At AWAL, we love sharing our artists’ stories so their paths — as individual and unique as the music they make — inspire others to pursue their own music-career goals.
Here in our “My Journey” series, our members share their stories — the challenges they’ve faced, how they’ve overcome them, the milestones they’ve achieved, and where they hope the future leads.
This week, we’re speaking with California-based songwriter Evalyn — who is performing in the AWALxB3SCI Official SXSW Showcase at the AWAL House on March 15.
How did your journey first begin as an artist?
I would have to say my journey truly started as a kid singing in church and then staying up all night listening to my parents’ old CDs and records. There have been a lot of milestone moments along the way, but Sgt. Pepper’s in my Discman was pretty formative.
That had a ripple effect on everything else. I taught myself guitar by learning Fleetwood Mac and, as I got older, David Bowie showed me what it means to be a true artist in every sense of the word. I think it all comes down to finding those sources of inspiration that teach you new things and keep you going.
Where are you now in your artist journey?
This past November, I released my debut EP, Sandcastle, via B3SCI Records, and in a few weeks, I’m headed to Austin to play SXSW. I’m well into writing the next songs, and I’m at this rad point where I am figuring out how to evolve a project I’ve come to know so well. It’s a riot to test the boundaries and do some crazy shit with your sound.
What were some of the hardest obstacles you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
I moved to LA alone with no job, no apartment, and didn’t know anyone here. I hadn’t even been in the city before, but I just went for it. I remember driving down Hollywood and Vine and just thinking, “What the fuck have I done?” I lived out of my car for a few weeks, and that wasn’t even close to the hardest part of that first year.
Sometimes I also think about all the negativity I’ve faced in the industry since moving here. People are quick to dismiss new, wide-eyed writers and artists, but I’ve gotten lucky just enough times. I’ve gotten to work with some of the coolest people and find some footing and do something rad with the voice I’ve got.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your journey so far?
I think through this process I’ve shown myself what’s possible. This city and this industry are tough as hell, but at some point I got to a place where I put my money on myself and started trusting my gut. That’s something I’ll have for the rest of my life.
What’s up next in your journey as an artist that you’re most excited for?
I have some new songs that I’m so excited about. I think in the past, I’ve written songs that felt like something I’ve needed to say to get off my chest, and I think that’s really resonated with some people — that kind of pain and armor.
But these new songs are written to be binged, to sit in your gut in a different way. They’re meant to make you feel bold and powerful, and I wrote them for the bad bitches.
What are your ultimate goals as an artist/band?
My ultimate goal is to use music to see the world and to be loyal to the listeners that keep coming back for more music — to do something that blows their mind.
Sure, there are a million things I’d like to accomplish, but in a lot of ways, I’ve hit the jackpot living in Venice, CA, and being an artist surrounded by such an incredible team and such inspiring talent. So, my goal right now is to make some jams for the people to dance to.
Is this your first time at SXSW? What are you most looking forward to?
Yep, this is my first time. I’ve been dreaming of going for years and have almost tripped down there on a whim a few times, but have always mentally promised myself that I would only go if I was playing. So, this is a fucking dream for me.
I’m most looking forward to playing the AWALxB3SCI showcase on Thursday night. The band and I are doing some new stuff that we’re pretty stoked on. But eating Tex Mex and grooving at a bunch of other showcases are high on my list of things to do as well.
How does it feel to play at the AWAL Showcase, representing the independent artist community?
Proud. I’m really proud to be playing this showcase. Not only have AWAL and B3SCI championed me every step of the release process, but they see and support me as an artist and what I’m doing, what my message is. I couldn’t be more excited to be there.
AWAL Insights™ Into Evalyn’s Journey
- Since partnering with AWAL almost exactly a year ago, Evalyn has earned more than eight million streams across Spotify and Apple Music.
- The majority (57%) of Evalyn’s streaming listeners are female. The fellas account for the remaining 43%.
- 60% of Evalyn’s total streams are coming from the United States. In second place is Canada with 7%.
How has your experience with AWAL been so far?
Incredible. I love AWAL and the people there so much. As time goes on in music, I’m so into the independent-artist mentality and the empowerment that comes from it. AWAL does so much to support that and believes so deeply in the artists they work with. This is a powerful and incredible time to be independent, and for a company like AWAL to recognize that and foster it is sick as hell.
For more details on the AWAL House, including a full lineup of all events, showcases, and sessions, click here. See you in Austin!
