With over 162 million global streams, genre-bending artist and songwriter Levi Hummon is continuing to gain traction via social platforms, impressive playlisting and a knack for writing hit songs. No stranger to success, Levi grew up under the bright light of fame by way of his father, Marcus Hummon, a Grammy Award winning, Hall of Fame songwriter who penned hits like “Bless The Broken Road” and “Cowboy Take Me Away.”
Following in his father’s footsteps Levi has written songs for Steven Tyler, Tim McGraw and many more! Levi has earned praise from top media landing on Entertainment Weekly’s “5 Artists Breaking Now” and “One to Watch” by Rolling Stone Country and added to major playlists like Spotify’s Hot Country, Amazon’s Breakthrough Country and Pandora’s Trend Setters: Country.
We talk to Levi about his journey through the music industry, his latest release featuring Walker Hayes, and signing with Jonas Group Entertainment!
LEG: This year, you collaborated with Walker Hayes on one of your most popular songs, “Paying For It”. How did this collaboration come to be? What was the songwriting process like?
This was actually Walker and I’s first ever write together. I had it circled on my calendar for months because I was such a huge fan of his songwriting and his first hit “You Broke Up With Me”. Noted this was before “Fancy Like”, and we honestly just hit it off and I believe the song was finished in like one hour. After the writing session, we both knew the song was great, and with Walker's upcoming release being ready to roll he suggested we try it with him featuring on the song. The rest is history.
stream “Paying For It” where ever you listen to music!
LEG: What was it like singing “Paying For It” with Walker Hayes at your hometown show in Nashville last year?
Man, this song is made for the live set, so when he and I get together on stage I feel like we just go crazy. We both joked that as two solo male acts it’s fun to pretend we are in a duo.
LEG: You recently signed a record deal with Red Van Records making you the first artist to be signed by the accomplished team! How does it feel to be starting this new chapter in your music career?
It’s honestly a dream come true. I’ve been searching for a label since 2017 that was excited to innovate, explore, but also honor the long history of my hometown, Nashville. I think it all feels like a long journey and the first step at the same time.
LEG: You’re currently on the road touring around the US! What is your favorite part of performing? Do you prefer to be on the road or in the studio more and why?
I love getting to see the growth year in and year out! As much as I love social media, my favorite moments are always in real life. Being able to bring that digital audience into a room and connect with them is what makes the countless hours creating content all worth it.
LEG: When traveling on tour, what are some packing essentials that you can’t live without?
Well a guitar for sure haha! And I never leave a gas station without a sparkling water and some peanut M&M’s.
LEG: We all love hearing you and your dad sing together on social media. What was it like growing up surrounded by music throughout your childhood? How has your dad impacted your career in the music industry? Can you fill our readers in on his background for those who aren’t familiar with him?
My Dad is not only my mentor, but he’s my hero. He made a music career seem achievable and has always guided me on my way through this crazy business. A lot of people run from the shadow of their parents, but I love embracing it and bringing that relationship to a wider audience. When all is said and done, family is everything and getting to share this journey with your loved ones means everything. He wrote songs like “Bless The Broken Road”, “Cowboy Take Me Away”, and so many more. Honestly, posting it on socials is so fun, he’s the most humble man I know so exposing him as a Hall Of Fame songwriter is one of my favorite things to do.
@levihummon Nothing like #church echo… #blessthebroken #dad #songwriter #fyp ♬ Bless The Broken Road - Rascal Flatts
LEG: As a country artist with over 160 million streams, who are your biggest influences in the music scene? Are there any artists that you draw inspiration from?
Absolutely! I find myself listening to a different genre and a different artist almost every week, but people like Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, and Keith Urban really brought me back into country music when I kind of spent so much of my early life thinking it was my Dad’s thing. What’s been crucial to me is taking the genre and mixing it with the music that I turned up as a kid, which was more rock, punk, and then even some EDM. So finding ways to incorporate all types of music is what excites me the most.
LEG: With 5 years, 30 released songs, and 100 million streams, you created a name for yourself as an independent artist. What were some of the hardest obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
Turning off the voice of self-doubt and believing in yourself. So often as artists, we look for validation in signing deals and that quick high of a social post, but being patient and slowly building has been my path and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve been laying such a strong foundation and now partnering up with Jonas Group Entertainment, I’m so excited to watch the seeds I’ve planted over the years grow.
LEG: If you could time travel, what would you tell your younger self about all your accomplishments today?
I would say to him that betting on yourself will pay off and tell him to enjoy the road not just the destination.
LEG: If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is trying to make it in the music industry today, what would it be?
Do as much of the development you can on your own, and to write write write and write some more. When it comes to touring do things that feel uncomfortable and push yourself on socials.
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