the chorus kinda reminds me of Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town.” I grew up with ’90s alternative rock and this is something that could kinda fit into that. Good bar band song.

3. “Night Drive” by Part Time (acoustic)

My current obsession. Was at a bar the other night, heard this song, and it has literally been on repeat since. It came out in 2013 and I’ve no idea how I could’ve missed it. Sounds like these guys listened to the “Drive” soundtrack and set out to write a song that would not only fit on it, but also somehow be the best song on an already perfect soundtrack. My favorite thing to do in Los Angeles is roam around at night with a perfect playlist, so a song about just that was always meant to find me. At it’s core, it’s a really sweet song with a simple structure, so I think I’d wanna do an acoustic version with harmonica. Maybe recording this would finally give us some credibility with the hipsters in my neighborhood and they’d let us play The Echo.

4. “Nancy Spain” by Christy Moore

This is a beautiful Irish ballad and one of the first songs I ever learned on guitar. It’s a song about this guy who pines all his life for the one who got away, and it’s one of the most haunting and aching choruses I’ve ever heard. My friend John McKenna used to sing this song at the Irish Jam session I mentioned before, and I would be in awe when he did it. He’s got this great, soft growl in his voice and it comes across as such an honest and heartfelt delivery. Would love to do an arrangement where I sing the first part of the song and John takes the last half, representing the passage of time.

5. “Wolf Like Me” by TV on the Radio

This is one we’ve actually done a few times and it always brings the house down. Our band has some punk rock roots and the guys work the hell out of this one in their approach to it. Start hard on that B minor strum and just let the atmosphere build. Have the vocals come in first before letting the band go into full attack.

What’s your preferred music format – vinyl, CD, digital, cassette – and why?
I’d have to go with vinyl because there’s an experience associated with it. I like specific types of music on vinyl, though. Easy, strummy stuff like an old country album, or maybe some jazz and standards. Things that are perfect for a Sunday morning, or a rainy day. And I love that album sides are their own mini-playlists that the artist pored over to determine what was the best order for listening. I have a couple go-to selections for my favorite album sides and think they’re perfect – Van Morrison’s “Moondance,” Side 1, The Pretenders debut album, Side 2, and Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” Side 2. Actually, Springsteen gets a whole album with “Born in the U.S.A.” I know most people would probably pick “Born to Run” over it, but I have fond memories of “Born in the U.S.A.” on our home sound system when I was a kid and I still love doing chores around the house to it. Newer artists like The War on Drugs and Angel Olsen have pretty perfect records for vinyl, too. But if you want a single band that personifies the vinyl experience, I’d say CCR. Any Creedence will do the trick.

What is your website and do you have a music video to share?
www.levipetree.com - Innocent Words

I met Levi through Sean, who I met through his wife, Christina, who went to college with my wife. Levi is cool. He plays country music, and I like it. Sean is also cool. We talk about music, politics, success, hardship, and keeping your nose to the grindstone in the face of adversity- Listen and enjoy!
Check out the band at: www.levipetree.com - Living With A Genius (Podcast)

About a year after it started, MorrisseyOKE was featured on KPCC’s The Madeleine Brand Show. The added publicity brought in a new influx of Moz fans. Levi Petree is one of those more recent arrivals. A singer-songwriter who fronts a band called Radio Publica, Petree met his guitarist, John Salgado, Jr., at the party.
“I’d never been in this neighborhood. But after the first time I came … as long as you love Morrissey, people really embrace you,” he says, after performing an admirably non-campy version of “Bigmouth Strikes Again,” with Salgado accompanying him on guitar. “I’ve been coming here long enough now to where people are like family.” - LA Weekly

The Fringe show also includes country-influenced musical selections by Levi Petree and Radio Publica which had the audience tapping along and dancing their way out the door at the end of the show.

In early 2013, after taking the video characters live for a couple of solo performances (South Coast Repertory, PowerViolence), John Pick designed a rotating ensemble-based performance using real Craigslist posts as source material. - Broadwayworld.com

Thanks for joining me for Making Conversation, where every week I interview an artist in his or her 30s, who is doing work I find important, and has something illuminating to say about what it means to do what we do as we are now. My name is Chelsea Marcantel, and my guest this week is Levi Petree.... - Chelsea Days - Making Conversation