Sometimes we need to go through hell to truly find ourselves.
It’s a tale as old as time, and it’s one that so many can relate to. Earlier this year I received a press release from Levy & The Oaks. In the documents received I came across a piece penned by lead singer Levy Okun. It was a bit of an open letter, mission statement, and written catharsis all in one. It was powerful — not just in the words and emotions conveyed — but by the sheer fact it was sent to me so I could truly understand the music of this band. This wasn’t a marketing ploy, this was full-blown honesty and it hit me right in the soul.
Then you listen to the band’s music, and you can feel everything Levy wrote about in this letter. You fully grasp what’s in this band’s soul, and when you have millions of songs at your fingertips at any second, connection is key. And yeah, it doesn’t hurt that they write some pretty killer music too.
We caught up with Levy Okun, lead singer of the band to talk about his battles with addiction and its impact on the band’s music, being one of the go-to bands in the Asbury scene and more as the band gets set to perform at Happy Mondays at Wonder Bar tonight.
Levy & The Oaks Are (Members of the band & the instruments they play): Levy Okun/lead vocals, Lou Panico/bass and background vocals, Chris Colon/guitar and background vocals, Nick Ryan/guitar and background vocals. We have two rotating drummers for the time being. Hey Owen and Tony!
We Formed In: 2016
City We’re Based Out of: Asbury Park, NJ
Our Sound Has Been Likened To: A mix of classic rock with a hint of angsty punk rock.
Cool/Famous Bands We’ve Shared The Stage With: Incubus and All Time Low.
You’ve Seen us Before in These Other Bands: Socratic via Drive Thru Records.
Can you talk about what brought the band together in the beginning?
I (Levy) had recently taken a break from playing live around 2014. I found myself a bit jaded and did not have the passion I wanted to portray on stage. Lou continued to play with another band in the time being until he hit me up and pretty much told me it was stupid I wasn’t performing anymore. He was right. So we decided to pursue a whole different persona then our first band. Which luckily gave us a chance to travel the world. But I wanted a fresh start and that feeling of starting from the bottom.
Earlier this year, you guys sent me a couple presses releases. One of them detailed Levy’s struggle and recovery from addiction. How does this time period in his life influence your lyrical content? Also how does this motivate him as a singer and songwriter?
Everyone struggles with something. For me it was alcohol. The break from music had a bit to do on my dependency with it. When I was younger it influenced my writing a ton. The emotions and situations I wrote about were complete reflections of that reality. Now I’m in a different one. I don’t want to feel like the victim anymore. I’m trying to write lyrics that are empowering to a point. There is so much hate and confusion right now in this country. When I’m gone I want my work to be looked at in a positive light and that I was relevant in the times I lived.
The lyrics of your songs, particularly ones that touch upon addiction, loneliness, and matters of a serious nature — are they meant more as a catharsis for Levy or are these lyrics meant to inspire, and touch the audience that hears it?
It’s a bit of both. I’m horrible at saying what I mean in real life. Especially to the ones I care about the most. It’s always been a way for me to communicate with the outside world. If you can feel my pain because you are experiencing it, then I can appreciate my loss and failures as a tool to help another in the same boat.
You dropped a new music video at the end of the year — can we expect new music any time soon? And if so, what kind of ground will this record be exploring thematically, and sonically?
We will be playing a ton of new songs this summer at our residency at The Asbury Park Yacht Club, every Sunday at 9pm. I wanted to play them for months before going into the studio to record. At that point we can go in and really bang them out quick. As long as the power and intensity comes across we’re not gonna worry too much about perfecting timing and performance. Keep it simple and real is the mantra for our next release.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned as a band since you started out?
Being supportive of all other artists I come in contact with. We all have the need to express ourselves and feel important. It’s not a competition. It’s a celebration!
Has there been a moment/moments that have absolutely floored you as a band — in a positive way. A moment that you couldn’t believe was actually happening?
Playing at the Stone Pony at 12 o’clock New Years was fantastic. To start the year off onstage supplying the soundtrack for the crowd’s happiness and excitement is all I ever dreamed about. I felt like I belonged there in that moment. I’ll take that every time I can get it.
If someone had never heard Levy & The Oaks before what song would you recommend they check out to fully “get” you guys as a band…and why?
It’s our newest song, “On the Run.” It shows our musical finesse as a group and at the same time encompasses our rocking raw energy of the live show.
What is it that you love about being in this band?
All the new friends it has thrown in my lap. If it wasn’t for this band I wouldn’t have any of the new lovely people I get to spend time with. It’s also helped me become a part of Asbury Park. Which is such a cool city. I’m honored to be one of the characters that make up the scene.
What are some definite goals you have for 2019? And what you most excited for this year?
A new record will come out. That’s for sure. I’m excited to continue working on our live show. We gotta keep chipping away at people’s minds and hopefully we can get some of our music stuck in there!
