From the Suburbs to the stage: Noah Levine’s “don’t know why”

Noah Levine’s rise from the suburbs of Austin, Texas, to performing on stages around the world is an inspiring tale of self-discovery, collaboration, and breaking free from self-doubt. Learning every instrument he could when he was little, Levine’s journey has taken unexpected turns, leading him to stage right (and left) of Noah Kahan and releasing his debut single, “Don’t Know Why,” marking the start of a new chapter and stage name.

Through creative partnerships, Levine has found the freedom to explore new sounds, evolve as an artist, and shed the weight of imposter syndrome. We got the chance to chat with Mr. Noah Levine himself and take a closer look at his experiences, the lessons learned, and what’s next in his musical journey.

This is Noah Levine.

The Role of Collaboration

How would you describe the importance of collaboration in creative work?
Noah Levine has always been open to collaboration, believing that it plays a crucial role in creating something truly remarkable. He emphasizes the importance of working with others without ego or pride and staying humble in such a fast paced industry.

“Collaboration helps open up new perspectives and ultimately leads to amazing creations. It’s not about controlling everything; it’s about finding the right people and trusting the process.”

One of the pivotal moments in Levine’s journey came when he met Arthur Caplan, a fellow musician and producer. In the peak of Covid-19, Caplan and Levine were continuing to create through online platforms that eventually led to them creating a few songs together. Caplan helped Levine embrace the idea of working with others, opening him up to the endless possibilities that come with collaboration.

Check out Arthur’s music in the link above!

Key Elements of Creative Collaboration

What do you believe are the most important elements of a successful collaboration?
For Levine, a successful collaboration doesn’t necessarily come down to a shared vision but just that the right people are involved. Moments like these have led to hits for him.

“Starting with a blank slate can be liberating. You have to be open to change and not get too attached to ideas; that’s where the magic happens.”

Working with Noah Kahan

What was it like working on “Dial Drunk” with Noah?
Collaborating with Noah Kahan was a turning point. “Dial Drunk” began as an acoustic, melancholic piece when Levine originally wrote the hit song with Kahan. After bringing it to their producer, it evolved into something more upbeat with a Tom Petty-inspired sound.

“We trusted the process, and it ended up becoming something far bigger than we expected.”

Did you expect the song to receive the reaction it did?

“Not at all. It was overwhelming — in a good way. To see how quickly people connected with the song was humbling.”

Balancing Multiple Projects

How do you manage working and touring with Noah Kahan while also focusing on your own music?
Touring with Kahan taught him how to manage his own creative process while staying committed to supporting another artist.

“It’s all about finding the right balance. While I’ve been supporting Noah, I’ve also been writing, learning, and growing as an artist. I wanted to make sure I always give 100% of my effort to Noah Kahan and also 100% to my own music.”

Overcoming Challenges & Imposter Syndrome

Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome in the industry? If so, how do you deal with it?

“It’s a constant battle,” Levine admits. “There are days when I feel like a secret, like people don’t think I’m good enough.”

From playing in small venues to performing in arenas and stadiums just a year later, the validation came quickly for Levine. In what felt like an instant, he found himself sharing the stage with artists he once looked up to — a surreal shift that came with both excitement and pressure. Supporting Noah Kahan on the Stick Season tour, Levine went from intimate crowds to tens of thousands, learning to navigate larger-than-life stages while staying grounded in his craft. It was a crash course in growth, confidence, and stepping into his own spotlight

Writing about it has become his way of coping.

“I even wrote a song about it called Bacteria,” he laughs. “It keeps me grounded.”

Looking Ahead

How do you see your approach to collaboration evolving? Any dream collaborations or new creative directions?

“I see myself continuing to grow, working with different people who inspire me. I’m excited to explore new genres, take risks, and keep pushing myself creatively.”

“Don’t Know Why” Coverage

What was your main inspiration for this single and how did you know it was the one for your debut?
”Don’t Know Why," released on April 4th, 2025, was written during a stop in Toronto on the Stick Season tour. Levine reflects on the inspiration, saying,

“Being on the road, I was always in my hotel room, staring at my phone, feeling trapped in this cycle of constant connectivity. It was like living in an addiction.”

As a Toronto local, I can’t help but relate to the feeling of being surrounded by the city's constant buzz yet still feeling isolated in your own space. For Levine, this sense of disconnection and the constant pull of technology became the core of “Don’t Know Why” — a track that marked the beginning of his new era. It felt like the perfect fit for his debut, capturing a moment of self-realization amid the noise of the world.

What are you most excited for in this new era?

“This is the clearest window into me as a person. I’m finally writing about the real me, not just focusing on production like I did before.”

If you could use 3 emojis to describe it, which ones would they be?

🤠 🍱🤺

Do we know what this means? Not entirely.

What can new fans expect from your music?

“It’s stripped down, acoustic, and deeply personal. I’m excited to show people the music I’ve been making on my own terms.”

A New Beginning

“Don’t Know Why” marks the beginning of a new chapter. No longer performing as “Noah in the Open,” Levine’s current identity reflects who he really is.

“Touring changed the way I write. I didn’t have a studio — just me and my guitar. That forced me to really focus on what I was saying.”

Now, with clarity, confidence, and creativity, Noah Levine is stepping into a new era of songwriting and self-expression — one that’s entirely his own.