Noah Levine Finds His Voice with new EP "Deceiver"

Noah Levine is no stranger to the stage—but this time, the spotlight feels different. After years of touring as a guitarist for artists like Noah Kahan, the rising singer-songwriter is stepping into his own story, one song at a time. With an uncanny ability to turn tangled emotions into lyrical poetry, Noah’s music doesn't just resonate—it lingers. As he prepares to release his debut EP Deceiver, we sat down to talk about the nerves that never quite go away, the accidental beginnings that shaped his career, and the quiet strength it takes to stand center stage with nothing but your own words to hold onto.

You’ve been in the music industry for a while now, and you’ve been on stage countless times. But today, just like yesterday, you’re the main character. Do you feel a difference in the pressure when all eyes are on you?

Oh, definitely. It’s funny, people don’t always understand. I’ll tell someone, “I’m so nervous for this show,” and I’ll be having stomach issues all day from the anxiety, running to the bathroom and everything. And then two days ago, we played for 40,000 people and I was calm, walking on stage like it was just a regular day at the office.I think it’s because I’m used to those big shows. And I don’t feel the pressure to be the one everyone’s focused on. I’m just part of the show. I get to support someone else, do my part, and that’s it.But when it’s my music, my story, my words… it’s more vulnerable. There’s pressure to entertain. And I have a history of forgetting lyrics, which definitely doesn’t help. I get in my head, thinking I have so many things to worry about.But then, as soon as I step on stage, it’s like I’m in a room full of friends. It feels natural again. That happens every time. I get nervous every time and then I’m fine. But yeah, I definitely feel more pressure doing this than being in a supporting role.

Let’s take it back for a second. How did it all start? How did you end up on stage in front of 35,000 people?

It almost happened by accident. I started playing guitar when I was nine, started writing music around twelve, just recording into a little Tascam 8-track recorder. I grew up in a suburb of Austin, Texas, and was kind of the only person I knew who was into music like that.Because of that, I didn’t compare myself to anyone, I was just trying to get better and better. I was my own competition.I started an artist project in middle and high school and then went to Berklee College of Music for a bit. One summer, I interned for producer Gabe Simon, he did Noah’s record and that’s where I met Noah. I was just bringing coffee into the studio when Noah was in there, and he mentioned he was looking for a guitarist. He asked me to drop out of school and tour with him. I said yes immediately.

What did your family say?

I asked them if I should do it, and they said, “You have to.”They’ve always believed in me, and I don’t take that for granted.After that, Gabe signed me to my first publishing deal just weeks after I started touring. During off days, I’d write songs, whether in LA, Nashville, London, either for myself or other artists. And then eventually, I started writing more with Noah (Kahan), too.

Is it harder to write for other people?

I wouldn’t say harder, just different. When I write for someone else, I’m trying to lift their voice, say things they would say, in a way that resonates with them.It’s like a mental game sometimes, but it’s also really fulfilling. Writing something that connects with someone else deeply enough that they want to say it themselves, that’s a powerful feeling.When I write for myself, there are no rules. I say what I want, how I want. There’s a comfort in knowing there’s no “right” or “wrong”, it’s just art. A lot of my songs are metaphor-heavy, definitely more abstract than what I used to write. I think it’s because I’ve been influenced by some incredible songwriters who paved the way to make artistic lyrics acceptable, lyrics that aren’t served on a silver platter.

Is there a message you hope people take away from your music?

I don’t know if there’s a single message I need to get across. I think it’s more just an outlet for me to process complicated feelings.I often feel conflicting emotions, like being upset but also grateful something happened, or being frustrated yet understanding someone else’s side.My music is about being as painfully honest as possible. There’s no clean emotion, everything is messy and layered. That’s what I try to reflect in each song.

Let’s talk about your latest track, bacteria. What’s the story behind it?

That one’s about imposter syndrome. When I was in high school, my first real industry connection was my current agent, Jeffrey Hasson. He became like an uncle to me.Back then, I was so scared that I’d say the wrong thing or show him a song and he’d suddenly go, “Oh, maybe you’re not as good as I thought.”That fear stuck with me. Anytime someone liked something I made, I felt like I was deceiving them into thinking I was someone I’m not. That’s why the EP is called Deceiver.I don’t feel that way all the time anymore, but it still pops up. It’s hard for me to feel deserving when good things happen.But I’m learning to be proud of my work. That should be enough.

Do you feel more validated when people tell you you’re good, or when something good actually happens, or it has to come from within?

It has to come from inside. Of course, it means a lot when people tell me they connect with my music, I always take that to heart. But believing it? That’s harder. When something just clicks internally, like I’m proud of how a song turned out or how a show felt, that’s when it really means something.

As a rising artist, do you find it hard to put yourself out there in today’s music landscape?

Always. The industry’s constantly shifting. I think the biggest challenge is the noise, everyone has an opinion on what you should do to succeed. There’s this pressure to follow trends, but if I make content that doesn’t feel like me, then I stop being the artist I want to be.Staying true to myself is the hardest part, but also the most important.It’s easy to feel like there’s a stopwatch ticking, waiting for you to “make it.” But slowing down and trusting my gut has been my way through.

Last night was night one, and tonight’s night two. How was it?

So much fun. Sydney’s fans are the sweetest, someone made a drawing of my dog, and it was so good. Like, clearly took them a lot of time. I almost cried. I also love playing smaller rooms, where I can really see people and feel that connection. It’s a different kind of magic.

Last question, what’s next for you Noah?

My EP Deceiver comes out July 18. I’m really proud of it. There’s a lot of music coming after that too.I’m taking things day by day. Honestly, the best things that have happened to me weren’t planned, like touring with Noah. I never imagined being someone else’s guitar player, but I said yes, and it changed my life. I’m excited for more of those detours, whatever direction they take me.

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Words by Sal F. and Photos by Bridget Craig