EMQs with EMQ’s With Levinia

EMQs with Levina

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is Kourt Henson, and I am the lead vocalist and primary lyricist for Levinia. Levinia is a Los Angeles-based melodic metal band that combines heavy riffs, soaring vocals, orchestral elements, and storytelling. The band originally formed in 2015, and I joined in late 2017. Since then, we’ve evolved tremendously as musicians and songwriters. We released our debut EP Liberation in 2018 and have spent the last several years refining our sound, writing new material, and building the next chapter of Levinia. Today, we’re focused on releasing a series of singles that showcase who we are as a band right now.

How did you come up with your band name?

Levinia is actually inspired by Lavinia, one of the central characters in Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare. Outside of music, I’m a Shakespeare nerd. His work has always been one of my greatest literary passions. Lavinia’s story is one of the most tragic and powerful in Shakespeare’s works. Despite enduring unimaginable suffering, she remains a symbol of resilience, survival, and strength in the face of cruelty. When we were searching for a name, I was drawn to the beauty and elegance of “Lavinia,” but also the horrid fate of the character. We altered the spelling slightly to create Levinia, giving it its own identity while still paying homage to its literary roots. Since much of our music focuses on storytelling, human struggles, darkness, perseverance, and transformation, the connection felt incredibly fitting. It’s a subtle nod to my love of literature and Shakespeare while also representing the themes that run throughout our music.

What Country / Region are you from, and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

We’re based in Los Angeles, California, which has one of the most vibrant and diverse metal scenes in the world. On any given night, you can find everything from death metal and thrash to symphonic metal and progressive rock. Southern California has produced countless legendary bands, and there’s a strong sense of community among musicians. It’s competitive, but it’s also incredibly inspiring because you’re constantly surrounded by talented artists pushing themselves creatively.

What is your latest release?

We recently released two new singles, “The Thorn” and “Silver Tongues.” Both songs have accompanying music videos and are available on all major streaming platforms. We also have a brand-new single called “Bite” coming out on June 12th, and we’re incredibly excited for people to hear it.

Who have been your greatest influences?

Personally, my biggest influences include Nightwish, Kamelot, Epica, Lacuna Coil, Evanescence, and Alice Cooper. Growing up, I was also heavily influenced by classic rock artists like Heart, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, The Eagles, and The Rolling Stones because of my dad. Those artists taught me the importance of storytelling and creating music that leaves a lasting impression.

What first got you into music?

I’ve been singing for most of my life and studying music for over 25 years. My grandfather played a huge role in encouraging my love of music. I grew up performing in choir, theatre, and opera, and eventually discovered metal. What drew me in was the combination of technical musicianship, emotion, and storytelling. It felt like the perfect intersection of everything I loved.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?

I’d love to collaborate with someone like Simone Simons from Epica or Tommy Karevik from Kamelot. Both artists are phenomenal storytellers and vocalists, and I think their styles would complement what we do incredibly well. I would also love to have Roy Kahn do guest vocals. His voice takes you on such a journey, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Wacken Open Air in Germany, without hesitation. It’s one of the most iconic metal festivals on the planet. Playing in front of tens of thousands of passionate metal fans would be an absolute dream and a milestone for any metal band. I would also love to play Loudpark in Japan. I adore Japan and would love an excuse to travel back!

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Nothing too bizarre yet! Although I think every musician secretly waits for the day someone gives them something completely random that becomes a legendary tour story.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Thank you. Truly. Every stream, every share, every ticket purchased, and every message means more than people realize. Independent bands survive because of passionate fans. We don’t take that support for granted, and we’re incredibly grateful for everyone who’s chosen to join us on this journey.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

That’s a tough choice. I’d have to say either Ronnie James Dio or Ozzy Osbourne. Ronnie’s voice, stage presence, songwriting, and influence on metal are absolutely legendary. His contributions helped shape the genre into what it is today, and his music continues to inspire generations of musicians. On the other hand, Ozzy was truly a force of nature. He brought a unique energy and personality to everything he touched. What I admire most about him is how unapologetically himself he was. He never tried to fit into anyone else’s expectations and always marched to the beat of his own drum. Whether on stage or off, he embraced who he was without compromise, and that’s something every artist can learn from. Both of them left an immeasurable mark on metal, and the genre wouldn’t be the same without their contributions.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I love creating something from nothing and seeing people connect with it. There’s nothing quite like performing a song live and watching an audience sing the words back to you. What I dislike is how much of modern music requires you to become a content creator and marketer. While those things are necessary, most musicians got into music because they love creating art, not because they wanted to become social media experts. I am also not the biggest fan of uncertainty.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I’d love to see independent artists compensated more fairly through streaming platforms. There are so many talented musicians creating incredible music, yet the current system often makes it difficult for artists to sustain themselves financially, even when they have loyal and dedicated audiences. Musicians invest countless hours writing, recording, rehearsing, touring, and promoting their work, and I think that effort deserves better compensation.

I would also like to see greater protection for human artistry as AI-generated music becomes more prevalent. Technology can be a useful tool, but I believe music is ultimately about human expression, emotion, and lived experience. There’s something irreplaceable about a songwriter pouring their heart into a lyric or a musician spending years mastering their craft. My concern is that AI-generated music could devalue the work of artists who dedicate their lives to creating something authentic and meaningful. At the end of the day, music should be about connection, and that connection comes from real people sharing real stories.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

The Black Halo by Kamelot. It’s a masterpiece from start to finish. The storytelling, performances, production, and emotional depth are everything I love about metal.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s, or Downloads?

Vinyl for the experience. Streaming for convenience. There’s just something special about sitting down and intentionally listening to an album on vinyl from beginning to end.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Playing at 1720 in Los Angeles stands out as a major highlight. It’s always exciting to perform at a respected venue and share the stage with talented bands while connecting with new audiences.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I’m actually a high school English teacher and doctoral student when I’m not performing. If music disappeared tomorrow, I’d still be teaching, writing, mentoring students, and helping people tell their stories.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Alice Cooper, Beethoven, Ronnie James Dio, Bram Stoker, and Edgar Allan Poe. I feel like that conversation would be absolutely chaotic and unforgettable.

What’s next for the band?

More music, more videos, and more shows. “Bite” releases June 12th, and we have additional singles planned beyond that. We’re focused on growing Levinia both nationally and internationally and continuing to build momentum with every release.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

Fans can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok under @leviniaofficial. The best place to stay updated is our website at www.leviniaofficial.com, where you’ll find our music, merchandise, and upcoming show announcements.

Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK, either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll, or a Tea Cake

A long time ago, I studied abroad in London, and one of the things I miss most about my time in the UK is a good tea cake. I also developed a serious addiction to Chocolate Digestive Biscuits; they are dangerously good! I also have to give an honorable mention to a proper Irish ham and cheese toastie. I know you’re asking about bread specifically, but I can’t help myself! I’m of Irish descent, and a good toastie is a staple comfort food, especially during the winter months. When I visited Ireland a few years ago, they tasted even better than what I had attempted…But if I have to answer the question directly, I’m going with Tea Cakes!

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

We encourage everyone to check out our latest singles, “The Thorn” and “Silver Tongues,” and keep an eye out for “Bite” on June 12th. Most importantly, support local and independent music. Today’s small band could become tomorrow’s headline act, and every artist appreciates the people who believed in them from the beginning. 🤘All in all, THANK YOU! Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.