Talking to Eli Lev

Stefani M.C. Janelli talks to singer-songwriter Eli Lev, who has built his career on the idea that music can bring people closer together. They discuss how he continues to create that sense of connection, the inspirations for his upcoming full-length album “Past Lives” and what fans can expect at his Thursday, Oct. 9 show at Krogh’s Restaurant & Brew Pub in Sparta.

Question: You often describe your music as a way of making the world feel smaller one song at a time. Can you share what that means to you?

Answer: For me, music is about connection. When someone hears a lyric or a melody and says, “That is my story too,” the distance between us disappears. No matter where we come from, music reminds us that we are part of the same human family.

Q: At a time when the world often feels more divided than ever, how do you keep working toward creating that sense of closeness and connection?

A: I focus on service through music. I try to show up with honesty and kindness, whether it is on stage, online or in community. My songs are an invitation to share stories, and once people start opening up, we realize we are not so different after all.

Q: Who were the artists who first inspired your musical journey, and which artists continue to influence you today?

A: Early on, I was inspired by artists like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan and Tracy Chapman, who showed me how songs can tell stories and bridge cultures. These days, I am influenced by artists like Brandi Carlile and Jason Isbell, who bring deep truth and vulnerability into their songwriting

Q: Are there other musicians who you feel share your mission of bridging personal truth and universal experience through their songs?

A: Absolutely. Artists like Nahko, Rising Appalachia and Johnnyswim come to mind. They write from their own lives but in a way that opens the door for everyone to step into the story. That balance of personal and universal is what makes music powerful.

Q: Your songwriting reflects a universal spirituality, drawing from your Jewish upbringing, experiences with Indigenous communities and study of Buddhism. What lessons have you carried into your music from these different traditions?

A: From my Jewish heritage, I carry a sense of storytelling, tradition and resilience. From Indigenous teachings, I learned about harmony with the land and community. From Buddhism, I have taken mindfulness and presence. Together, they remind me that spirituality is not one thing but a way of living with compassion, gratitude and connection.

Q: You’ve spoken about your time teaching English in the Navajo Nation. What made that experience so moving and transformative for you?

A: It was life-changing because it taught me humility and perspective. I was welcomed into a community with such deep culture and history, and it made me realize how much we can learn by listening. Teaching there was less about me giving knowledge and more about me learning how to serve.

Q: Looking at the bigger picture, what continues to inspire you as an artist and a person?

A: People inspire me. Every conversation, every show, every story someone shares with me gives me new fuel. I am also inspired by travel, nature and the idea that music can heal. Knowing that a song I write can make someone feel less alone keeps me going.

Q: Between 2017 and 2021, you released a four-part EP series: “All Roads East,” “Way Out West,” “Deep South” and “True North.” What inspired you to take that creative approach?

A: I wanted to explore the different regions of America through music and see how geography shapes identity. Each EP was like a musical map, and together they created a compass. It was a way to connect personal stories with the landscapes that shaped them. I was also inspired by my time on the Navajo Nation as a teacher there, where I came into contact with the idea of the Four Directions concept.

Q: You’ve performed in nearly every state and in countries around the world. Is there a place that stands out as your favorite to play live?

A: Every place has something special, but Andorra really stands out. I lived there for three years, and the natural beauty of the mountains and the warmth of the people there left a big mark on me. Playing in small towns where everyone comes together feels just as magical as performing on big stages.

Q: You’re now working on the ambitious “Three Worlds Project,” a musical trilogy exploring time, identity and transformation. What’s your vision for this body of work?

A: The vision is to tell a story of past, present and future through three albums. “Present Journey” focused on the here and now. “Past Lives” looks back at where we came from. “Future Myths” will look ahead to the stories we are writing for generations to come. It is a way of exploring who we are across time.

Q: As you’ve begun exploring these themes, what has been the most meaningful part of the process for you?

A: The most meaningful part has been seeing how personal songs connect with others. When someone tells me that a lyric reminded them of their grandmother or helped them through a hard time, that is the real magic. It reminds me that music is a shared experience.

Q: Your latest project, “Past Lives,” started rolling out in June, with new songs arriving every three weeks until the full album drops Oct. 8. What was behind the decision to release the music this way?

A: I wanted to create a journey for listeners. Instead of dropping everything at once, releasing songs every few weeks gives people time to sit with each track, to absorb the stories and voices. It also mirrors how memories unfold: one piece at a time.

Q: This album feels especially personal, with each track woven with audio recordings of your relatives gathered through years of family interviews. What inspired you to incorporate those voices? Were they something you had saved or did you record them specifically for this project?

A: All those voices came from audio-cassette recordings my family made with my relatives over the years. I have always loved hearing their stories. When I listened back, it struck me that their voices carried as much music as any instrument. Including them felt like the most authentic way to honor my roots and to let them be part of the album.

Q: On Oct. 9, you’ll be performing at Krogh’s in Sparta. What drew you to bring your music to this community?

A: I love playing in communities that really value live music. Krogh’s has that intimate vibe where people come not just for entertainment but for connection. That kind of space is perfect for sharing songs from “Past Lives.”

Q: Can fans expect to hear songs from “Past Lives” in your set list that night?

A: Definitely. I will be playing a lot from “Past Lives” and also mixing in songs from “Present Journey” and earlier albums. I want people to experience how these projects connect with each other!

Q: After this show, where are you headed next, and what else is on the horizon for you?

A: I am heading out on a Northeast tour through October, then working on building the foundation for “Future Myths.” I am also excited about sharing more videos and stories from “Past Lives” with the community that made it possible.

Q: If you could leave your audience with one thought or feeling through your music, what would it be?

A: That we are all connected. No matter where we come from or what we have been through, our stories matter and they weave into something bigger. I want people to feel gratitude for their past and hope for their future.