From shy classical pianist to indie pop-rock singer, local act Eric Leva‘s musical development was an unusual one. Perhaps that’s why he describes his music as “reflective” and “searching.” His road to becoming the musician he is today was a winding journey, from dabbling in musicals to serious songwriting, from plunking away at keys in his home to banging out piano pop in New York City.
Raised just outside of Boston, Leva grew up listening to Beethoven and Mozart. With classical music ringing in his ears and the help of his grandmother, Leva took piano lessons at the New England Conservatory. Leva also learned to sing, taking part in high school musicals. Inspired by pop artists like Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson, he eventually began songwriting. “They were pop songwriters who were really rocking on the piano,” Leva said. “There was something extra special about the music that they were making that I really related to. That’s when I started writing songs for fun.” Soon after, Leva studied with fellow musical minds at Berklee College of Music.
Written during a weekend trip to Brooklyn with musician and friend Katie Costello, “I Should Know” was produced by Elliot Jacobson (drummer for Ingrid Michaelson, Wakey Wakey! and many more) and Jerry Fuentes. Too many tracks these days are a Cheetos Puffs experience—artificial, cheesy lyrics with overused themes. The song may sound familiar upon first listen—it’s got that predictable nature of pop music. Lyrics like, “It’s nothing new for me to say / But hold on tight, it’ll be okay” would leave us orange-fingered if it weren’t for Leva’s added reassurance, “I should know,” a simple one-liner that transforms the trite advice to personal empathy.
As for his thoughts on the Boston music scene? “I think the music scene in Boston always surprises people. There are bands that come through to play that always end up seemingly awestruck by how awesome the night turned out to be. It’s a smaller city, but it’s still a blast. ” Snaps to that, Eric.