Exclusive Interview Levi DaRosa Talks “They Don’t (Make’m Like You)” 

Looking for the good in everything is the only thing one can do as one navigates the highs and lows of life, and Levi DaRosa has been able to do so through song. Since she was young, Levi was introduced to music as a part of her everyday life, through her mother’s cleaning jams and devoting all time and effort to learning instrumentals and vocal skills in school. She quickly learned to appreciate music, but then later learned how to use it to express her feelings when it’s hard to have control over them. Her musical expertise, combined with her raw talent with her smooth, soft voice, allows her to achieve her goal of making people feel good about their lives, no matter what a person may be going through.

“They Don’t (Make’m Like You)” is an ode to good memories that seem to slip away from everyone. The song begins with a captivating introduction of R&B beats, flowing right through Levi’s romantic vocals. Listeners all around the world experience relationships that end sooner than they could have ever imagined, or feel like a failure in life or a mistake that should have never happened. But to Levi, who sings a soft-spoken yet pain-filled tone, it’s just another moment that shapes how we think or decide to live day by day. Despite any negative moments, she wants her fans to know how they have positively impacted her, especially all of the minutes that have spent with love.

We follow a close-knit couple wandering their perfect date night. They stay close together and it is clear that this couple wants to spend every moment together. But, after flashbacks of love, Levi is seen singing by herself in the same spots where they once walked together. Levi sings about her old memories as she looks around for the feelings she had when she was in her relationship.

Can you share a bit about your journey into music and what drew you specifically to R&B?

My journey into music began when I was introduced to all of the classics my mom used to listen to growing up in gospel, R&B and some Hip-Hop. I always enjoyed being able to mimic the harmonies and cadences I’d hear and fall in love with the rhythms. My love for music enhanced even more when my mom introduced me to instruments where I picked up the flute and it felt like everything from then on came full circle as I developed. For me R&B became my niche when I’d hear the catchy hooks, the cool music videos especially if the artist or group was passionate. It’s just a soulfulness about the genre that I appreciate and as someone who identifies with having a strong spiritual awareness in life me and soul music just kind of go together. 

What motivated you to bring this particular song to life through a visual medium, and how did you approach translating its essence into a visual story?

What motivated me to bring this song to life was because of the great feedback I’d get whenever anyone would listen to it of different ages and different backgrounds. It was also one of my favorites off of my EP because I needed help processing a lot of challenges in my life at that time and this song was one of the ones that made me feel like I could get through anything. I approached translating the essence with a rather minimal approach because I wanted to tell the story but I also wanted to keep it relatable and engaging.

Can you share with us the story behind the song and how you translated it into visuals?

The song tells a story of two lovers who seem to have a pretty good relationship on the surface except heartbreak and loneliness seeps in when things in their relationship become one-sided. You’ll then see me reenacting that character by going back to those same places where the love once existed between the two. I translated it by choosing a co-star who complimented the video as well to support my vision of keeping it centered around the relationship without any extra component’s. 

Can you tell us about any specific influences or inspirations that guided the visual direction of the project?” 

Back to my love and appreciation for the genre itself I wanted to capture that essence of the videos I watched growing up as a kid. I remember the focus of love and even heart break at times but it was always tastefully executed so I wanted a similar vibe while making it my own.

Can you share some insights into the creative decisions behind the cinematography, set design, and overall aesthetic? 

The video was filmed in what I consider the heart of South Charlotte on a retail strip called “Phillips Place” which is special to me because I used to work on that same strip back in the day prior to even thinking about becoming a musician. I’ve just always loved the ambiance so when it came time to shoot the video I thought to myself the set would set itself up aesthetically because the surrounding retail stores and restaurants were already visually appealing. I also wanted to show the city of Charlotte in a good light but also choose an area where the scenery would have you wondering where we are.

How do you hope people will connect with the message or themes portrayed in your visuals?

I hope people will connect with message of love and vulnerability by being able to express their true feelings toward their partner. Most people will dance around those important acknowledgments and validations because they think it will bring pain but I always remember what the great Whitney Houston stated in her song “Hearts are often broken…when there are words unspoken”. The song is ode to say get it off your chest no matter what the outcome is because you’ll be hurt either way if you put forth no effort at all.

Your music often addresses personal experiences and relationships. How do you navigate the balance between vulnerability and artistic expression when sharing your stories through your music and visuals?

I navigate the balance between vulnerability and artistic expression by letting my lyrics and melodies flow authentically. When I let the song come to me instead of chasing it I find that I naturally incorporate my imagination with my real life experiences to create concepts. Once I have the concept I can usually build upon it and fill in whatever gaps there are but if it ever feels forced then I’ll usually come back to the song. As it relates to my visual balance I really try and paint the picture that my lyrics are conveying as best I can. 

Your music video incorporates various visual elements, from cinematography to fashion. How do you ensure that each aspect contributes to telling the story of the song?

I ensure each aspect of those element contributes to the story behind the song by being mindful of the vibe I’m setting. As the director of this video in particular I felt like my personal style was super important because I want viewers to know the real me. I didn’t want to go buy anything new rather show fashions pulled out my own closet for that personal touch. The beret I wore with the fur and gloves really speaks to my experience with high fashion but then you’ll see my other looks which speak to my laid back personality. The cinematic vibe I chose because when people watch my videos, maybe not all the time, but most times I want my audience to feel like they’re watching me in a movie.

What do you hope audiences take away from experiencing your music video, both in terms of the song’s message and the visual storytelling?

I hope audiences take away hope and love because those are two ingredients for a successful relationship whether with someone or for yourself. Ironically I don’t want people to only subject the song to a romance more so to just get lost in the melodies, lyrics and the production by Charley Turner. It’s one of my favorite beats I’ve selected still to this day and it’s a record I want people to feel good about.

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