Levi Hummon’s Latest, “Rent Free”
Family. Starting the year off in the jungle of Belize, exploring the ruins of Lamanai, with your entire family. How has your family shaped the artist you are today?
Wow Belize was incredible first off. My family has had so much do with shaping me as an artist. My Dad’s a songwriter and my mom is a preacher and I feel like I carry a lot of their values with me as I walk through this journey of pursing my dream. My Dad has always made sure I was aware of the value of a great song and my mother has always kept me humble and makes sure nothing gets to my head (haha). I think music might be in my DNA.
“Momma, “When people say I remind them a little of you sometimes. I hope that they are right.” Your mom, the Rev. Becca Stevens, founded Thistle Farms in the late 1990s to ‘heal, empower, and employ female survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.’ The Nashville based recovery program is a two-year residential community that offers the women a space to thrive. How can fans become supporters?
Honestly the best way to support Thistle Farms is by buying their products and visiting both the store front and the cafe if you are ever in Nashville. It’s one of the best places for a reminder of how love and patience can truly change people and give people a second chance.
Covering the song, “Bless the Broken Road” (Rascal Flatts — co-written by your dad, Bobby E. Boyd and Jeff Hanna), together with your dad, Marcus, for The Masters Music Series presented by Duke Spirits. The Series is a live performance video series that showcases both well-established artists and emerging acts. Dad has also written six musicals and an opera. Any plans to act in a musical?
Funny you ask. I actually just started taking acting lessons and I have aspirations to do something in film or TV. Musicals aren’t really my gig, though I have tremendous respect for those brave enough to stand on a stage and perform at the level every night of a run. I wish I had more time on my plate and creative energy to devote to acting because I love the craft.
“I’m not only a fan of her voice, but I’m also a fan of pushing the boundaries with what is country music or what is music and who we are as artists.” First show outside of Nashville was opening for Cassadee Pope at Bogart’s in Cincinnati. “RSVP,” with Pope, is about being alone after a party and wishing that a certain someone had been there. “The whole time, Cassadee kept bringing up the whole ‘Ross and Rachel’ [from Friends] thing, where they both want to see each other, but it never comes into fruition. That’s what Cassadee really contributed to the song. I mean, she elevated the song to a whole other level…. Basically, all he wanted was her, and she never showed up.” Future collaborations with Pope in the works?
I would absolutely love to! She is so incredibly talent and I’m honestly really excited to hear what she has in store musically. I think she has one of the most incredible voices and I’m legit a fan.
“Paying for It,” with Walker Hayes (the song addresses the aftermath of a relationship and that it can be as costly as the relationship itself) to “Good Riddance,” featuring Filmore and YA’ BOYZ — co-written with Eric Arjes and Parker Welling (“‘Good Riddance’ is a quirky take on a breakup song, where I just wanted to say so long to the past, my bad decisions, and focus on the positives.”) to your latest, “Rent Free” (focuses on the stuff stuck in one’s head after a breakup) — “It’s crazy to think this is my 42nd release with over 170 million streams… and all independent.” What are the benefits of being an independent artist?
The benefit of being an independent artist is getting to experiment and move quickly. If I see a song getting traction I can pour gas on the fire if I release something and it doesn’t click I can move on. There’s no red tape, and I have an amazing team that makes sure it’s done well.
The music video for your latest (co-written with Arjes and Liz Mendel) was directed by Penny Kapadoukakis. She films most of your social media content and reached out to you after hearing the song, asking if she could direct the video. The entire video staff was female and under 22. You shared that this is one of your favorite videos you have ever been a part of. What made this such a special video for you?
Well for one I’m just such a fan of Penny, and getting to be her first music video is an honor. The support for the single and video has been incredibly validating and I just loved how it turned out. It’s making my rock and country heart happy.
The Hummon Birds fan club. What are some of the things you have planned for fans in the club?
Exclusive merge, first dibs to meet and greets, and building a community of fans! I want to be a homemade for people and for them to understand my appreciation and gratefulness.
“Been back on the workout grind the last couple months with the goal of getting stronger. I’m nowhere close to where I wanna be but making the active choices to eat a little better, go out a little less, and focus my workouts a little more are starting to pay off.” How have the workouts helped you balance music and your private life?
Mind, body, spirit! When I feel healthy I am so much more creative and inspired. I can’t imagine a life without a huge part of it dedicated to working out, running, hiking, and just fitness. Everything is so interconnected and it bring me so much joy.