Adam Levy is best known for his work as guitarist and songwriter with Norah Jones’ band The Handsome Family. In addition to his work with Jones, Levy is also a solo artist. His most recent album, Washing Day, was released in 2007. He resides in New York City.
In this hour-long interview, guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) offers his advice to young musicians on many aspects of life as a musician – tips on songwriting, how to become an in-demand studio and touring musician, managing your business, how to manage your publishing income, and most of all how to prepare yourself for a long and successful career as a working musician.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) discusses the Great American Songbook, and why getting to know the work of Gershwin, Berlin and the rest can make you a better songwriter.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) describes the life of a session player and what you can do to make yourself a more attractive, more versatile, more highly paid and more in-demand sideman. He also discusses the aspects of his own background that give him an advantage over other session guitarists.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy discusses his work with Norah Jones and The Handsome Band, and how working with Jones has led him to expand his role from “electric guitarist” to “electric and acoustic guitarist, backup singer, songwriter and arranger.”
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) discusses life as a touring musician, and why people skills are as important as musical skills in this arena.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) discusses how keeping your body healthy is critical to having a successful and lasting career in music, and shares how his exploration of the Alexander Technique has helped him overcome some potentially career-limiting health issues.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) explains why he doesn’t have a manager or booking agent, and shares some tips on managing your own business as an artist.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) tells the story of how he got his publishing deal, and why he suddenly mattered to the publishers who started courting him. He also discusses how his particular deal works, and some of the advantages that his arrangement confers.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) discusses the licensing of his cover of Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender” by Disney, and the impact on his yearly income that that deal had.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) gives advice on how to keep your publishing company aware of your existence and busy shopping your songs (hint: don’t just assume they’re on the case).
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) compares the process of writing a song on your own with writing a song with a partner, and how it changes the chemistry of the creative process. He also discusses how to mold your songwriting session to suit the specific client you’re writing for, whether it’s yourself, Aerosmith, or Alan Jackson.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) discusses his songwriting process and whether it’s easier to write music to words, or words to music.
Guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy (Norah Jones) reveals the possibilities for inspiration and learning that exist in copying other people’s songs, learning what makes them tick, and then doing it for yourself.
