Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Deborah Levine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Deborah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

If you don’t take risks, how do you know you’ve tapped your potential? Playing it safe of course lends itself security, stability and most times predictability, but where is the adventure in that? I would say I have been a person who has always taken risks. I am not afraid to fail, rather I use all my experiences as opportunities to learn lessons and further my own personal growth. I think the biggest risk I have taken that comes to mind in general is being vulnerable. To be a performer, writer and singer there is a vulnerability exposing yourself and your words to the world. There is usually judgement, criticism or praise associated with any musical release or live performance. And receiving and accepting those exchanges can be difficult or super fullfilling! Being vulnerable has guided me to always be my authentic self and I think that inspires others to do the same, which is so powerful!

Deborah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a native to Pittsburgh and have always been creative and unafraid to express myself. From a young age I knew I loved performing and singing. Whether it was to be a profession or just an outlet for fun, it was going to be a part of my life. I began in musical theater and acting and found myself as a young adult networking and putting together a heavy metal band. Here we are 16 years later, 7 album releases, playing shows all over the country and in Europe, and fans all over the world. We don’t pay our bills with our music, but I think that’s why we are able to continue to have fun and grow together as musicians. We play music because we love to, not because we have to or have weird pressures from others to keep obnoxiously producing music. There is a deeper purpose for me that I have found through performing and writing after all these years. It’s rare to have a platform to be able to reach thousands of people, and on top of that through a medium that almost everyone loves. Music inspires us, teaches us, and helps us escape dark realities and enter worlds of adventure and hope. Thats what I share through my music. I use my music to encourage others to be brave, live their dreams and that anything is possible! I share stories of adventure, magic and alchemy to escape the mundane and ignite a spark in the listener.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The best way to support artists and musicians is to show up!!! Show up to the shows, the galleries, the events, the fundraisers. In the last handful of years, from my personal experience attendance at shows has been very unpredictable.
This limits the bands that decide to come through town because guarantees cannot be made. If we want continue to see the underground music and art community thrive, the people need to be there to support! Share on social media! Tagging bands and artists goes a long way and make catch the attention of new fans and viewers. Buying directly from the artists and creators is also so important. A lot of third parties sell and distribute the creations of many artists and musicians, but so the creators! So always check personal websites and social media so you can make sure you are sourcing it directly and all the money goes where it should to keep funding future projects. The word ecosystem was so perfect to describe the artist community because we need each other to survive! The art and music is super important, but so are the people who enjoy it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Connecting to people and making a difference in their lives is one of the greatest gifts. I will never get tired of hearing how my music provided comfort during hard times, or how my words changed someone’s perspective to become a better person or live a happier life. It is an amazing feeling to have people like and respect something you do. It inspires me to always want to be better too.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladybeastofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladybeastofficial/
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/ladybeastofficial
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ladybeastofficial2851
• Other: Bandcamp:
  https://ladybeast.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits

Christopher Tritschler, Ashley Renyolds, Erica Michel/No Flash Photography, Maya Nuri