Levina opens up about her mental health struggles in "Battleground"

Photo Credit: Sam Rockman

Levina is an independent singer-songwriter who continues to enchant listeners with her contagious musicality and enthralling emotion. Born in Germany, the London-based artist continues to carve out her own realm of alternative pop inspired by the soul. Having been described as a "spellbinding sonic force" her mesmerising sound instantly catches your attention, while her profound lyrics connect with your heart. 

Levina’s unparalleled strength and passion for alt-pop continue to blossom. With fables inspired by relationships with ourselves and each other, Levina continues to explore what it truly means to be human. Hoping to enable her listeners to feel understood, accepted and inspired, Levina's resonance shines brightly. Her musical talent can be attributed to the variety of influences, from artists as diverse as Anastacia, Avril Lavigne to Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald and Skunk Anansie.

Returning with her new single "Battleground", an emotional and personal insight into Levina’s journey with mental health, she showcases impeccable creativity. Written by Levina and co-produced by Swedish collaborator Hannes Andersson, her latest single comes to life with humbling authenticity. Exploring the idea that things on the inside are not always as they seem from the outside, "Battleground" unfolds with a more unusual and romantic 6/8 time signature. This juxtaposition is also conveyed through the brilliant musical production and compelling chronicles, creating a sonic peak when paired with Levina’s euphoric vocal energy.

This amazingly creative artist is able to bring the listener right in her own inner world just from the first line of the song, and this hit me so deeply that I absolutely had to write about her. I would dare to define the feeling she conveys with vocals and lyrics as "vulnerable authenticity", a beautiful and inspiring message about mental health. Needless to say, Levina is one to keep a close eye on in the coming months.

Levina explains, "I wrote Battleground about my struggles with mental health. I didn’t speak about it a lot, because I felt like no one would understand me and I would be a burden to people. However, after I got regular therapy, through Help Musicians and BAPAM, I realised the importance of opening up, because there are other people who are going through similar situations". She continues, "I am so grateful to be able to express my emotions through music and I want to raise awareness that struggles with mental health are not always visible. We need to make an effort to be kind to each other, because we never know what someone might be going through. I also want people to know that there’s always someone to talk to and someone who will listen, including services like Samaritans and Help Musicians, who have 24/7 helplines. And my DM’s are always open".

Levina has found herself in the exceptional position of performing at Eurovision and collaborating with star-studded songwriter Lindy Robbins (Dua Lipa), as well as a host of talented producers including Matt Lawrence (Mumford & Sons, Amy Winehouse, Snow Patrol). After rebranding in 2020, Levina released her EP Thinking In The Dark independently in 2021, produced by BBC Radio 1 regular Zach Said and MPA Awards ‘Best Newcomer’ Amy McKnight, gaining 250k streams on Spotify alone. Receiving humbling praise from the likes of BBC Introducing, Billboard, Wonderland, Earmilk and Notion, her repertoire continues to evolve exponentially. Levina’s Pop-Rock influenced anthem "Danger" received support from editorial playlists at Vevo and Apple Music and her passion for collaboration has also seen Levina featuring on edbl’s Brockwell Mixtape, which has enjoyed global editorial support, alongside Miller Blue and Carrie Baxter. 

"Battleground"

Every part of me is hurting, In my body, in my head

Everything feels like a burden , And I’m hanging by a thread

Live a lie and say I’m okay, But the pain never goes away

Everyday I’m fucking lonely, So I’d rather be alone

Every time somebody needs me , To do something

I can’t cope, Live a lie and say it’s okay

But the pain never goes away

Can I come home, Leave every battleground

Would give it all, To feel like Im safe and sound

Yesterday I thought I knew what, I was doing

Today I don’t, Half the time I have no clue bout where I’m going

And what I want , Live a life they say is okay 

But all they want is for the pain to stay

Photo Credit: Sam Rockman

Instagram: @levinamusic

Linktree: Levina

[Info provided by LPR Agency]