Levi DaRosa | The Music Industry Slasher: R&B Singer, Event Curator, & Publisher

Interview with Levi DaRosa

Terry Hudson: I have a special program here on Local Music Somewhere today. This is Terry Hudson, I’m an author, coach, connector, and I also work as a coach to music industry personnel. And today in the studio, I have a great artist I’ve known for quite a while. She is what we call a “slasher,” and you’ll find out more about that term on this program. It’s a term you’ve probably heard, and you might even know what it means, but we’ll talk about tips on how to be an effective one. Her name is Levi. She is an R&B singer whose music crosses over into pop, hip-hop, and R&B. She’s got some exciting things coming up, and she’s had a pretty incredible year. Levi is based right here in Charlotte, North Carolina, which is where our local music segment will be today. Welcome to the program, Levi. How are you?

Levi DaRosa: Thank you, I’m doing well. Thank you for having me!

It’s so great to see you.

Good to see you too.

You’re one of those people I see out at events often. And part of that is because of your “slasher” status, which we’ll get into in a moment. But before we dive into that, I guess we can talk about what a “slasher” is, and then we’ll get into who you are. Some people might already know, but a “slasher” is someone who has multiple roles. For example, when I say I’m an author/connector/coach, that’s what it means. And you’re a singer/curator/publisher, to name just a few things. You’ve got a lot going on, and we’ll talk about how that all comes together. But let’s start with you being Charlotte-based.

Yes, but I’m actually from another beautiful city. So, I’m originally from Jacksonville, Florida.

Ah, such a beautiful city.

Yes! I love it. I’m proud to be a Floridian. The vibe there is something special. And I recently found out that my dad was born in Hempstead, New York, so I have this blend of southern and northern influences. When my mom moved me and my siblings to Charlotte, I felt like I was right in the middle of that mix—the southern charm and the northern energy.

It’s definitely a melting pot here. We’ve got people from all over, and Charlotte is a great business city. So what did you like most about Jacksonville?

Oh, definitely the palm trees. I love palm trees! Once you hit parts of Georgia and into Florida, you see them, and it’s just a different world. The smell of the air, the beach, the salt—it all influences the lifestyle there. We lived near the beach, so it’s really that relaxed vibe I loved. But also, being close to family is a big part of what I loved about it.

Yeah, when you’re driving down to Orlando or St. Augustine and you pass through Jacksonville at night—especially going over the bridge and seeing the city reflect on the water—it’s just beautiful.

Yes, exactly! It’s so scenic.

So when did you move to Charlotte?

I moved here when I was about four or five years old. So, I was raised in Charlotte and I really take pride in being a Charlottean. I think it gives me versatility in my creativity and my personality, and I love that about Charlotte.

That’s great. And I understand you went to Northwest School of the Arts, which has produced some amazing talent over the years—everything from Broadway to the music industry to film. My daughter actually went there as well. So tell me about your experience there. What makes it so special?

Wow, so many things. I think it starts with how much they advocate for the arts. Over the years, I’ve seen schools cut arts programs, but Northwest really promotes creativity. It’s a very diverse school, and I never felt like popularity mattered—everyone just focused on their craft. I actually got into Northwest through the flute! My mom had me playing the flute, and when I auditioned, I felt like I was auditioning for Juilliard or something. It was a competitive process, and I majored in band, but I also took up photography and learned how to sew. I fell in love with theater, especially after seeing Phantom of the Opera.

That’s awesome. It’s so well-rounded—math, science, history, but also creative training. And studies show that kids involved in the arts excel in other areas too, like math.

Yes, I love math. I’m definitely a numbers person, so it all comes together in the end.

Specialized knowledge, like you got at Northwest, is invaluable. Not every school offers that, but when you can focus on a craft like that, it really prepares you for your future. You learned photography, fashion, theater—all these different skills. It helps in the music industry too, especially when it comes to marketing and working with photographers, right?

Absolutely. Back in the day, we worked with film and the dark room. It taught you so much about the process. People don’t always understand that having professional shots, whether you’re an artist or anyone else in the industry, is so important. I’ve seen artists say they don’t have studio photos, but if you want to market yourself, you need them. I’ve helped my wife build her brand just through great photography, and it works.

Definitely. Let’s talk about your music now. You’ve had a great 2024, releasing your first project. When exactly did it come out?

I released it a while back, but being an independent artist, I had to learn a lot along the way. At first, I didn’t know about the technical side—things like registering my music, making sure it was copyrighted, and finding the right distribution channels. So I had to take it down, fix things, and re-release it. I had a project called Memoirs of a Goddess, which I was inspired to create from one of my favorite movies, Memoirs of a Geisha. That book came out when I was at Northwest, and I loved the story. I just felt like it spoke to me about overcoming adversity and finding your purpose.

That’s an important lesson for indie artists too. You might not get it perfect on the first try, but you have to keep moving forward, learning as you go. You can’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Yes, exactly. You just have to start somewhere. The first project is never going to be perfect, but you can’t get to the masterpiece if you don’t make that first step. I’ve learned so much about marketing and distribution, and I’m always figuring out what works. Now, I’m focusing on Memoirs of a Goddess again, but I have another project coming soon called The Rose Effect.

I’ve heard about that. Can you tell me more about it?

Yes, it’s going to be my sophomore EP. I want to release music in a way that people can really digest it. The Rose Effect should come out in the spring, but I’m still focusing on Memoirs of a Goddess. Even though my friends and family have heard those songs a million times, the world still needs to hear them.

That’s a great mindset. You can’t get tired of your own work. It’s about building your fanbase. Even if you’ve heard the songs a million times, you’ve got to keep performing them. And that applies to more than just music—it’s the same for your social media and marketing. You have to keep putting that content out there.

Absolutely. You have to put the same energy into your career as you would for any corporation or business. You can’t be afraid to put yourself out there and keep going even when you feel like you’ve done it all. It’s about enjoying the process and learning as you go. That’s been the key to my success, even though I may not be mainstream yet. But I’m definitely on the right path.

You’ve been featured in the spotlight on Power 98, which is a legendary station here in Charlotte. It’s not easy to get airplay there. How did that happen for you?

Actually, I’ve been played on Power 98 about four or five times. The first time I reached out to them, I was really adamant about getting my song played. I sent it over, and they played it, reviewed it, and ended up keeping it. It wasn’t just a “keeper or sweep,” it was actually kept, which was great. After that, they saw my consistency. I kept working, kept supporting them, and over time, they reached out to me. They asked, “Do you have any new music?” So I sent them a track called 1995. They played it twice, and people voted to keep it. It’s out now as a single and will be part of my upcoming project, The Rose Effect.

That’s amazing. And I know how hard it can be to get on those stations, so the fact that you pushed and stayed consistent is huge. Now, let’s talk about some of your big milestones this year. You got to attend the NAACP Image Awards and the BET Awards. How did that come about, and what was your experience like?

For me, it’s about creating opportunities. You can’t always wait for them to come to you, so I went after these opportunities. For the NAACP Image Awards, the trip almost didn’t happen. My mom and her fiancé tried to get me on a buddy pass, but the seats were full. I was freaking out! I had already put it out there that I was going, so I had to keep that momentum. Thankfully, we worked it out, and I was able to go. I’m so grateful to my mom for her support.

As for the BET Awards, I didn’t want to be stuck in a buddy pass situation again. I bought my ticket myself and reached out to a good friend from Johnson C. Smith who lives in L.A. I stayed with him, and it was a blast. It was my first time at such a big event, and it was surreal to see all those incredible artists in one room. The production was mind-blowing!

I saw the videos from both events, and it looked amazing. It’s incredible that you’re already in those spaces. Now, I know you’re a self-starter, but those opportunities aren’t always handed to you. It’s inspiring how you created those moments for yourself.

Exactly. I never wait for an opportunity to knock. You have to go after it. It’s important to show up, stay consistent, and make your presence known. When you put the work in, people see that you’re serious, and that opens doors.

Absolutely. One of the things that stood out to me at the BET Awards was just how big the production was. It’s nothing like concerts — it’s a whole different level when you have that much talent in one place.

Yes, the production was insane. As someone in event production myself, I was more intrigued by the logistics than the performances, even though they were great. It’s amazing to see such a huge production come together. Being at the BET Awards, you realize how much goes into these events, and it makes you appreciate the work behind the scenes even more.

And it’s also about the people. Sometimes when you see celebrities online, they seem so untouchable, but in person, they can be really down-to-earth. It’s nice to hear that you had those real interactions.

Definitely. I met Reginae Carter, Lil Wayne’s daughter, and she was super cool. Everyone was very humble, and that’s important. When you’re in those spaces, it’s easy to forget how important it is to stay grounded and help the next person up.

Exactly, humility is key. It’s great to see that you’re staying true to yourself. It sounds like 2024 has been a big year for you, and you’ve earned your place in these spaces.

Thank you, Terry. It’s been a journey, and I’m just getting started.

Terry:Well, we’ll talk more about your slasher role when we come back. Stay with us, folks. We’ll hear from our sponsors and be right back after this.

Terry:Welcome back to Local Music Somewhere! We’re here in the studio with Levi DaRosa, and today we’re talking about his music career. We’ll dive into the term “slasher” shortly, but first, let’s talk about your Christmas single.

Of course!

You’ve got a Christmas song and a new music video coming out. Let’s start with the Christmas song. Tell me more about it.

Sure! The song is called Very Merry Christmas. When I started my career, I never imagined I’d have a Christmas song, it wasn’t something I ever pursued. But I was listening to beats on YouTube, and I came across this one that just felt so warm and cozy. It immediately inspired me, and I started freestyling to it. I’m not really someone who writes songs down, I just go with the flow, and this one really worked. I remember thinking, “I’m a Christmas baby, I love the holidays.” The song has this cozy vibe, like fireplace and cookies and milk, and it just felt perfect.

It’s got that feel, definitely. I was listening to it the other day, walking through a grocery store, and it just put me in a super holiday mood.

Exactly! It’s that feeling of warmth and nostalgia. The song has a bit of an R&B and urban vibe, but it’s also pop—really blends everything. If you can make a great holiday song, it really sticks around. Like Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Even if people don’t love it, it’s everywhere, and that’s what makes it timeless.

Right, a holiday song can really take on a life of its own. There’s a gospel song I know that didn’t make waves until Whitney Houston recorded it. It completely changed the game for the writer.

You never know who’s listening. It’s all about staying true to your art, and you never know when someone important will take notice. For me, Very Merry Christmas tells the story of a young Mrs. Claus and Mr. Claus—kind of imagining what their romance might’ve been like. At one point in the song, I call out to my daughter, “Sanye, get in here,” and my engineer left it in, so it’s got this authentic, real moment to it.

I love that! It feels very personal and genuine. Maybe you can come back and perform it for us sometime.

I’d love to!

Let’s shift gears and talk about Slasher. We’ve touched on how you wear multiple hats—you’re not just a musician but also a publisher, event curator, and more. It’s what people today call “side hustles.”

Definitely! In today’s economy, you’ve got to have a few different things going on. But the key is to stay focused, because people can only digest so much at once. You really have to hone in on two or three main things that define you, and then you can reveal more as people get to know you.

Exactly, and that’s what we talked about when we first met. For you, your main focus is your music career, your event brand Socialite Charlotte, and now, you’re also a licensed realtor. You’ve just gotten your credentials to become a broker in charge and even got the green light to take your South Carolina exam.

Yes! It’s all about having multiple avenues for success, and sometimes they fit with your brand, and other times they’re just about making money. But the key is balance. Some people you know might have careers in music, but also run businesses like funeral homes or restaurants. One of my friends even kept his job as a UPS driver through his music career because of the benefits and retirement plan. It’s about making it all work.

And those side hustles can be anything from financial to personal passions. But when you put them out there, they have to be part of your branding or add value in some way. Otherwise, it’s too much for people to process.

Exactly. People will take in what they can and absorb it, but they need clarity. That’s why with Socialite Charlotte, I keep things simple—focusing on music and events that tie into the city’s culture. This year, we’re hosting the fourth annual Queen Charlotte’s Ball.

Four years! That’s incredible.

It’s crazy how far it’s come. The first ball was during the COVID era, but now we’re at the fourth one. The event is so special to me because it tells the story of Charlotte’s history. Not many people know why we’re called the Queen City, but through this ball, we get to educate people while bringing them together to network and celebrate.

And this year’s theme is Passport to London, right?

Yes! A lot of people don’t know that Queen Charlotte has a hospital named after her in the UK, the Queen Charlotte and Chelsea Hospital. So this year, we’re tying that history into the event. We’re blending it with music and culture, and my latest project is inspired by that. I’ve got four new records, including My Flavor, Loves Me Not, Ambition, and On Line. They all have that UK influence, with me incorporating a little British accent in the vocals, just to mix things up.

That’s so unique! You’re blending music, history, and fashion into one event. I’ve never seen you combine the two in this way.

It’s going to be amazing. The designers will walk the runway to the music from my project, giving the crowd an immersive experience of the music and fashion fusion. The event has really evolved into something special, and I’m excited to show off the beauty of Charlotte, too.

Absolutely. And I know your new video, Smooth Lover, also highlights the beauty of Charlotte, right?

Yes, we filmed at the Grand Bohemian, which is just stunning. We’ve got drone footage of the city, showing off Charlotte from new angles. I want people to see just how beautiful this city is. So many people are moving here from all over, and they’re bringing great energy with them. It’s exciting to be part of this creative renaissance.

It’s a great time to be a musician here, especially with everything that’s happening in the music scene. I know there’s been a lot of attention on R&B and hip-hop, with events like Confluence and It’s Your Time Conference. The studios are getting better, too.

Exactly, and it’s so great that places like rBeatz are putting a spotlight on local talent, too. It’s helping artists get noticed on a national level, while still giving them a base here in Charlotte.

It’s the perfect combination. And you’ve definitely earned the title of Queen City’s R&B Princess.

I’ll take it! It’s important for me to represent Charlotte in a positive way. I feel like the city sometimes gets a bad reputation, and I want to be a part of changing that narrative. As an artist, it’s not just about making music; it’s about how you carry yourself and represent your city. Your brand is a promise, and I want my music to lift people up, whether they’re having a tough time or just need something to dance to.

Your music does exactly that! So, where can people find out more about you?

You can find me at Levi DaRosa on all platforms—Instagram, Google, streaming services. And yes, I still press CDs! I’ll sign them and send them to my supporters personally. But the easiest way to find me is just search my name, and you’ll find everything you need.

Well, we’ll see you at the Queen Charlotte Ball on December 21st!

Absolutely! Can’t wait.

Thanks for being here, Levi. It’s been a pleasure watching you grow as an artist and as a person.

Thank you! It’s great to be here.

Thank you all for tuning in to Local Music Somewhere! Remember to support local artists, not just because they’re local, but because they’re talented. Stay tuned for more, and much love!