Introducing Lois Levin

The Birkenhead-born soul singer has spent the past year steadily carving her name into the UK’s modern jazz and soul landscape—landing six consecutive A-list singles on Jazz FM, racking up spins on BBC 6 Music and Radio 2, and selling out the Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall. Now, with the release of her debut EP Motions, she’s delivering a striking, unfiltered portrait of love, loss, and time itself—laced with vulnerability, wit, and old-school soul delivered with sharp modern flair.

From the aching intimacy of Felt to the soaring tribute Pass You By, Lois Levin is a voice beyond her years—and one that refuses to be passed by.

The EP’s title, Motions, suggests movement, change, even grief. Can you talk about how the idea of time—spending it, wasting it, or honouring it—informed your songwriting?

I think I’m always haunted by this feeling that time is slipping away, and there’s nothing I can do to get it back. I’m constantly wondering: Am I living enough? Am I happy with how I’ve spent it? How can I freeze it? Maybe it comes from experiencing a big loss early in life—or maybe it’s just getting older—but I’ve become protective of time, and more aware of what exists within it. It has made me appreciate things more. I wanted to immortalise moments and I guess songwriting does that. I’m glad I’m able to do that.

You’ve said your lyrics are pretty literal, and that honesty really shines through on tracks like “Excuse” and “Pass You By.” Is vulnerability something that comes naturally in your writing, or do you have to push yourself to go there?

It comes naturally which is both a blessing and a curse! I know no other direction but to turn to that vulnerability and I’m not scared to go there which I think is a destination you get to within yourself and I’m there, with sign posts welcoming myself back to it every time. 

“Pass You By” is a deeply personal tribute to your mum. How did it feel to write and release something so emotionally raw? Did the process help you make sense of grief in any way?

Honestly, it felt good. I reference some very deep things in there like her wedding ring being stolen which I was to receive on my 21st birthday that I think bothers me more than I let on. I refer to the times we used to sing together which if I think about too much, it does upset me. The song enables me to smile about things that without the music, make me cry. 

You blend old-school soul and jazz influences with modern textures and lyrical sass—how do you find the balance between classic and contemporary sounds?

I think it’s the product of growing up with two very musically eclectic parents from my mum who loved the likes of Sade, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Christian Augerlia. My Dad liking Pink Floyd, The Stone Roses, Led Zeppelin, Afrika Bambaataa, then going to stay with my grandparents who showed me all the Motown legends including Swing, Blues and of course The Beatles. I’m in the middle of all of that and I love it all. I love all the different genres and geeking out over lyrics.   

From Birkenhead to the Albert Hall to BBC playlists—how have your Liverpool roots shaped the kind of artist you are now?

I’ve sung in so many bars across Merseyside from the age of about 14. Some rough pubs across Birkenhead when I was very young singing to 1 or 2 people then wrestling with the pub crowds as a teenager to be heard ha! I think it’s made me more confident about owning my art and being able to unapologetically share it - which really hasn’t always been easy! 

Your live shows have become a big part of your story. What do you love most about performing your songs in a live setting?

It’s free therapy! I love chatting and sharing my stories, especially because recently the shows have been very intimate. Singing live makes me feel relaxed even if I am bricking it before I go on, I feel very at ease when I finally get on stage. 

You’re only just dropping your debut EP, but there’s already a strong sense of identity in your sound and writing. What’s next for you—sonically or personally—as you keep building your world?

Currently been writing more tracks with my manager and producer Jon Withnall so gearing up for more releases throughout this year. I’m excited to get them out there for people to listen to, hopefully more ones they can dance to and obviously relate to as I tell more stories. Also looking forward for the Liverpool show on 26th November 2025. Honestly, I’m just looking forward to more live shows and connecting with people.