On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn Sullivan sits down with Levi Velasquez and Conner Kelly of The Black Hole, the Arizona blues rock band known for its soulful playing, tight stage chemistry, and hard-driving live show.

The conversation explores how both musicians got started, what drew each of them into the blues, and why the genre still shapes their sound and songwriting. Conner talks about growing up around his dad’s guitars, falling in love with music early, and realizing he wanted to keep pursuing it after his father encouraged him to run with it. Levi shares how he ended up in band, started on drums, moved through jazz and rock, and eventually found the blues as the place where his playing and feel really clicked.

The two also look back on how they met years ago through Arizona blues circles and how that long friendship turned into a strong musical partnership. A major theme in the episode is the feeling behind the blues. Conner says the blues is honest and leaves no place to hide, while Levi explains that the stripped-down nature of the genre demands soul, attention, and originality.

They also talk about artistic freedom, songwriting, and how inspiration often starts with riffs, phrases, or moments captured in everyday life. Conner describes his old typewriter as his favorite tool for capturing ideas, while Levi explains that the band builds songs by staying connected, listening closely, and working from a shared understanding developed over years of playing together.

That same chemistry carries into their live performances, where they emphasize dynamics, communication, and reading the room instead of just playing loud all the time. The episode also touches on the importance of audience connection, venue support, and the role live music plays in creating a shared experience people can still enjoy together in person.

Both musicians stress that fan support matters, that local music does not have to be expensive to be great, and that the best shows come from mutual respect between bands, venues, and audiences. The Black Hole’s official website highlights their latest release, “Show Me What You Got,” along with music, video, tour, about, contact, and shop links. The site also lists booking information and merch options, including items like the Black Cat T-Shirt and Velvet Lady T-Shirt.