An interview with Levente Bálint (Drive)

Profile photo of the artist Drive.

“Sometimes I want the listener to relax and let their mind flow freely, but sometimes I want to make them feel a bit of discomfort.” - Levente Bálint (Drive)

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Levente Bálint, who makes music under the name Drive. Levente is a music producer/beat maker from Hungary. He created Drive as a beat making project heavily influenced by hip-hop, jazz, soul and funk music. His main approach is to explore the boundaries of different styles and techniques to blend them together.

1.) When did you start making music?

I started learning guitar and bass in 2003, and I think we founded our first band in 2004 with my friends. Since then, I tried myself in different roles in punk-rock, nu-metal and hip-hop groups until 2011 – then I was barely making anything for 10 years. I started making beats as “Drive” in 2021 while I was studying more about my instruments and music production.

2.) What inspires you to make your music?

Emotions I’m dealing with, memories, people in my life and my circumstances are my main inspirations these days. I started doing analog photography which greatly complements the writing process: sometimes I walk around the city looking for interesting scenes or places to take a photo. The first impression is the walk itself and the things I see. After having the picture, it could elevate this feeling or spark new ideas – this requires patience, because you have to wait for the roll to complete and the development. When everything is so rushed around us, it feels good to have this slow creative process.

3.) Tell me about your new album “Change of Perspective”.

One of the hardest things in life is to accept change - especially about things we love, what we are attached to. This always involves stepping out of our comfort zone to look at life from a different perspective. The album represents the thoughtful process of accepting the will to change - to look at the world around us with a different eye. I believe we have to release attachment to things to let them evolve.

4.) What do you hope to accomplish in 2022 with your music career?

I’d like to reach more people with my music and make more connections with musicians and producers around the world. More people means more ideas and more stories to tell. I also plan to find a rapper or vocalist and expand in this area. But it all comes down to enjoying the process and the end product – having fun while doing this is the main goal.

5.) What message or feeling do you want the listener to take away from listening to your songs?

Sometimes I want the listener to relax and let their mind flow freely, but sometimes I want to make them feel a bit of discomfort. It all depends on the song but I always take my time to name a piece and select a cover picture that completes it. I encourage the listener to view the music, titles and cover art together to get a better understanding of the meaning of a song or an album. Stop, look & listen – and let me know if I sparked some emotions through my music!

Be sure to check out the playlist below for a wonderful selection of his songs!

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