Artist Selects: EVV
Writing from the heart and shredding on guitar, EVV is an emerging artist from the Minneapolis local scene. Along with playing in alternative rock band Allergen, EVV released their first solo EP in 2020. The EP, Homebody, explores heartbreak and identity through honey-soaked rhythms paired with intimate vocals. Following the release of Homebody, EVV premiered their debut music video for their song “Dead to Me.” Singing through hues of blue and red light, EVV delivers the powerful hook-filled track over heavy guitar. With influences ranging from Beyonce to the Arctic Monkeys, EVV’s sound knows no boundary.
Listen to EVV’s Selects as you read the Q&A.
Tell us a bit about how you started in music.
When I was in 5th grade, my elementary school made us pick between band and orchestra. I originally picked tuba (well it was kind of forced upon me), but I then decided to switch to viola. Not long after that, my mom bought me an acoustic guitar which I didn’t know how to play until I started going to She Rock She Rock. There, I learned how to play guitar, bass, and drums. I’ve added other instruments throughout the years.
What has been the most memorable moment in music for you so far?
I would say that it was my first live show. It was something I’d dreamed of and hoped for since I was a child, it helped set things into motion as far as my drive and goals as an artist. There were maybe 10 people in the audience, but I was on top of the world!
In your debut music video for “Dead to Me” there is a lot of contrast in the visuals with blue and red lights, flowers and money, vulnerability, and power. Why did you decide to explore these themes and images?
The song is centered a lot around relationships, and with every relationship comes conflict/unpleasant times. With blue, I wanted to explore serenity and calmness within a relationship, which can often be associated with sadness or fear. Specifically, the fear of conflict and how people can create conflict due to fear of complacency, steadiness, etc. Even for those who seem to have it all, relationships are hard for everyone. With red, I wanted to explore passion as well as anger. Though the two are often paired, many say that anger is a secondary emotion. While I don’t necessarily agree, I do think that anger is accompanied by additional emotions.
In the video, you seem like you’re having such a fun time jamming out! What was your favorite part about filming the “Dead to Me” music video?
My favorite scene is when I’m wearing my purple dress and playing with the money. There are two things that are funny about this scene. One, if you look at the money for just a second too long, you can see the printing company’s logo; and this goes for all of the money shots in the music video. Two, I am not one to focus on my looks that much. While I am a visual person, when it comes to trying to be “sexy” or “hot”, I am simply inexperienced, I genuinely struggled.
Each track on your EP, Homebody, explores similar themes but has different moods sonically. What inspired the change in mood throughout the EP?
I wanted to represent my different thought processes and emotions I’d experienced during quarantine. I wanted to be transparent about my struggles. I often think of my music in stages, typically the stages of grief. I enjoy swapping them and exploring others, such as anger and heartbreak/disappointment.
You’re also a member of the Minneapolis-based indie rock band Allergen, how is your music-making process different as a solo artist?
In Allergen, I’m typically not a part of the writing process, I come in afterward and write guitar parts. My songs can be written from a song title, or I can pull a riff that I wrote years ago, or I refer back to some old writing. So, I write when I’m in a groove, I can’t write a forced song (at least a song that I would be satisfied with). I don’t have a definite process, every piece is different.
Where is your ideal spot to write a song?
On the floor, looking out of a window. I don’t care about the weather, but my preference is during a storm (rain, snow, etc.). I am very inspired by nature when writing and the things that I see/experience.
I saw on your IG you like to cook, what’s your go-to dish to make for friends?
Spicy coconut curry with garlic butter rice!
When you’re not cooking or playing tunes, what are you up to?
I love to read or play with my cat, Zimmer. I adopted him back in September 2020; he’s my best friend! I also love baking, specifically cheesecake and muffins. I’m a person who goes down daily YouTube rabbit-holes.
One goal with your music is to inspire young femmes to pursue the music that inspires them. What’s one thing you’d like to say to young femmes getting into music right now?
Write the music that you want to hear and that you want to play. Don’t write what you think people want to hear; music is not a competition, there is no end goal. Don’t focus on trying to be “the best”, just do YOUR best :)
What are some goals you have as an artist? In the near future or your big dreams.
I want to release an album sometime in 2022. I also want to release another EP and a few singles! My ultimate dream would be to collab with Arctic Monkeys, or to win a few Grammys.
Lastly, what are some of your favorite songs on the EVV Selects playlist?
That is honestly so hard; these are my favorite songs! I’ll pick four.
“Doomed” & “Polly”, by Moses Sumney – He has such an incredible range and emotional depth to his voice. I’ve cried many times while listening to him, it would be a dream to do a duet with him. He just itches a scratch in my brain that I can’t explain; I’d pay him to sing me to sleep.
“Dangerous Animals”, by Arctic Monkeys – I’m calling it now, this will likely be my top song of 2021 on Spotify! I have listened to Arctic Monkeys since I was 13 or so; I recently went back into the earlier part of their discography. I can’t get enough; the riff gets stuck in my head all the time. It is a song that I want to cover live one day!
“The Wave”, SE SO NEON – They are a Korean indie rock band, and they are so talented! In this song, they mix Funk as well as a bit of Jazz to create this insane hybrid. The whole song is worth a listen, but the ending is beyond words!
“Don’t Hurt Yourself”, Beyonce & Jack White – This is the song that inspired me to unapologetically write the music that I want to write. I love mixing RnB with rock! I have listened to Beyonce for so many years and she has never written a song like this. It helped me realize that there are no limits to music, even when folks claim that there are. She is just… AHH! So brilliant!
Follow EVV on Instagram and YouTube to keep up with their music.
