Levina - 'Battleground'
Returning with her latest single ‘Battleground’, Levina opens up about her mental health struggles with true authenticity.
First coming onto our radar all the way back in 2017 when she represented her home Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest, this singer-songwriter now lives in London where she has been a big fixture in the alternative pop scene. She has described her music and art as being inspired and created from the soul - her uniquely captivating sound and profound lyrics showcase her extensive musical talent and have resonated with people all over.
‘Battlegrounds’ is a track about mental health and explores the idea of things not being as they seem on the surface and how we feel like we have to mask our emotions and feelings. Having previously been quite reserved and quiet about her struggles, this track marks a change in attitude and a recognition that talking about things is how we can make change. When writing the track, Levina found great relief in hearing stories from other artists and with this song wants more people to recognise that it’s ok to not be ok. In her own words she explains
‘I realised the importance of up, because there are other people who are going through similar situations’
This attitude reflects an emerging theme within music where artists and creators feel more able to be vulnerable with their audiences. More and more we are seeing music which explores the human condition and this enables listeners to feel understood, accepted, and most importantly, inspired.
The track is purposely written in a 6/8 time signature. While typically it would create a sense of fluidity and freedom, in the context of this song it embodies the ongoing struggle Levina faces. The nature of this type of timing means that it often doesn’t ever feel nor reach a true resolution; a reflection of how mental health is an issue you must constantly work at and maintain. The instrumentation is deliberately softened:it allows for the listener to feel as though they are inside of Levina’s head. Much like when sound is muffled when you’re in another room, we are hearing the piano from a certain distance. This is juxtaposed by the verse which comes in with a pureness and clarity which reflects the sound of an ‘inner voice’
“Every part of me is hurting in my body, in my head. Everything feels like a burden, like I’m hanging from a thread.”
This particular lyric is worth diving into. At first glance, the ordering of ‘body’ and ‘head’ feel like a means by which Levina can employ rhyme. Perhaps though there is a deeper meaning; mental health and physical health are often pitted against each-other where physical health is viewed as more legitimate and deserving of care and treatment. It’s also interesting that Levina doesn’t see her head, her mind, as part of her body. There is a distinct separation between her physical and mental well-being here which continues throughout the track.
Levina’s vocals are delivered with a brutal honesty and a palpable exhaustion. As she tells us she can’t cope, we hear it in the hoarse and pained tone of her voice. The moments where it becomes brighter are when she is talking about how she wants to come home and find something better. Even then, there is a sadness and struggle which underpins the whole track. Her tone fits beautifully within the image of the battleground; like a soldier at war, in moments of reminiscence and memories of home she has fleeting feelings of hope and desperation. This is against instrumentation which builds progressively over the track, showing the journey of battle and the highs and lows which come with the fight.
While the track is somber and blue, the ways in which Levina’s strength and passion shine through highlight the true intention behind the song. She has explained how grateful she is that she is able to express herself through music and art and wants for this track to encourage others to do the same. On her social media and in her live performances, she talks about the importance of showing kindness to one another and constantly reminds her fans that there is someone who is listening.
Words by Kirsty Thompson
