Allegra Levy

Sick of all the hearts and flowers hype of the season? Here’s a refreshing musical alternative.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day — or Galentine’s Day, depending upon your situation —
singer-songwriter Allegra Levy is releasing an EP of three original songs in a new genre she is
calling “female empowerment pop.”
“In place of the usual sappy, pseudo-romantic drivel that makes many people feel alone and
disenfranchised, this music suggests that you be your own savior,” explains Levy, a New
York-based jazz vocalist. “It also promotes a positive self-image for women.”
The title track, “Love Is a Bird,” is more of a feminist anthem than traditional love song. It
explores the ins and outs of love from a distinctly feminist point of view. “Prince Charming said
he’d be by your side, but you realized he’s simply unqualified,” it says.
A second tune, “I Give Up,” is about anything but feelings of defeat. Rather, it recognizes the
need for women to stop striving to please others and just be themselves. “I give up trying to
make it in a man’s world, trying to fake it in front of the girls,” it begins.
Then there is “Waste My Time,” an ode (or, more accurately, decisive adieu) to clueless men and
bad boyfriends of the past. “He used to write me poems once in a while,” she sings of one. “He
used to criticize my style. He made me nervous just like I was a child. No thanks, I think I’ll
move on. I’ll move on!”
Levy, who was born and raised in Connecticut, recently recorded her fourth album on the
SteepleChase label, backed up by a powerhouse all-female band. She has been dubbed a
“double-barreled talent” and “unquestionably one to watch” by JazzTimes magazine. Her new
EP, available starting Feb. 14 on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and wherever music
streams, is not only a new take on the typical love song, but a distinct departure from her usual
strict diet of jazz.
Her last album, 2018’s LOOKING AT THE MOON, was named an editor’s pick in both
Downbeat and JazzTimes. It consisted of 10 classic songs that focused on the moon. But now
Levy is looking within herself instead for strength and inspiration and is encouraging other
women to do the same.
So, if you happen to find yourself flying solo this Cupid-saturated holiday, take it from Levy and
the lilting refrain of her title track. “You don’t need a strong man to show up tonight, you will be
all right all alone. You don’t need anyone to save the day, you will be OK on your own.”