R&B’s New Wave: Jared Evan
“One good thing about music is when it hits you, you feel no pain.” Words that the singer/rapper Jared Evan croons on his first project The 4th Chapter. Fast forward to now, and Jared is preparing to make some major noise this spring that’ll lead up to a full album release. Inking a major deal in 2009 under Zone4/Interscope, Jared is no stranger to the music industry. He’s been playing since he was 6-years-old and already has four major projects under his belt. Careful not to be put in a box, Jared has been meticulously crafting his debut LP for the past four years. His sound is influenced by the boom bap hip-hop era but converses with soul, R&B, and rock. With inspirations like Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, and Mos Def, this is an artist you’ll want to keep an eye out for. Read more about Jared Below.
Tell us a little bit about the origins of your music career. Were you always drawn to music?
I started playing the drums when I was 6 years old. That’s pretty much where it started. My grandfather used to tell me that he would hum to me when I was a baby, and I would repeat the humming back to him before I was even able to comprehend communication. I’ve been drawn to sound ever since I could remember.
You got signed to a major deal in 2009 with Zone 4/Interscope – do you think that was too much too early?
Man, that whole time period of my life was so awesome. I was on a ride that taught me about the good and the bad in the business. To answer the question though, yes I do think it was too early when looking back on it. Although I will say that if it weren’t for that happening, I wouldn’t be the artist I am currently. The craft I’ve been able to master was partly due to the fact that I got put on early and learned the business.
Our readers will love to hear about this … Can you tell us about the song you had that was #1 in Greece?
Yessur! Yeah when I was signed to Interscope, the record that they pushed for me actually became a #1 hit record in Greece! Basically what happened was, there’s a TV show in Greece that happens to be the most popular television show in the entire country. The host of the show came across the song and loved it so much, that he started airing the music video for it on his show. After that, the record jumped to #1 almost overnight. Was a super dope experience for me.
For those not familiar with your current sound, what are some of your recent past projects that they can go listen to?
Yeah for sure, they can check out The 4th Chapter, Pieces, Boom Bap & Blues up to my latest project The Art Form of Whatever!
Listen to Jared’s newest single, “Speak Your Language” – premiered on 4/19/16
Lately you’ve been working closely with the talented rapper Allan Kingdom (recently featured on Kanye West’s “All Day”) – How did you meet and what’s your working relationship like?
Man, Allan is my boy! We actually met through my lawyer who happens to be his as well. His manager then heard my records and reached out to me to apply some of my sounds to Allan’s project. After that, it was pretty much a wrap. Our chemistry just fit like a glove. Now we’re really in a crazy groove.
You have some new music coming out this Spring – what can we expect from that?
I’ll be releasing free music until my next project comes out. My next project most likely will not be my album, but a segue project that will lead into my album. The sound people can expect for it, is a very evolved jared evan sound. The instruments are more diverse, there is more experimentation in terms of structure and lots of time measurement switch ups. I think people will be very shocked by what’s coming.
“Sonically, it’s going to be the fullest, richest, most dimensional work I’ve ever released.”
Looking further, can you spread a little light on the major debut LP you’ve been working on all these years – what can we expect sonically and what is your grand vision for that album?
My album is my baby! Yeah, I’ve literally been working on it for nearly 4 years. Sonically, it’s going to be the fullest, richest most dimensional work I’ve ever released. My grand vision for the album is not only a musical vision, but a worldly, global vision that will connect human beings from all different walks of life. This is the most exciting project I’ve ever worked on or created. I’m super stoked for my fans and people of the world to hear this. It’s my absolute opus.
Let’s talk about your creative process. When you are making music, what comes first? Is it the beats, the lyrics or the melody? How does it all come together for the finished musical product?
For the most part, it’s usually always the music first. I hardly ever write lyrics or melodies before the music is created. However, I am constantly writing down titles. Titles are a big thing for me. They essentially narrow the concept of the record and allow me to hone in on what I want to say in a very unique way. But it usually always starts with the music. Recently I’ve been starting with drums first.
What type of music/artists do you listen to when you want to relax and replenish your creative juices?
Too many! I love The Beatles, Zeppelin always, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and Prince. Also lots of Grunge music like Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, Collective Soul all the way up to Raekwon, Ghostface, Mos Def. Lately, it’s been a lot of Gary Clark Jr. I think he’s incredible.
Lastly, are you doing any tours this year? Where can people come to see you live?
Yessur! I’m actually heading out on my very first headlining tour The Kids Forever Tour this Spring. It starts April 28th in Philly. Go get tickets now at JaredEvan.com!
To keep up with Jared Evan follow him on instagram: @JaredEvan
All clothing shown is from the SS16 O.N.S collection available at 71 Greene, Soho.
