Justin Levinson

The son of singer-songwriter Bob Levinson, Justin Levinson grew up in Vergennes.{{cite web|url=http://www.boblevinson.com/bio.cfm |title=Bio |publisher=Bob Levinson |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}}{{cite web|url=http://www.7dvt.com/2008/justin-levinson-bury-your-love |title=Justin Levinson, Bury Your Love | Seven Days |publisher=7dvt.com |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}} In high school, he was introduced to Lester Bowie and Fontella Bass, who were traveling on a grant to bring jazz to rural areas. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, accepted in part due to a letter of recommendation from Bowie.{{cite web|url=http://www.hybridmagazine.com/reviews/0607/justinlevinson.shtml |title=REVIEWS | Justin Levinson - 1175 Boylston album review |publisher=Hybridmagazine.Com |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}}{{cite web |url= http://www.chargerbulletin.com/2014/02/12/livewells-latest-21/ |title=The Charger Bulletin » Livewell's Latest |first=Shannon |last=Livewell |work=chargerbulletin.com |year=2014 |quote=Lester Bowie and Motown legend Fontella Bass. They were both on a grant to bring jazz to rural areas and they happened to come to Vergennes, VT, where I was in school |access-date=April 17, 2014}} He started out studying jazz trumpet, before switching to and getting his degree in songwriting.{{cite web|url=http://upstatelive.com/2013/02/13/interview-with-burlington-vermont-based-singer-songwriter-justin-levinson-playing-the-westcott-theater-on-february-24th-3/ |title=Interview with Burlington, Vermont based singer-songwriter, Justin Levinson, playing The Westcott Theater on February 24th |publisher=Upstatelive.com |access-date=2013-08-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419012557/http://upstatelive.com/2013/02/13/interview-with-burlington-vermont-based-singer-songwriter-justin-levinson-playing-the-westcott-theater-on-february-24th-3/ |archive-date=2014-04-19 }}

On his earlier releases, Levinson's sound has drawn many comparisons to Ben Folds.{{cite web|url=http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/17768997/justin-levinson-performs-on-fox25 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130813212807/http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/17768997/justin-levinson-performs-on-fox25 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-08-13 |title=Justin Levinson performs on FOX25 - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 |publisher=MyFoxBoston |access-date=2013-08-12 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/news/necn/Shows/gml/ |title=NECN Shows - News |publisher=Boston.com |date=2006-08-22 |access-date=2013-08-12}}

Levinson released his first album, 1175 Boylston, in 2006, while a student at Berklee. On the album (which was named after Levinson's address at the time), he supplied the vocals and played piano, trumpet and trombone while his father played guitar, bass and drums on some tracks, with fellow Berklee student Adam Popick supplying the remaining instruments.{{cite web|url=http://tech.mit.edu/V126/N31/31Levinson.html |title=CD REVIEW: ...1175 Boylston... Impressive Debut for Berklee Student - The Tech |publisher=Tech.mit.edu |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}} The single "City With Two Streetlights" spent eight weeks on the CMJ Top 25 charts.{{cite web|url=http://www.vermontbiz.com/event/may/maritime-festival-announces-free-concert-music-series-aug-101112 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130813212759/http://www.vermontbiz.com/event/may/maritime-festival-announces-free-concert-music-series-aug-101112 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-08-13 |title=Maritime Festival Announces FREE Concert Music Series (Aug 10,11,12) | Vermont Business Magazine |publisher=Vermontbiz.com |access-date=2013-08-12 }} Faculty members of the Berklee songwriting department also voted the album's opening track “Sunny Day” the best song of the year.{{cite web|url=https://www.wacbiz.com/Justin-Levinson/artist/190 |title=Justin Levinson |publisher=Wacbiz.com |access-date=2013-08-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230202228/http://www.wacbiz.com/Justin-Levinson/artist/190 |archive-date=2011-12-30 }} Following the album's release, Levinson played the 2006 International Pop Overthrow Festival, and was named Best Male Artist at The 4th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards).{{cite web|author=rob v |url=http://www.cheapthrillsboston.net/2006/10/international-pop-overthrow-2006.html |title=Cheap Thrills - Boston: International Pop Overthrow 2006 |publisher=Cheapthrillsboston.net |date=2006-10-31 |access-date=2013-08-12}}{{cite web |url=http://www.inacoustic.com/artists.html |title=IAMA | International Acoustic Music Awards | Past Featured Artists |publisher=Inacoustic.com |date= |access-date=2013-08-12 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 2007, Levinson, by then a graduate of Berklee, released his second album, Bury Your Love. Many reviews of this record noted the influence of Elton John.{{cite web|url=http://www.notlame.com/Browse_by_Artist/JUSTIN_LEVINSON/Page_88/CDLEVINSON2.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130813212758/http://www.notlame.com/Browse_by_Artist/JUSTIN_LEVINSON/Page_88/CDLEVINSON2.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-08-13 |title=JUSTIN LEVINSON - Bury Your Love (mini-CD) :: Not Lame Recordings - power pop and melodic rock record label, music and CDs |publisher=Notlame.com |access-date=2013-08-12 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.powerpopaholic.com/2008/02/justin-levinson-bury-your-love.html |title=Justin Levinson "Bury Your Love" - Powerpopholic |publisher=Powerpopaholic.com |date=2008-02-10 |access-date=2013-08-12}} The same year, he won the ASCAPLUS award and was a finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition.{{cite web|url=http://www.njfolkfest.rutgers.edu/SSwinners_2011.html |title=New Jersey Folk Festival |publisher=Njfolkfest.rutgers.edu |date=2011-12-15 |access-date=2013-08-12}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ascap.com/members/ascaplus.aspx |title=ASCAP Plus Awards Information |publisher=Ascap.com |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}}

Levinson's 2009 release, Predetermined Fate, had a more country-influenced style.{{cite web|url=http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2009/11/19/music_listings/ |title=Music listings - The Boston Globe |publisher=Boston.com |date=2009-11-19 |access-date=2013-08-12}}{{cite web|url=http://www.skopemag.com/2009/11/20/justin-levinson-predetermined-fate |title=Justin Levinson, Predetermined Fate | Skope Entertainment Inc |publisher=Skopemag.com |date=2009-11-20 |access-date=2013-08-12}} One single on the album, "Waiting For Someone To Love Me", was played heavily on Sirius, and he was nominated for the Sirius singer-songwriter discovery of the year.{{cite web|author=Fri 4/6 - Doors: 8:30 p.m.. Show: 9:00 p.m. 21+ $5 |url=http://www.monkeyhousemusic.com/calendar/2012-4-6-saint-solitude |title=Saint Solitude | Live Music at The Monkey House Winooski, VT |publisher=Monkeyhousemusic.com |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}}{{cite web|url=http://www.firstnightburlington.com/page.php?pid=7&pname=artists-and-activities |title=First Night Burlington |publisher=First Night Burlington |access-date=2013-08-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226054749/http://www.firstnightburlington.com/page.php?pid=7&pname=artists-and-activities |archive-date=2013-12-26 }} Another track, “Losing You To Tennessee”, was featured on Virgin Airlines flights.{{cite web|author=Dave Dircks |url=http://www.acousticlongisland.com/2010/12/12/justin-levinson-live-at-acoustic-long-island-11-24-2010/ |title=Justin Levinson LIVE at Acoustic Long Island |publisher=Acoustic Long Island |date= |access-date=2013-08-11 }}

In 2012, Levinson released This Side of Me, This Side of You, his first album with his band, The Valcours.{{cite web|url=http://www.culturetease.com/2012/04/indie-spotlight-justin-levinson-and-the-valcours/ |title=Indie Spotlight: Justin Levinson and the Valcours |publisher=Culture Tease |access-date=2013-08-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618203114/http://www.culturetease.com/2012/04/indie-spotlight-justin-levinson-and-the-valcours/ |archive-date=2013-06-18 }} The band is made up of Sean Witters on guitar, Seth Barbiero on bass, Josh Glass on organ and synthesizer, and Simon Plumpton on drums and sampler, with Levinson writing the songs, and the group writing the arrangements.{{cite web|url=http://higherplainmusic.com/tag/justin-levinson-and-the-valcours/ |title=Justin Levinson and the Valcours |publisher=Higher Plain Music |date= 17 March 2012|access-date=2013-08-12}} Levinson plays piano and provides vocals.{{cite web|author=Peter Biello |url=http://www.vpr.net/news_detail/95367/levinson-captures-feel-good-hearbreak-vibe-in-new/ |title=Levinson Captures "Feel Good Hearbreak" Vibe In New Album |publisher=VPR |date=August 2, 2012 |access-date=2013-08-11 }} The album included a number of guest contributions as well.{{cite web|author=JP's Music Blog |url=http://jpsmusicblog.blogspot.com/2012/01/cd-review-justin-levinson-shows-us-his.html |title=JP's Music Blog: CD Review: Justin Levinson Shows Us His Better "Side" |publisher=Jpsmusicblog.blogspot.com |date=2012-01-20 |access-date=2013-08-12}} Boston-based recording artist Will Dailey appeared on the track "Let You Go", Burlington singer/songwriter Gregory Douglass contributed to "Love You Goodbye", and Liz Longley was on "I Was So Wrong."{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY8jaGGtGjU |title=Justin Levinson & The Valcours - Let You Go (feat. Will Dailey) OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-11-26 |access-date=2013-08-12}}{{cite web |author=Custom License |url=http://www.musicxray.com/xrays/817379 |title=Love You Goodbye | Justin Levinson & The Valcours |publisher=Musicxray.com |date= |access-date=2013-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141023045543/http://www.musicxray.com/xrays/817379 |archive-date=2014-10-23 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlDI8U0DOaQ |title=I Was So Wrong - Justin Levinson & The Valcours (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-07-17 |access-date=2013-08-12}}

In 2013, Levinson released the three-song EP Take My Time.{{cite web|last=Plain |first=Higher |url=http://higherplainmusic.com/2012/12/04/justin-levinson-take-my-time-review/ |title=Justin Levinson – "Take My Time" Review |publisher=Higher Plain Music |date=2012-12-04 |access-date=2013-08-12}} Noted in reviews as a slight departure from his work with the Valcours, the EP took a more country-influenced turn on the third and final track, “Bid The Rest Goodbye”, which employs steel guitars and fiddles.{{cite web|last=Haney |first=Shawn M. |url=http://performermag.com/justin-levinson-take-my-time/ |title=Justin Levinson – "Take My Time" | Performer Magazine |publisher=Performermag.com |date=2013-03-28 |access-date=2013-08-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030013106/http://performermag.com/justin-levinson-take-my-time/ |archive-date=2013-10-30 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.venturemag.co.uk/2013/04/17/justin-levinson-take-my-time-ep-review/ |title=Justin Levinson – 'Take My Time EP' Review |publisher=Venturemag.co.uk |date=2013-04-17 |access-date=2013-08-12}}

Early 2017, Justin Levinson released his fifth studio album Yes Man. The album was produced by Adam Popick. After touring California, he was invited by Songs & Whispers, a European booking agency, to tour Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/music-video-premiere-justin-levinsons-homewrecking_us_58a5e820e4b0b0e1e0e207d2 | title=Music Video Premiere – Justin Levinson's Homewrecking Machine | publisher=Huffington Post |date=2017-02-16 | access-date=2017-12-31}}{{cite web|url=https://glidemagazine.com/178553/video-premiere-justin-levinson-displays-essential-piano-pop-together-forever/ | title=Justin Levinson displays essential piano pop on Together Forever | publisher=Glide Magazine |date=2017-01-19 | access-date=2017-12-31}}{{cite web|url=https://www.kreiszeitung.de/lokales/verden/achim-ort44553/songwriter-pop-extraklasse-achim-justin-levinson-8747161.html | title=Justin Levinson: Songwriter-Pop der Extraklasse | publisher=Kreiszeitung | date=2017-10-05 | access-date=2017-12-31}}

During 2018, Justin Levinson collaborated with Anna Nalick on a new single titled A Part of Me.{{cite web|url=http://atwoodmagazine.com/jlpm-justin-levinson-a-part-of-me-anna-nalick/ | title=Premiere: Walk The Rainy Day Streets with Justin Levinson to his Jazzy "A Part Of Me" (Ft. Anna Nalick) | publisher=Atwood Magazine | date=2018-10-16 | access-date=2019-01-05}}

Collamer Circle is the fifth full-length studio album by Justin Levinson, marking his return to the music scene after a six-year hiatus. Released in 2023, the album is a culmination of Levinson's journey as an artist, reflecting his growth and evolution both personally and musically. The album showcases a blend of power-pop, soft rock, and introspective lyricism, all of which are underscored by Levinson's signature storytelling and melodic sensibility.{{cite web |last1=Patrick |first1=Natalie |title=Justin Levinson returns with his latest album "Collamer Circle" |url=https://earmilk.com/2023/10/02/justin-levinson-returns-with-his-latest-album-collamer-circle/ |website=Earmilk |access-date=3 September 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Rae |first1=Jimmy |title=Justin Levinson Invites US to ‘Collamer Circle’ |url=https://skopemag.com/2023/11/03/justin-levinson-invites-us-to-collamer-circle |website=Skope Mag |access-date=3 September 2024}}

Collamer Circle has been praised by critics as Levinson’s most accomplished work to date. Reviewers have highlighted the album’s rich melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and the seamless integration of various musical styles. The collaboration between Levinson and Ben Patton has been lauded for bringing out the best in both songwriters, resulting in an album that feels both nostalgic and fresh.{{cite web |last1=The Blogger |first1=Chris |title=Justin Levinson’s “Collamer Circle” is a Sonic Masterpiece |url=https://www.musicarenagh.com/justin-levinsons-collamer-circle-is-a-sonic-masterpiece/?feed_id=15562 |website=Music Arena GH |access-date=3 September 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Farnsworth |first1=Chris |title=Justin Levinson, 'Collamer Circle' |url=https://www.sevendaysvt.com/music/justin-levinson-collamer-circle-39089570 |website=Seven Days |access-date=3 September 2024}}

Levinson has played live in support of Apollo Sunshine, Serena Ryder, The Verve Pipe, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Matt Wertz, Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors, Grand Archives and Zox.{{cite web|url=http://www.nightskyentertainment.net/artists/justinlevinson.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130813212759/http://www.nightskyentertainment.net/artists/justinlevinson.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-08-13 |title=Justin Levinson |publisher=Nightskyentertainment.net |access-date=2013-08-12 }}{{cite web|author=+ Post an Event! |url=http://www.7dvt.com/grand-archives-sera-cahoone-justin-levinson?timeframe=past&%3BkeepThis=true&%3BTB_iframe=true |title=Grand Archives, Sera Cahoone, Justin Levinson | Seven Days |publisher=7dvt.com |date= |access-date=2013-08-13}} He toured with One Tree Hill star and singer-songwriter Tyler Hilton.{{cite web|author=Caitlin |url=http://www.confrontmagazine.com/2012/10/show-review-tyler-hilton-at-il-motore/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418234531/http://www.confrontmagazine.com/2012/10/show-review-tyler-hilton-at-il-motore/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=April 18, 2014 |title=Show Review: Tyler Hilton at Il Motore |publisher=Confront Magazine |date=October 4, 2012 |access-date=2013-08-11 }}{{cite web|url=http://noisetrade.com/justinlevinsonandthevalcours/this-side-of-me-this-side-of-you |title=Justin Levinson : Take My Time | Free Music Download |publisher=Noisetrade.com |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}} He has toured with Aaron Carter, opening on select dates of the After Party Tour, as well as with Teddy Geiger and Howie Day.{{cite web|author=Photo: Emily Slack |url=http://www.thenewshouse.com/story/pop-star-aaron-carter-remixes-his-image-after-party-tour |title=Pop star Aaron Carter remixes his image on After Party tour | The NewsHouse | Syracuse University and Community News - S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications |publisher=The NewsHouse |date= |access-date=2013-08-13}}{{cite web|url=http://www.vermontcynic.com/mobile/arts/local-vermont-artists-tear-into-national-tours-1.2852220 |title=Arts - Vermont Cynic - University of Vermont |first=Sarah |last=Stickle |work=vermontcynic.com |year=2014 |access-date=17 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419011716/http://www.vermontcynic.com/mobile/arts/local-vermont-artists-tear-into-national-tours-1.2852220 |archive-date=19 April 2014 }} He has appeared at NXNE and the Boston International Pop Overthrow.{{cite web|url=http://www.soundandscene.com/nxne-music-festival-canada-2012.html |title=NXNE 2012 Canada Music Festivals |publisher=Soundandscene.com |date=2012-06-17 |access-date=2013-08-12}}{{cite web|url=http://internationalpopoverthrow.com/schedules/ipo-2012-schedules/boston-2012/ |title=Boston 2012 |publisher=International Pop Overthrow |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}} He has also made television performances, including on Bangor's WLBZ, Connecticut's WTNH, Backstage With Barry Nolan (Comcast), The 10 Show! (NBC Philadelphia), NECN Morning News, Fox 44 Boston, Plum TV on Martha’s Vineyard and Late Night Saturday WCAX Burlington, Vermont.{{cite web|url=http://www.wlbz2.com/video/1096017567001/1/SingerSongwriter-Justin-Levinson |title=Singer/Songwriter Justin Levinson | Video |publisher=Wlbz2.com |access-date=2013-08-12 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418220902/http://www.wlbz2.com/video/1096017567001/1/SingerSongwriter-Justin-Levinson |archive-date=2014-04-18 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/ct_style/stage-8-presents-justin-levinson#.UgkdGoXtWGK |title=Stage 8 Presents: Justin Levinson |publisher=Wtnh.com |date=2013-01-29 |access-date=2013-08-12}}{{cite web|url=http://www.xmrradio.com/?p=241 |title=Justin Levinson & The Valcours | XMR.fm |publisher=Xmrradio.com |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}}

Levinson wrote and performed a song for the 2013 film The Den, entitled "Love You Goodbye".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/14/movies/the-den-explores-a-web-based-murder.html|title='The Den' Explores a Web-Based Murder|first=Andy|last=Webster|work=The New York Times |date=13 March 2014|publisher=|via=NYTimes.com}}

Levinson works for Champlain Community Services, an organization dedicated to help provide services and self-advocacy to developmentally disabled adults.{{cite web|url=http://ccs-vt.org/?page_id=42 |title=Champlain Community Services » » Self Advocacy |publisher=Ccs-vt.org |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}} He facilitates a show called The Advocacy Team, which airs on Vermont Community Access Media.{{cite web|url=http://www.vermontcam.org/vcam%20schedule.htm |title=vermontcam.org |publisher=vermontcam.org |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}} The show features clients of Champlain Community Services interviewing local celebrities.{{cite web|url=http://www.wcax.com/story/22411204/the-advocacy-team |title=The Advocacy Team - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports |publisher=Wcax.com |date= |access-date=2013-08-12}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.justinlevinson.com/ Official website]

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Category:1985 births

Category:Living people

Category:Musicians from Vermont

Category:American male singer-songwriters

Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters

Category:21st-century American male singers

Category:Berklee College of Music alumni