2016 has been a whirlwind for Levi Hummon.
In just six months, the country artist released his self-titled debut EP, toured the United States with Ram Trucks, and has been named the “one to watch” from many notable music critics.
Celeb Secrets Country had the opportunity to sit down with Hummon to talk all things music and Nashvegas! In our interview, the singer/songwriter opened up about co-writing the songs on his debut EP, what he enjoys most about playing shows, and his upcoming performance at CMA Fest. Hummon also shares his favorite spots in Nashville and his first love for painting and visual arts.
Make sure to catch Levi Hummon at the 2016 CMA Music Festival next Saturday, June 11th on the Gildan Broadway Stage @ 12:45PM CT in Downtown Nashville. Check out our full Q&A and a clip from his recent tour below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXhRiKDSbIQ
Celeb Secrets Country: Can you tell our readers a little bit about your new record?
Levi Hummon: “I’ve been writing this EP for basically the last two and a half years. Like five times a week, even two times a day. I just really wanted to put out music that showcased a more commercial side of me and something that’s a little more uptempo. I wanted all the songs to be something you could be listening to while driving down the highway and have it cranked up.”
Celeb Secrets Country: In this EP, you basically co-wrote all of the songs. What was the writing and recording process like?
Levi Hummon: “I would write the songs during the week and I then I would go open up for Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini or Maddie & Tae. I would write these songs and then perform them. Some songs would just generate better feedback than others. I would basically go out, play those songs, and base it off of the fans’ reactions. Then I came back to Nashville and was like, “I have to record this” and “I have to do this”.”
Celeb Secrets Country: Do you have a debut album coming out soon?
Levi Hummon: “I just released the EP and now I’m going to step back and see it how it does. There’s nothing planned as of yet, but very very soon.”
Celeb Secrets Country: You mentioned performing with Maddie & Tae and Kelsea Ballerini. What’s it like performing in front of a lot of people?
Levi Hummon: “It’s amazing! I grew up in that songwriting world with my dad being a songwriter, but it’s a totally different atmosphere when you’re in front of these young fanbases. Usually it’s a ton of screaming girls. It’s been interesting with me pushing myself to be an entertainer and really trying to interact with the crowd.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGC0q5rQUHw/
Celeb Secrets Country: You’re considered one of this year’s artists to watch. In your opinion, why should our readers be on the watch for you?
Levi Hummon: “I come from a singer/songwriter background so I feel that I have a lot of music and a lot of stories to tell. I come from a place where it’s normal to share your story and be an artist who expresses them self in a unique way. I feel that the reason why people have been connecting with me is because I come from a very honest, vulnerable place. I tell real stories that people can relate to. Whether it’s about a break up or having a good time, that’s where I want to exist.”
Celeb Secrets Country: Are you still living in Nashville?
Levi Hummon: “Yes. I live like a block away from my parents. Close enough to steal food out of there fridge, but far enough that they can’t bother me when I’m hungover (laughs).”
Celeb Secrets Country: What are your favorite spots in Nashville?
Levi Hummon: “I’m usually here in the evenings so I try to hit as many bars. My favorite one is Acme Feed & Seed. It has the best rooftop out of every bar in Nashville so you can see entire skyline of downtown and the Cumberland River. There’s another place called The Red Door. You would probably run into me there.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BF9P4IvQUNs/
Celeb Secrets Country: Do you have any CMA Fest plans this year?
Levi Hummon: “I’ll be playing at the Hard Rock this Saturday and this will my second time at the Hard Rock. I’m so ready to see all those people again and show them what I’ve been working on. I was actually playing with Dan + Shay last month and I had a group of 20-30 girls singing lyrics. It was the most amazing experience I ever had. It was crazy seeing somebody know your lyrics better than you do. It was mind-blowing! I just can’t wait to see my fans’ reactions to my new EP.”
Celeb Secrets Country: It must be great seeing your hard work pay off when your fans are really supportive.
Levi Hummon: “It’s a really humbling thing. These girls I met at a M&G told me how they downloaded my EP, listened to it for 2 days, and learned all the lyrics so they could sing along with me. That meant so much to me, they made it all worth it.”
Celeb Secrets Country: Do you have anymore fan moments that stood out to you?
Levi Hummon: “Well that just recently happened, but there’s another crazy fan moment that happened a few weeks back. I was standing in line at McDonalds and then a group of like 15 people came up to take pictures of me. I’ve never experienced that before either. It was just great.”
Celeb Secrets Country: Since our site is called Celeb Secrets Country, do you have secret or even a fun fact about yourself that you can share with us?
Levi Hummon: “A fun fact about me is that I went to college to be a visual artist/painter. So at first, I really wanted to become a sculpture or a painter or something in that kind of world. But I ended up picking up a guitar somehow and writing breakup songs. That was my introduction into the music industry other than my family being into music.”
Photo by Joseph Llanes
