Evan Isaac has recently just shared his newest track ‘Headed for the Sun’, following on from his 2020 album ‘Dogwood Dignitaries Listen to the Baby’. Issac offers up a wondrous blend of genres, pulling influences from pop, rock and electronic to create a quirky and rich sonic experience.
Get to know Evan and read our exclusive interview with the talent below.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with? The upright piano at the house I grew up in. It is a cheap but beautiful and well-made old Steinway. It lived for years in a bar and was played as the bar piano. The exterior was very worn so we had the outside of the instrument refinished leaving only the original inside strings and hammers. I would sit and play songs on it for hours almost every night.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger? As a young boy I was into a lot of classic rock like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix but especially The Beatles, I learned to play almost every song on the piano and guitar. I was also really into Green Day’s American Idiot and I would run around the halls of my private school singing “St. Jimmy”.
What was the first album you remember owning? Astro Lounge by Smash Mouth as a nine year old. Although “All Star” has become a punch-line in recent years I still think the whole record slaps.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself? “My Girls” by Animal Collective
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music? One ritual I have developed is starting with one beat or chord progression, working on that for a while until I am tired, taking a short break, and then starting a second session. This second piece of music usually ends up being the one that I stick to and for whatever reason usually ends up resonating with me on a deeper level. I think the first one is a foil to get mental junk out of the way for the real thing.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment? I love Spillage Village’s newest record Spilligion. It has really creative production, great songs, and still feels like a group of people jamming out together. I have also been really into all of Jenevieve’s material. All of her songs feel like instant classics.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be? Kate Bush
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician? It always amazes me that I am even able to make music. Sometimes when I start something new it feels like I’ve never picked up an instrument before and the possibilities are endless in front of me. The best feeling is when I hear a song I made and wonder how the hell I made it. Making music is amazing. Connecting with people and seeing myself in a clearer, more real way is an added bonus.
And what is the most frustrating part? I find the importance of social media very taxing on a creative individual. I tend to sometimes be addicted to checking my phone, so part of me is trying to cut back. At the same time everyone always communicates the importance of “socials” in your career as an artist. It can be quite the conundrum.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician? Don’t take free advice, find an experienced mentor who can give good advice about specific things.
