Levi McGrath

'It's impossible to listen to his music and not be stirred into action.' [Tim Costello, CEO World Vision Australia]

BIOGRAPHY
'I want for my music to impact people's hearts and change people's lives. I want to be a voice of challenge to inspire people to open up their hearts to a bigger world.’ (McGrath)

Levi McGrath demonstrates a passionate commitment to making the world a more just and compassionate place. From working with former child soldiers in Uganda, to his role as Assistant Music Director for The Choir of Hope and Inspiration (comprised of Melbourne's homeless) Levi is committed to music and social justice -- and he wants his songs to motivate and inspire a new generation of people who are willing to stand up and make that difference.

And 2011 has been a big year! Following on from landing a top spot at the Australian National Folk Festival, Levi won second prize in the Indie International Songwriting Contest, competing with hundreds of international songwriters, with two of his songs from Children of War making the top 5 in the Folk Category. Children of War is now in its fifth pressing ...

Then came sold-out shows for the International Melbourne Fringe Festival, and in December Levi toured Canada, supporting former Newsboys Frontman Peter Furler, and performed on both Wesley Mission’s Rise and Shine national TV program, and as a special with Tim Costello on Bayside TV.
Levi toured Australia with World Vision and two former child soldiers, and has performed his powerful mix of musical story-telling to thousands of people: from Bank Executives in Sydney to World Vision leaders in Singapore. He has accompanied Rev Tim Costello (World Vision Australia CEO) on several key speaking engagements.

At conferences, youth nights and in radio/magazine interviews, Levi continues to reach out with his message of positive social action. And the future is exciting -- as a World Vision Associate Artist and Assistant Musical Director of The Choir of Hope and Inspiration, there is much work to be done, and music to be made, to help turn the tide of poverty, apathy and human suffering. Plus Levi plans to finish building his energy-efficient house in rural Victoria -- and help his wife learn the banjo! And finally take a breath to start work on the next album, slated for a mid-2012 release ...

The Story So Far ...
Having performed in bands since a teenager, and studied songwriting at Southern Cross University, Levi McGrath began his professional music career in 2007, with the release of his debut album Move on the Australia/USA independent Small House Records label. Move has since sold 4000+ units and has garnered over 300 radio interviews, seen two singles reach the top 10 on TRAA Christian Airplay charts, lead to national television appearances, feature articles and community radio airplay on 400+ stations nationwide, including several syndicated national and USA-broadcasting programs. Melbourne's 3PBS FM placed Move in its Top Ten albums for the week of its release,

2008 saw Levi touring Australia for six months, followed with a Australian Government-funded tour of the USA's South East. In 2009 Levi returned to Uganda to work with former child soldiers for five months, with World Vision in Gulu. This led to his sophomore, critically acclaimed album Children of War (Small House Records April 2010) -- rich in passion for social change and heart-rending stories of suffering and dignity. 2010 saw Levi complete a 100+ venue, Australia-wide tour sponsored by World Vision Australia and Small House Creative to spread the message of rescuing the child victims of war and exploitation. Children of War has resonated with listeners everywhere, and is now in its fifth pressing.

Read what others are saying about Levi.