By Cynthia Gross
Singer-songwriter and global citizen Eli Lev recently announced the release of “True North,” the highly anticipated final installment to his Four Directions project, which drops on June 25. Drawing inspiration from indigenous traditions Eli learned while working as an English teacher on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona, Four Directions centers around self-discovery and the freedom that comes from embracing one’s individuality.
“I Wanna Tell You,” the lead single from “True North,” is all at once wistful, cathartic, and life-affirming. Rooted in folk traditions that have become characteristic of Eli’s introspective, poignant songwriting, “I Wanna Tell You” explores love, loss, and the wisdom that comes from maturity. The song’s opening lyrics, “we just turned 23, it was the world versus you and me,” reach back to a younger, more naïve perspective that feels familiar to nostalgic listeners.
The song increasingly builds momentum symbolic of the growth experienced by the young lover who had to “learn along the way” that he’s a different person than before. Although the song chronicles a personal journey of moving on in love, the larger theme of finding one’s true self is universal. Fans of The Lumineers will resonate with Eli’s emotionally resonant and down-to-earth songwriting.
“What has surprised me most about the Four Directions project is how it’s been able to give an overall purpose and storyline to my music for these last five years of my still very new music career,” explains Eli Lev. “It’s essentially shown me the way both musically and creatively and allowed me to try new themes for each of the directional albums.” Eli recorded “True North” during sessions with producer Taylor Rigg in a cabin in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Eli Lev, a Silver Spring, Maryland native, has garnered broad critical acclaim for his growing body of work, positioning him among the finest of the DC music scene and beyond. His releases have earned praise from Paste Magazine, Buzzfeed, CBS Radio, AXS, and The Bluegrass Situation. His second album “Way Out West” won a WAMMIE for best Country/Americana album, and his single “Chasing Daylight” won a grand prize in the SAW Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Competition.
“True North” represents a triumphant return home for Eli Lev, an uplifting celebration of the joy of being human and coming to terms with who you are. With his final Four Directions album, Eli marries the best of the past and present, and the result is something transformative and delicately powerful. The project is an impressive, soul-searching collection of songs with awakening at the heart – a refreshing expression of what it means to be wild and free.
When asked what audiences can expect after Four Directions, Eli notes he’s keeping his options open. “Maybe a sky above, ground below double album to really round out the series. Or I might go in another creative direction completely.” Wherever Eli is headed next, we’re ready to join him for the adventure.
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Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
