Life & Work with Evan Jenkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Jenkins.

Hi Evan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started listening to Ray Charles and the Beatles through my father’s record collection at a young age. I took interest in piano and through my musical grandfather’s push to practice, I learned the blues and pop songs I grew up with. I received further training from advanced choir programs and learned that this was not just a hobby. I truly cared about this more than most things going on in my life (haha).

I honed in my skills and got an incredibly unique experience attending college at the Berklee College of Music. Getting a degree in songwriting and performance, I graduated and moved to Nashville with a project I had put together. After some years of devoting myself to that project, I chose to start working on my own music and get back to my roots, which is always the most undeniable.

Since Covid, I’ve been recording new music on a regular basis, performing at local Nashville venues such as The 5 Spot, Whiskey Jam, the Basement, and most recently had a great show at the historical Exit/In! I currently am rebranding – creating a new logo, website, and new energy surrounding my music! After already releasing a couple of singles this year, I’ll be releasing an EP and setting a tour for the Spring of 2022!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No. Maybe if mom and dad paid for everything like a lot of musicians in the game, it would be smooth (lol). But it hasn’t been. I mean there is always someone out there with a bigger problem than me, but since I chose this path 20 years ago it hasn’t always been a success. Basic answers such as the normal struggles of a normal person going through college, meeting new people, creating good impressions, and developing a work ethic in a musical context were all challenges!

But the trial and error of this lifestyle can be a better answer. The dedication, flexibility, long-term planning, straight-up failing, fundraising, networking, running a business alone, always needing to be available, the ever need to practice and musically better yourself.

It never stops. All that said, it’s worth it once you’ve completed something. Once you’ve performed it on stage. Once you’ve personally gotten what you need from it and it’s now out there for anyone and everyone to own themselves!

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 an Artist/Songwriter – I write and perform what I call Retro/Pop music. A modern original style with a nostalgic aftertaste. Definitely caters to the 1960s and 70s although is in line with today’s music such as Lawrence, Vulfpeck, Nigel Hall, Allen Stone, Leon Bridges, and more.

I am most known for my ability to play and sing as well as my energy on stage! This sets me apart from others -most shows have people dancing and catching lightning in a bottle. An artist who can play, tell a story, and give real entertainment that we miss from a generation ago.

The music is soulfully cool, familiar yet confidently original. I’ve recently discovered this writing and music is truly being sought after by my whole generation because of its authenticity. I’m grateful that I’m a part of it, I just hope I can be a much bigger part as time goes on!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Find the things that make you happy in music and obsess about them. You’ll find out two things.

One, that you either truly really love or hate what you thought you liked. Two, now that one has been established, you can persevere anything else to follow. Because all musicians know the love you’ve discovered is unbreakable.

There is nothing else in the world like it. It can be the best and worst parts of your life but music will always be there nonetheless. A friend once told me, ALL music is tension and release, hell life is that. So enjoy both when you can.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YNjw8QP4k4P7Yo6Y7UxhM
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evan_jenkins
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evandjenkinsmusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpCcCoq-OK4