I am not sure what is most surprising about Levi Kreis: his amazing songwriting and musical talents or his rare genuine character in an industry saturated by artificiality.
I first became aware of Levi a couple of years listening to my favorite award winning podcast the Feast of Fools (http://www.feastoffools.net/). He was interviewed by the hosts of the show Fausto Fernos and Marc Felion.
http://www.feastoffools.net/index.php
When I listen to the podcast you are immediately drawn to this personable man and to his story. Levi was featured in the show the Apprentice which became his big break. He has appeared in film, TV and has released a couple of albums. He has written music.
His hit song, “I Should Go” became a hit song on the Days of Our Lives in a major story line.
The song “Just this Good” which came out of the show Apprentice is one my favorites. Here are the lyrics:
What’s happening to me
As I look at you
Lying naked with me
A realm of emotions
Beyond this embrace
Leaves me with nothing to sayI’ve been a man
Conditioned to think
That love was no more
Than a hollow routine
But when I feel your body
Moving slowly with mine
It’s then that I realize
Baby
It’s just this good
I never thought I could
Feel such love in my soul
You’re the reason I know
That it’s just good
You’ve given me
What my soul seeks to find
A love that reveals
A greater design
I’ve always wondered
What heaven was like
Strange, that I never saw
Heaven was here all along
Baby
It’s just this good
I never thought I could
Feel such love in my soul
You’re the reason I know
That it’s just this good
Just this one kiss
I’m a believer
Halleluiah
Cuz Baby we are
Just this good
I never, never thought I could
Feel such love in my soul
You’re the reason I know
That it’s just this good
“You Found Me” is another song that is a favorite of mine.
Kreis roots are in Eastern Tennessee and his music reflects it. He started in traditional Christian Gospel and has grown to a very soulful, jazz , rock musical niche. I want to emphasize soul.
Levi speaks of his coming out journey as a gay man and you feel and hear that story through his music. You sense it has been a deeply spiritual, emotional and sensual experience for him.
I recently spent an afternoon with a friend of mine visiting from Long Beach who happened to see Kreis in concert. Apparently this intensity and sex appeal carries off on stage also. My friend was lustful for Levi.
So Mr. Kreis has all those elements that make him both a consummate artist and a pop star. He has also been a voice for a segment of the gay community- the Christian gays.
No one better understands their challenges than him.
With a new album coming out in fall and the momentum that continues to grow, Levi Kreis is fast filling the role of future music giant. I believe he is on the verge of a major breakout.
In the meanwhile, visit his website at: http://www.levikreis.com/live/
Posted by Levi on August 8, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Hey, a friend of mine directed me to your blog! I just wanted to send a sincere thank you for helping me get the word out about my tunes; very sweet and supportive. Hope this finds you well. Wishing you abundance and blessings! Levi Kreis