Ensuring Correct Wiring with a PI0W and WS2815 LEDs

Hello!

So I cannot seem to get any response from my WS2815 LEDs when I connect them to my PI 0. I am a Computer Science major and not very experienced in electrical work like this so I have a feeling that I have wired this incorrectly. I've got the PI 0 with HyperBian running perfectly. Here are some of the HyperBian configurations:
Controller Type: ws281x

LED Count: 240

RGB Byte Order: RGB

Here is a quick summary schematic of what I have tried to no avail:

This will use a 12V power supply to power the LEDs while I power the PI 0 with the normal method of a 5V 1A AC adapter to Micro-USB to simplify the project. I then use the step converter to turn the 3.3V signal given by GPIO 18 to a 5V signal for the LEDs.

I don't want to fry anything accidentally so if I could get some pointers to help me get this working that would be great!

Parts List:

• 12V WS2815 30 LED/m: https://www.aliexpress.us/item…NrS2&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
• 12V 8A Power Supply: https://www.aliexpress.us/item…tLBu&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
• Female DC Connector: https://www.aliexpress.us/item…anqc&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa
• Level Shifter (Intended for a 3.3V to 5V step): https://www.ezsbc.com/product/ls2/

So just adding a ground wire from the PI0 to the ground terminal of my 12V PS should solve my issue?