Conversations with Chas Evans

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chas Evans.

Hi Chas, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I began playing guitar at the age of 12. I was born into a very musical family, so I began playing guitar on day one, and on day two, I was in the family bluegrass band touring churches with “The Melody Messengers”.

I went through college and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Master’s degree in guitar performance. In 2005, I recorded the album “Soundscapes” with the Mississippi guitar quartet and debuted it at Carnegie Hall that October. In 2007, I decided to lose about 180 lbs and join the army to serve my country. I joined the Mississippi Army National Guard and deployed on two missions including Operation Noble Eagle in Washington, DC, and Operation New Dawn in Baghdad, Iraq.

After coming home, I took a job as the Guitar Instructor for East Central Community College in Decatur MS, where I direct a rock band called the Collegians. I started teaching guitar through social media about a year ago and have received a tremendous response from Chevans Music on YouTube, Instagram Tiktok, and Facebook where I enjoy a fan base of around 1 million followers.

I live in Conehatta MS with my wife Laura, and two children Chas Michael and Katie Evans.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well as far as obstacles go, I had to lose 180 lbs to join the army. That was pretty tough exercising for around 3 hours a day and eating a steady diet of chicken and rice. Not to mention after that, basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and then after that Advanced Individual training at Ft. Gordon in Georgia.

Becoming a 25 Uniform, or a Communications Specialist was a proud day. I was proud to serve in Iraq and Washington DC as well. Another obstacle would be the time I had to spend away from my family. Tough times.

But doing all of that makes you appreciate what you have, helped me become a better husband, father, and musician.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m very proud of my social media “students”. I realized one day, not long after covid began, that interest in guitar had fallen off a bit. When I came back to school, I realized I had fewer students. It became my mission to bring people to the instrument. To help people realize that you don’t have to be a shredder to enjoy the instrument.

Not that I don’t have lots of respect for shredders, but I sometimes feel that kids look at guys like that and think…how do I even begin to get from here to there. I believe I’m the gap there, I provide a great entry point for beginner guitarists, and occasionally help nudge along some of the advanced guitarists who find themselves in a slump.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have a website called www.musicformylyrics.com where I accept lyrics and write music and produce demos for pitching for those lyricists who need help writing the music.

I recently had the great opportunity to work with Ally Brooke to record the song “High Expectations”. The movie “High Expectations” is available on Amazon Prime and the song is available on all musical platforms.

Working with such a talent like her was a huge honor. We made some great music.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.musicformylyrics.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/chevansmusic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/chevansmusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@chevansmusic
• SoundCloud: www.SoundCloud.com/Chevansmusic
• Other: www.TikTok.com/@chevansmusic 

Image Credits
Ally Brooke and Madlife Studios