With the release of his latest album Voilà, Jeremy Levif has affirmed himself as one of the most compelling voices to emerge from Scotland’s contemporary music scene. The French-born, Scotland-based artist first came to prominence with his memorable performances on The Voice UK, but his journey since has been defined by a distinctive ability to blend heartfelt song writing with a refined, genre-spanning sound. Voilà is a testament to this artistry, an intimate collection of songs that showcase his lyrical candour, melodic sensibility, and the cross-cultural influences that shape his work.

First of all, congratulations on the release of your third album Voilà! What does the title mean to you personally?

Thank you! For this 3rd album, I wanted a title that was understandable both in English and French, as there are songs in both languages in the record. Also, I am guilty of using this word all the time in French, haha!

What was the first spark of inspiration for this record? Was it a song, a mood, a life moment?

Following my second album released in 2021, I was naturally excited to be working on new songs afterwards, especially since it had been such an enjoyable process. When I took part in the Voice France in 2023, I had already more than half of the songs that would make up the new album and I was really keen to be able to connect artistically with my newly-gained audience through releasing songs following such an exposure.

You’ve said this is one of your most personal albums to date. Were there any songs on Voilà that felt especially vulnerable to write or perform?

Definitely! Three songs especially come to mind. The first one is “Le mito” (The Liar), which I unfortunately wrote about a past friend of mine, who used to lie all the time and ended up ruining our friendship. Another one, “Loving You Alright” is a song I wrote for my son as he was chilling on a rocking-chair. The third one, “Home”, is my absolute favourite to sing live. It attempts to encapsulate the feeling I have for my adoptive country, Scotland.

The way you move between English and French on the album is seamless. How do you decide which language a song wants to live in?

Such a great question! I always find that certain Melodies or chords I use naturally lead me towards one of the two languages. I also make the conscious effort to create in both languages for both my audiences in France and in the UK.

Is there a particular lyric or track on Voilà that holds a special place in your heart , or one you’re most proud of?

Haha, yes! And it is a sassy one! I love the lines in “Le mito” which describes my past friend: “plus prolifique que La Fontaine, t’écris des fables à la centaine, les récite dans les yeux sans gêne”. [“more prolific than La Fontaine, you write fables by the hundred, recite them in people’s eyes without embarrassment”].

How has life in Scotland influenced your song writing and identity as an artist?

Living here has changed everything for me. Especially since meeting my wife Kirsty back in 2016. She is the one who encouraged me to perform more (she almost regrets it now seeing how busy I can be). The Scottish landscapes always leave me in awe and they have visually defined my artistic world. I try to showcase a lot of the beautiful Scottish nature in my artwork, videos and in the natural acoustic dimension of my songs.

Are there any places in Scotland you go to recharge or write, whether it’s a favourite café, coastline, or quiet trail?

Dunure! I absolutely love this wee fishing village and the rocky shoreline nearby. I shot the music clip for my song “Closer” and many other clips. It is always quiet and dramatic looking.

Let’s talk lifestyle for a moment, what does a typical day look like for you when you’re not in studio mode?

I am a dad of 2 and my youngest just turned 1. So when I am not gigging or working, I am always busy with the family. That said, I probably spend most evenings in the studio in the garden, haha. That’s my man cave if you like, haha!

Do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay grounded when juggling creative work and everyday life?

The shower! Love letting my mind and body wake up in the shower every morning before the chaos starts!

What do you hope listeners feel when they press play on Voilà? Is there a message or mood you hope lingers after the last song ends?

I simply hope they FEEL something. All the songs on Voilà have that common thread: LOVE. In its multi-faceted dimension. The love for someone or a place. The love we haven’t found yet. The broken love. It is kind of a journey through the various shapes of love.

And finally, Voilà means “here it is.” What does that phrase mean for you at this point in your journey?

Voilà rings out like a statement to me. With this 3rd album, I feel like I have sonically and lyrically managed to express a lot of emotions that I feel or that I have felt in my life up till now, in a way that feels real.

You can learn more or listen to Jeremy on his website: jeremylevif.com

“Voilà” Jeremy Levif