J.Ev is a young artist from Portland, Oregon. He found his beginnings trying to make Hip Hop and rap beats when he was in high school. As he progressed, he began to expand his horizons to dubstep/electronica, classical, indie music, and jazz. Beside music, J.Ev has been indulging his creativity by writing short stories, songs, and screenplays. Going along with those screenplays is a series of short films he has also directed and acted in.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with J.Ev about influences, the newest project, navigating the digital world and more.
Full Q&A along with links and streams below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from Portland, Oregon, and I create good music. Honestly I’m not sure what it would be classified as, and I’m not too worried about it. I really just make whatever I’m feeling at the time, or whatever I think would convey the emotion best.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I began learning piano at the early age of 4. I never took it seriously, though. As I grew older, however, I slowly became infatuated with music and its intricacies. I continued learning instruments and music theory throughout my teenage years, learning piano, clarinet, drums, and guitar. A few of my friends got really into rapping, and they needed beats. I had never thought about creating music as a thing I could really do, but I decided to give it a try. Music theory came in handy, and I received a lot of encouragement from friends, and decided to pursue it. What keeps me on course? The love of my life, my wife Rachel. She’s my everything, and probably my biggest fan. I have this compelling feeling of a destiny of greatness, and I would probably abandon it if it weren’t for her love and support.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
This release is different because it’s a story I feel I needed to tell. I made whatever I was feeling, and it all connected into a cohesive narrative. Initially, I only set out to go with the flow and make whatever came to mind and sounded good to me. A few tracks in, I realized the story that was forming and went back and created the intro, and then the rest of the album just flowed out.
What was the last song you listened to?
Yellow Days – Terrified of Your Own Mind. Yellow Days is just a great act to me. He has a solid, unique flavor on guitar, and his voice is magical and so soulful. I really love soulful music, I think it’s the best music because it just feels so raw and real.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Mp3’s are the most convenient, obviously. I don’t want to sound like a hipster, but I think vinyls are amazing and music really sounds better to me on a vinyl. I’ll take a vinyl of Frank Sinatra over an mp3 any day.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Spotify is great for setting environments and moods. When it comes to discovering new and interesting music, I definitely prefer Bandcamp. I can get lost in the music there for hours, if my schedule would allow.
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
The greatest challenge would be the same as the greatest blessing in the digital age. The availability and ease of creating, releasing, and promoting music. Because of technology, I can release albums and promote and everything’s great. The problem is, everyone’s doing it. The market has been over saturated and is increasing with new artists every day. It’s getting more and more difficult to rise above the crowd and get noticed.
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
All my new music is on SoundCloud at soundcloud.com/j-ev . If people want to hear more, I’m having all of my old projects put on Youtube. Just Youtube “Jordan Everist” and you’ll find me. But for brand new and exclusive music, follow me on SoundCloud!
Anything else before we sign off?
Besides making music, I write a lot. Currently I’m writing a play, and speaking with people about making a tv show. I hope to create and keep creating and I hope everyone likes it! Follow me on SoundCloud! Also, my Facebook fan page! That’s where I post EVERYTHING. Music, Pictures I take or draw, anything I’ve written or acted in. You can find my facebook at facebook.com/jayevmusic !!!
