If you haven’t heard of First Up with RBCxMusic, it’s a program that spotlights emerging Canadian musicians and recording artists and helps support homegrown talent through the challenging circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the second round, 27 emerging musicians and recording artists, along with nine alumni from Round 1 participated.
We caught up with Coquitlam, BC-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and indie-rock artist, Zoey Leven.
Check out her latest single, “Somebody Else”, and find out more about Zoey via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to the readers?
Yea! I’m Zoey Leven, and I’m just a 19-year-old fun-lovin’ independent musician from Coquitlam, BC. I love watching sunsets, eating instant noodles, and making music in my basement!
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
Well, I originally released a 6-song EP that was mainly pop/rock, and kinda had a different genre for each song. But I’ve started to hone in on my lyrics and instrumentation this past year, leaning towards a more indie rock vibe, writing about young love and entering adulthood. I try my best to showcase my own life and struggle with finding a place in the world. Music just makes that less scary!
Tell us how it feels to be a recipient for First Up with RBCxMUSIC and how the program has impacted you?
It feels amazing to have a big platform where I’m encouraged to put my original songs on display! It’s also been great to be alongside other rising artists, all promoting and helping each other out. And the fact that I’m doing an interview with Canadian Beats is an unreal opportunity in itself! All thanks to First Up with RBCxMusic.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
It would have to be “On My Thigh”. It most accurately captures the sound and brand I’m aiming for as an artist, and the lyrics mean so much to me. This is also the first song I’ve put out that gives a nod to the LGBT community, which makes me extra proud to see all the response it’s gotten! Although after January 8, I’d urge people to check out my new single “Somebody Else”.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/artists?
I definitely have a few big Canadian influences at the moment. Peach Pit is my favourite band for sure, I truly admire their songwriting. I’m also diggin’ Men I Trust right now, and a fellow local musician Cam Blake, who I think is gonna do big things. Vancouver really has it’s share of unheard indie bands that slap!