Interview: Levels on Carving Their Own Path, Breaking Through the Static, and Becoming “The Network”
Momentum isn’t always loud at first. Sometimes it’s built quietly, show by show, release by release, city by city, until it reaches a point where it can’t be ignored. For LEVELS, that momentum has been forged through intention, experimentation, and an unrelenting work ethic shaped by coming up in a smaller market with no clear roadmap.
Hailing from Arkansas, LEVELS understands what it means to build without a blueprint. With limited examples of bands from their immediate scene taking the next step, they learned early that progress wouldn’t come from imitation, it would come from originality, risk, and persistence. That mindset has become central to their identity, both musically and philosophically.
Blending melody and heaviness without forcing either to take a backseat, LEVELS’ music thrives on emotion, energy, and unpredictability. Their songs don’t follow formulas so much as feelings, and their live shows aim to do something increasingly rare in the modern world: make people feel something again. Whether through crushing intensity or moments of reflection, the band wants listeners to leave connected, present, and fully human.
In this Rock News US interview, LEVELS reflect on how the band formed, how their Arkansas roots shaped their approach, the natural evolution behind their latest releases, and why their vision has always extended beyond just the stage.
Interview with LEVELS:
1. LEVELS has been building steady momentum—how did the band first come together, and what was the original vision?
The band first came together while we were all in college at the University of Central Arkansas. Dalton and Rob (former guitarist) had a vision of what they wanted LEVELS to be and started picking out people from the music scene that they thought would fit—thinking back on members in other local bands they had crossed paths with that stood out.
The early vision is still very much the ethos of the band: make music that’s outside the box and put on an energetic live performance.
2. What does the name “LEVELS” represent for you as a band?
We leave it up to interpretation.
3. Coming out of Arkansas, how has your local scene shaped your sound and work ethic?
It’s inspired us to always work twice as hard as everyone else to create the opportunities needed to take the next step. Being in a small market where there are little to no bands taking those next steps can leave you lacking direction.
You have to carve your own path, make music that’s true to you, and figure things out on your own. It’s hard, but it makes you truly appreciate every little win.
4. Your music blends melody with heaviness—how do you balance emotion and aggression in your songwriting (using “Black Dove” as an example)?
It’s never really a discussion during the writing process. We’re always trying new things and end on what we think sounds the best—not necessarily what the track calls for at face value.
5. Are your newer releases a natural evolution or a deliberate shift in direction?
It was a natural evolution. I think we all collectively had an unspoken moment where we realized we needed to go into the writing process with a fully open mind to get the best out of ourselves.
6. Is there a song in your catalog that best represents who Levels is right now?
“Covert One” mixes just about every element you can expect to hear from LEVELS all into one.
7. What themes or experiences are you pulling from for your current material?
Life experiences and every emotion. Nothing is off the table. There should be something for anyone to resonate with—if they listen closely and are willing to feel.
8. How does the energy from the crowd affect how you perform?
A high-energy crowd will always multiply the energy we have on stage. We feed off the crowd and they feed off us. No matter the crowd size, we will always leave it all on stage.
9. Any shows or tours that stand out as turning points for the band?
Our most recent tour with Keith Wallen really challenged us personally and professionally. We’d never been on a full month-long run before. Keith and his band were an absolute treat to be on the road with.
We learned every day how to operate at a higher level and felt comfortable doing so by the end of the tour. Previously, we’d mainly done DIY headline tours, so this was a chance to put ourselves in front of unfamiliar audiences. Seeing our music translate in real time to new listeners was a joy every night.
10. What advice would you give to other bands coming up in smaller markets?
Make music that inspires you. If things feel stale or like you’ve plateaued, be willing to experiment and get out of your comfort zone. Be intentional with everything you do—people are always watching, even if you don’t notice them.
Play lots of shows. Make friends with other bands locally and regionally. Thank your local booking agents and DIY venues.
11. How do you stay motivated in an industry that can be unpredictable?
We’re focused on writing the best music we can, putting on the best live show possible, and expanding “THE NETWORK” right now. We’ve set incredibly high goals for ourselves and are nowhere near accomplishing them.
12. If someone is hearing LEVELS for the first time, which song should they start with—and why?
“PULSE.” It’s the title track to our debut on Sharptone. It encompasses everything LEVELS has evolved into and continues to evolve into. There’s so much emotion from our journey in that EP, and that song exemplifies it.
13. Ultimately, what do you want people to feel when they leave a LEVELS show?
Something. The world is engineered to numb you—endless scrolling, endless distraction. We want to break through that static and remind you that you’re human.
We want people to walk out feeling connected, alive, and aware. Become part of “THE NETWORK“.
Levels isn’t chasing shortcuts or trends, they’re building something intentional, emotional, and lasting. From Arkansas basements to national stages, the band continues to prove that momentum doesn’t come from where you start, but from how relentlessly you push forward. If their recent output is any indication, Levels is only just beginning to tap into what they’re capable of, and they’re inviting listeners everywhere to feel it with them. For more info on the band, click on the hyperlinks listed below.
https://www.facebook.com/levels.metal
https://www.instagram.com/thebandlevels