Meet Louis Levitt. He is a multi-careerist based in New York. I’ve known him for years through the music community. We collaborated on a music project. And like me, he’s a double bassist. So, of course, we have to feature him.
Louis’ careers:
- Founder & Owner Record Label (Bright Shiny Things)
- Bass player (classical or whatever that means)
- Founder of Sybarite5 (chamber music ensemble)
- Exec director of a non-profit arts organization
- University Double Bass teacher at Rutgers (sometimes at Juilliard & Mannes as well)
On his motivations for having multiple careers
I like making new things and releasing them into the world!
Also I have a wife and kids in NYC and that’s expensive!
Advice to aspiring multi-careerists
YOLO – Just do it, and you’ll see if it’s a good fit.
On overcoming obstacles
Wait less, do more — Orchestra auditions occupied my life for about 10 years. In hindsight would have been better to spend some of that time on chamber music, solo, or a law degree. Lol.
I waited 5 years before I went full force with Sybarite5, 1 would have been better. Learned this lesson with the record label and just went for it right away!
On how multiple careers are beneficial
Having won the Concert Artist Guild competition & then touring the world with Sybarite5 really helped me with the street cred when I started the label Bright Shiny Things.
We are an artist friendly label and the musicians that come to the label trust me because I’ve been in their shoes and I get it.
Performing and touring also help me recruit students for teaching. The label helps me meet more composers that might want to write for Sybarite5.
On personal time
We make Summer family travel time, often to another country. I’m an avid mountain biker, and I get outside a lot.
On what he wishes he learned earlier
I wish I had more people encourage me at a younger age and not say things like be a lawyer or a doctor, or “Jack of all trades, master of none.”
I’m not saying I’m a master at everything, but at some point your professionally proficient at a high level and you can do the JOB… but it’s not always so clear internally.
What to read
Also: Learn how do something hard really well that’s fun, just because you like it. For me that’s Mountain Biking
On the stigma of having many careers
Yes, but the stigma is really internal. If I start doing this, will people stop calling me for that? There is a little truth to that but, water finds its own level.
On sublimating ego
Ride my bike, hire someone to do the banal work, and look and pictures from my last family trip or awesome concert experience.
A Day in the Life
6:30am up – coffee- make kids breakfast –
Out the door 7:25 drive them to school.
Back 8:30 to 9. More coffee.
9:30 to 2:30pm – computer work, practice, or ride depends on the day.
3:30 pick up kids.
Home 4:30
Work until 7-8 then dinner.
(either I or my wife makes dinner for the kids around 6)
8:30 kids bed time.
I’m in bed by 10ish, Netflix and chill. sleep before midnight if possible.
Where to find Louis
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Kabir Sehgal is a Multi Grammy & Latin Grammy Award winner, as well as New York Times bestselling author.
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