After releasing her debut self-titled album in 2013, British singer-songwriter EVIE reached the Top Ten in the Upfront Club Chart with a track off the album “Habibi”, featuring Marc Vedo. Following on from this success, her song “RayBans”, remixed by Pete Hoffmann, whose credits include Depeche Mode and Kylie, generated over 1 million views on YouTube. EVIE has worked with various photographers to capture the essence of her music, both as a model and fashion stylist, including Piotr Sikora, Rankin, Leila Kimiai-nia, Anna Fowler, Michelle George, Milla Cochran, Iulia David and Mark Barnfield. She uses photography and film as an outlet to showcase her multifaceted approach to her artistry, merging different media to present her work. EVIE’s new single “Miss You” which she wrote in dedication to her mother will be released on the 31st of July- The song produced by Tony White, will be followed by a complimentary remix by Whitelight Production and a music video directed by Tim Watchorn.
When and how did you get started singing and making music? And are you self-taught or did you have any formal training?
EVIE: I wrote songs from early age loved music I had singing lessons with Helena Shenel
Who were your first and strongest musical influences that you can remember?
EVIE: George Michael I was lucky enough to see him perform live few times. I loved his song writing not to forget his amazing voice. I love any kind of music if the song is great doesn’t matter how old or current it is.
For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style?
EVIE: I can say my previous material was different I took advice from everybody around me. I feel as was influenced a lot at one point I lost who I wanted to be but what is important you have to grow inside as an artist follow that intuition if it feels good go with that feeling. Also I realized you can’t please everybody around as everyone is different we all grow in our own paste
What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners?
EVIE: My voice is airy sort and it’s just me. I would describe it as a different. Especially now feel as I create music that makes me happy free. I don’t feel the pressure from record label or influence’s.
What do you think mainly separates you from the massive crowd of artists emerging right now on platforms all over the web?
EVIE: Being different, love being artistic from music photography and fashion
What is your process when composing, recording and producing your music? Do you collaborate with others or outsource any of these tasks?
EVIE: I worked with amazing producer Tony White at “Whitelight Production” for few years. He totally gets me. I often write lyrics and then we work from scratch or we would get playing at the studio and the song unfolds.
If you could work with any international artist or producer of your choice, who would you like to work with on a song?
EVIE: It would have to be Timberland
What would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your career so far?
EVIE: There’s a few working in New York City and Los Angeles shooting music videos photo-shoots it was dream come true. Reaching 10 top ten hit with “Habibi”.
If you had the opportunity to change one thing about how the music business works right now, what would that be?
EVIE: I think not being signed to major record label. Could be a blessing but also having a team and financial backing always help. Always know your goals have a vision where you want to be, and work on that. Internet changed the music industry quite a lot in both positive and negative way. There’s social media like Facebook twitter Instagram. where you can share your music.
How do you handle criticism and/or haters in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
EVIE: Well I know not everybody will like me. MY music might not be to their taste and that’s fine. WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT and entitled to opinions. I do get negative comments and hate- I was told to die in one of Facebook posts. I don’t react to it. I have a certain amount of Energy. I decide where the energy goes. I gravitate towards positive people & how I can influence them in a positive way.
Which aspects of being an independent artist excites you most and which aspects discourages you most?
EVIE: Being free to create!!!
What is your relationship with visual media? Do you think videos are important for your music, and will you be producing one for your single?
EVIE: I love photo-shoots fashion everything artistic. I love shooting music videos and working with creative artists
In general, do you consider Internet and all the social media websites as fundamental in building a career in music today, and what is your personal relationship with the new technology at hand?
Social media is great if used in a positive way. I meet and connect with great people. I love seeing them grow.
If someone has never heard your music, which keywords would you personally use to describe your overall sound and style?
EVIE: Simple, Soft airy voice, Different,
Could you tell us something about the making of your latest release “Miss You?”
EVIE: The song is very clean simple from lyrics to music that’s how I wanted for the song to sound like. I had very long break from music. My mother passed away 31st July 2017 at that time I was grieving I actually didn’t want to hear anything about music. It was grief driving song. I was doing a charity trek to Mount Everest Base Camp for Disabled Charity I started writing. It came naturally without a force. I went back to the studio couple of weeks later and recorded the song it was very emotional but also a healing process of grief. I tried to write the song so people can feel an emotion they feel. Everybody interprets lyrics and music in a different way. I hope they can take something positive out of the song.
You’ve also done a remixed version of “Miss You”. How did that come about?
EVIE: Tony White has done the remix. I gave him total freedom in terms of the style. It is very easy to listen to and complements the original track.
Do you only create and work in a studio environment, or do you also find time to perform live? And is so, which of these two do you ultimately prefer and why?
EVIE: I did live shows in the past. But I love the process creating in the studio.
What do you find most rewarding about what you do? And do you have a specific vision or goal that you would like to achieve in the near future?
EVIE: I’ve always wanted to inspire people, lift them up if I can. I would love to leave a positive mark with my music. I realized that life is precious. Live in the moment, every moment.
OFFICIAL LINKS: WEBSITE – FACEBOOK – YOUTUBE – INSTAGRAM – TWITTER – ITUNES
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