We were lucky to catch up with Levi Morarie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Levi, appreciate you joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

So the first time I made money playing guitar, I was 13 years old. My dad and I lived in central Florida near Daytona Beach, and we would play music at old folks homes. I was also in a band at that time. I didn’t realize it, but I was getting great experience; I had to learn setlists, parts to songs, and also how to perform live. I felt like I was playing Guitar Hero in real life, like it didn’t actually sink in that this was real. When I was younger, I would wear striped polo shirts and red Supra Chimera’s (that was a shoe designed by Lil Wayne). I thought I looked so cool. Since I had the look down, that made me more confident about my chops. At that point, I did not care at all about professionalism or making mistakes. All that mattered was having fun, so I played relaxed and easily. It turned out that I had stage fright really badly; I fought through a lot of guilt and dread. But my very first paid gig came without much guilt or dread; I played guitar with my dad at a nursing home in DeBary, Florida and made $100. That was seriously the coolest moment of my life when I was 13. In my book, I was now an actual rockstar. I’m 90% sure my socks did not match, 100% sure I didn’t shower that day, and I know for a fact that I nailed my setlist. So yeah, that’s a rockstar. But, like they say so often, “all good things come to an end.” I had to use that money for groceries. And we ended up selling a lot of our guitars just to make do. The band found someone else, and my dad and I found a new horizon in Colorado. But I never stopped playing guitar, and NOW it occurred to me that I could do this for a living. Which is exactly what I’m doing right now….

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into live performing when I was 10 years old, and as of late I perform live at least 2-3 times every week. I’ve also been a hired studio musician since I was a teenager. I don’t believe in the word “professional,” or “New York Times bestseller.” I just believe in “good” and “great.” I see myself as a guy who makes a living having a good time. If a song needs a lyric, I can write one. If it needs background vocals, I can do them. Sometimes, I play mandolin, banjo, ukulele, bass, twelve string, and classical guitar for songwriting projects. If I’m in the recording studio, I can make parts happen very quickly, and then layer them like a full course meal. My philosophy for that is taken from musical genius Tim Pierce (who I take music lessons from): “make your guitar parts all sound like one big guitar.” That way I can bring musicality and lucidity to the mix. The thing that separates me is hard to explain; I call it instant chemistry. My eyes and ears constantly search for the gaps where I can gel with a band or a singer. That allows us to get locked in very fast, and then circumstance passes away and all that’s left is the song… I’m also able to get lots of good sounds of all kinds. Those qualities help serve the song. I’m really proud and honored to have played with some great artists this year, one of which being the talented folks from Elevation Worship. We jammed together at Flourish Conference for women in May 2024. At a local level I play with a few bands/artists that I’m really happy to know; Aaliyah Shambe, Seattle Kay, Sandstone Canyon, Museum Security, and OK Productions.

Here’s my vision for music; I want people listening to unlock their imagination and be present within the moment. Anything going on in your life that’s been on your mind can’t hurt you right now. There’s only us and our natural response to the music. If I can convey that in my music, I can give you something to remember. And I hope when you remember, you feel a kaleidoscope of feelings.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Entrepreneurial thinking…. sounds expensive. Steve Jobs made a little homemade video back in the 1990s and its on YouTube; “Steve Jobs Secrets of Life.” He said, “We’re taught that life is just the way it is and to try not to bounce into the walls too much. But life is made up of things made by people no smarter than you. And you can change that.” That quote goes so hard and ever since I heard it, its been rocket fuel for my work ethic and self confidence. I don’t believe in overcomplicating, I believe in finishing. And if you finish a project or idea with integrity, you have won. Accomplishment is not limited by dollars and cents, only by fulfillment.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn is that people are watching you because they hate you. That was a negative belief I had when I was younger and just beginning to perform in public. Now, my mindset is “people are watching you because they wanna win too. And when I do what I love, I’m winning and sharing it with them.” That positive shift created a mutual benefit for me and also anyone I perform for. Ever since I had that idea, I now go on stage/in the studio with the mindset of victory.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: levimorariemusic

Image Credits

Photographs by Joann Landon