EVAN- formerly known as PLUMA- is getting a fresh start with a new name, new music and a new outlook on what’s next. His hip-hop inspired, electronic-infused music allows him to explore every side of his artistry without the confines of genre and his latest single, “Star Below”, is the first step on this exciting journey. The track is perfect for summer, with EVAN’s lyricism taking center stage and a DIY-inspired music video as the perfect visualizer to capture the vibes. Atlas sat down with EVAN to discuss the rebrand, who’s influencing his songwriting today, how “Star Below” came together and much more!
Atlas Artist Group: How did you get started in music and how did you decide that this was going to be your life and career path?
EVAN: Since I was growing up, I really loved listening to music and pop stars like Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Skrillex and rock bands too, like Oasis [and] Blur. I was a huge fan of the music when I was young and growing up I think I had it deep inside of me- wanting to be an artist. And now I’m making music so it happened!
Atlas: You’re going through a rebrand right now- what inspired that and what is the next step after making these changes?
EVAN: I have spent my time trying other stuff in music like experimenting with different sounds so I think I have a lot to show- more than before. It’s the reason I changed my name. EVAN is a name I’ve been using since I was five so it’s like more myself [and] more honest.
I’m trying to just hustle, I’m trying to drop many things- music and many contents and many photos very often- so that’s the next thing for me.
Atlas: You talked a bit about your influences as a kid- who are you looking to for inspiration today when you’re making music?
EVAN: Many electronic artists are influencing me like Diplo [and] Skrillex. And rock backs too right now- I’m really rocking with Pink Floyd right now, Radiohead, Blur. And many pop stars too as visuals. I really love Justin Bieber. I really like his style and everything- how he shows his music and his fashion and his attitude and the whole thing. These [artists] are influencing me from head to toe.
Atlas: You’ve worked with a lot of amazing artists outside of your own music. How do you decide who you want to collaborate with in the studio?
EVAN: The most important thing to me is the final result, the completion of the song so sometimes a great vocal would come in and elevate it on a different level and add some more taste to it. I really choose my features by their voices and tones because sometimes a great combination would just make the song- that’s the thing.
Atlas: Is there one artist or experience in the studio with a collaborator that was really memorable for you?
EVAN: I think pH-1 on my new song “Star Below” because I was a huge fan of him. I really like his voice and he’s so sweet. I just asked him and he liked it and he sent his verse in two days- he was so sweet.
Atlas: “Star Below” is an amazing song- you filmed the video in California right?
EVAN: It was L.A.! I’ve never been there so it was a great experience and I really love the food there. I was there at the beach- Venice maybe? I love L.A.
Atlas: In the creative process, do you prefer to start with music and then craft the lyrics around that or do you begin with the story and then write the music to fit?
EVAN: I usually do the story first because when I write about my own personal stories and emotions, I feel more close to the song and the song is more special to me. It makes me work more hard on the song so the result would be more great! I think fans who listen to my music would like the song more too, like me. The story is more important to me and I prefer to finish the lyrics first.
Atlas: Are there any topics that you’re hoping to focus on in your upcoming songs?
EVAN: I don’t know yet because I need more experiences! If I have more things in my life, I will have many songs too.
Atlas: Tell me about how “Star Below” came about, what it means to you and how you decided to feature pH-1. What do you hope listeners will take away from your new music?
EVAN: I was just his fan- huge fan- so I was really, really hoping for the connection. I randomly met him at the studio so it was kind of magical. I hope my fans will just like the song, love the song and enjoy the song.
Atlas: What are your upcoming goals now that you’ve started this new chapter as an artist? Any spoilers you can share about anything coming up?
EVAN: No spoilers! Keeping it as a secret is more exciting for me and the listeners because they stay tuned to what’s going on. The goal for me is I’m gonna hustle and drop songs often and I’m not gonna make my listeners wait because I just like making music.
Atlas: Is there anything else you want people to know about you or your music or is there anything you wish you could talk about more that people may not ask?
EVAN: I just want to say I hope you guys like my music- I’m gonna do my best and show myself in many different ways. Stay tuned for everything!
Stream “Star Below”, out now!
