Levi Kreis, a talented, pop/AC singer/songwriter and pianist
based in Los Angeles, CA, has won the SongwriterUniverse “Best Song Of The
Month” Contest for January, for his song “I Should Go” (which was co-written by
writer/artist Darci Monet of Los Angeles). This song is featured on Kreis’ new
10-song CD One Of The Ones, which he produced and released independently
in November.
Levi Kreis
“I Should Go” is an elegant, intimate ballad which is a fine
showcase for Kreis’ expressive, soulful vocals, and his piano playing. The
song’s recording is very basic, just piano and a lead vocal, but it has a
strong impact due to the quality of the song, and Kreis’ performance. The
lyrics (by Kreis and Darci Monet) are very articulate and thoughtful. When you
listen to the song’s lyrics, you can envision the personal, heartfelt emotions
that Kreis is feeling, as he sings this song.
Kreis was born and raised in a small town named Oliver
Springs, which is in EastTennessee. He started playing piano at age 6, and by
the time he was 8, he was performing at many churches. “I would perform at
different churches every weekend, playing piano, singing and preaching,”
recalled Kreis. “I started writing songs when I was 12, and (at age 15) I
recorded my first CD Just Trust, which was a Christian album.” During
high school, Kreis attended special classes created by the music department of
Vanderbilt University, and he subsequently attended college at Belmont University
in Nashville, TN.
Kreis then moved to Los Angeles, where he had discussions
with several major labels, before signing a deal (via a record producer) with
Atlantic Records in 2004. Unfortunately, his producer’s deal with Atlantic
ended, which led to Kreis being released from the label. As a result, Kreis
decided to record and produce his own CD One Of The Ones, and release it
independently. It was released on November 17 (2005), which was timed precisely
to coincide with Kreis’ appearance that evening on the hit NBC-TV show The
Apprentice. This specific episode featured a live performance by Kreis,
which was terrific publicity and exposure for him.
Darci Monet, who co-wrote "I Should Go" with Levi Kreis.
“I Should Go” is a key cut on Kreis’ CD, and it is one of
three songs that he wrote with longtime collaborator Darci Monet for his album.
“Darci is a phenomenal writer and artist,” he said. “She has a beautiful knack
for tapping into my feelings as a writer, and helping me to convey my thoughts
and feelings, in the songs we write. I also really like the other two songs we
wrote for the CD, ‘Just This Good’ and ‘Hardly A Hero’.”
Kreis is excited about the release of One Of The Ones,
which has sold a thousand copies in less than two months. He will be starting a
nationwide tour in March to promote the CD, performing solo. And his CD has
just received another boost: “I Should Go” has been placed as a recurring theme
song on the popular NBC soap opera, Days Of Our Lives.