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Don't Sleep On Me

by Oren Levine

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about

Oren Levine and Aaron Myers wrote “Don’t Sleep On Me” as a message of encouragement to their fellow musicians and other creative artists, reminding them to believe in themselves and their talent and not get distracted by external criticism and their own doubts. The song was written and recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic and released during the pandemic period, when artists were spending most of their time at home alone without the energy and reinforcement of fans and colleagues.

The single delivers its timely positive message in an energetic swing style, featuring Myers’ vocals backed by Levine on piano, Steve Arnold on bass and Tyler Leak on drums. The December 10, 2020 release included a music video produced by the multi-talented Sam Prather and filmed at Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society, one of many DC music venues that closed temporarily due to the pandemic. Some of those venues, sadly, did not survive the crisis.

lyrics

Can you believe that cat
The things that people say
You did the work
You took a chance
You came to play
He stops you at the bar
And starts to speechify
He says that he was more impressed
With some other guy

You don't need that jive
Don't listen to that cat
Why lose your head
Try this instead
To keep your mood from falling flat
Just tell him nice and softly
Smooth as you can be
I thank you brother but
Don't Sleep On Me

You work at it all night long
You try to do your best
The more you play,
It gets away
You fail the test
You feel it in your bones
Like soneone watching you
With all your zest
They're not impressed
With all the licks you do

But you don't need that jive
Remember who you are
Don't lose your head
Try this instead
To polish up your inner star
Go stand and face the mirror
Say it firm and free
I sure ain't perfect but
Don't Sleep On Me

I know just how it feels
Get caught in your own mind
You doubt you choices
Doubt your sound
You're running blind
And when you start to play
No matter how you try
It isn't sounding deep or hip
Like those other guys

You don't need that jive
It's up to you alone
You know the stakes
Got what it takes
Now let your voice be truly known
Stand up and let them hear it
Loud as you can be
Yes stand up and be open
For every one to see
Stand up and you'll be noticed
Say it confidently
You'll feel like shouting
Don't Sleep On Me!

credits

released December 10, 2020
Words & music by Oren Levine and Aaron Myers
Aaron Myers, vocals
Oren Levine, piano
Steve Arnold, bass
Tyler Leak, drums
Video by Sam Prather
Recorded at American University, Washington, DC
Mixed by Jake Vicious
Mastered by Sam Rees

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all rights reserved

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about

Oren Levine image

Oren Levine Washington, D.C.

Oren writes original songs and jazz instrumentals and performs regularly at jazz venues in the Washington, DC area and St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. His songs have been recorded by Carolyn Malachi, Aaron Myers, Lionel Lyles, Donna Singer, and Jason Mendelson’s MetroSongs project. He recently launched "Groove Park," a project of soul and R&B-inspired singles. ... more

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