In a world where the incessant noise of social media can drown individual voices, Levi Lobo finds solace in the quieter melodies of life. With his new album, “Tend To The Clearing,” set to drop in June 2024 under the label Era Recording Artists, Lobo seems to continue his journey of introspection and self-discovery through music.
Lobo’s roots trace back to Albuquerque’s war zone where nights echoed with gunshots. In those dark times, the strings of his guitar strummed stories of hope and a world he yearned to see. Initially, sharing these songs was a daunting task. They were his personal refuge, a sanctuary from judgment and vulnerability. His journey in music has been profoundly shaped by the relentless encouragement and belief of his sister Alie Byland, his producer Kenny Riley, and his mother Liesa Reece. Alie, with her unwavering support and her partner Jacob by her side, was instrumental in bringing Lobo’s first album to fruition, providing both financial assistance and much-needed emotional encouragement. Kenny Riley was not just a producer but a catalyst, pushing Lobo to refine his artistry and delve deeper into his musical expression. Liesa Reece, his mother, played a pivotal role as well, constantly urging him to pursue his passion for music and to believe in the power of his own voice. Together, they formed a formidable support system, propelling Lobo forward on his path of introspection and self-discovery through music.
Having dabbled in acting and construction alike, the multifaceted Lobo has always been a man of the community. His hands have built homes and fixed motorcycles; his heart has built dreams. His love for music isn’t just a passion—it’s an anchor. An anchor that helped him navigate his younger years and continues to do so as he gets ready to share his newest compositions with the world.
Yet, for all his talent, Lobo is a man who seeks a life away from the limelight. He’s stepped back from the whirlwind of social media, choosing instead the company of Benito, his scraggly canine companion, and the peace found in familiar breakfast spots. A recent unsolicited call from an internet stranger, though harmless, only reinforced his desire for the quieter life.
His songs have always been a medium to understand his emotions, a mirror reflecting his deepest desires. Heartfelt melodies resonate with tales of love—some real, some imagined. Lobo confesses to having penned hundreds of love letters, with many hidden away, never reaching their intended recipients. The weight of one such romance led him to the world of construction, working alongside the father of the girl to whom so many of these letters were written. There, he learned more than just the craft. He learned about integrity, truth, and the importance of tending to one’s personal clearing.
Lobo’s narrative is a poignant reminder of the complexities of the human heart. The loss of his father at 17 left an irreplaceable void, leading to challenges in connecting with other men in positions of leadership. He’s consistently grappled with the illusion of achieving something only to realize its transient nature. But amidst these internal battles, Lobo’s yearning remains simple: a life where nature’s elements remind him of their interconnected beauty.
His upcoming album is more than just a collection of songs. It’s a testament to a man’s journey of finding his space in the vast universe. As he puts it, “I began to pursue a mental health, to tend to the clearing, to separate myself from the volume of connection and find a deeper one.” The evocative title, ‘Tend To The Clearing,’ draws its inspiration from the profound works on Cultural Architecture by Mark Doherty, whose narratives have been a guiding light in Levi’s pursuit of clarity and serenity.
Lobo’s journey might have begun as an escape, but today, it stands as a beacon for many searching for their own clearings. Through his music, he doesn’t just echo melodies, he echoes hope, love, and the endless possibilities of the human spirit.
Stay tuned for the drop of “Tend To The Clearing” and in the meantime, check out his music on Spotify, here.
