An Interview With Producer-Singer-Songwriter, JARED EVAN!

Meet Jared Evan!

After signing a deal with Interscope in early 2010, releasing only one song with the label, Jared ultimately decided to opt out of the deal to pursue and focus on his true artistic vision.

Jared has increasingly become a sought out producer and songwriter, currently writing for Rihanna – since 2015, he has been asked to write for Eminem, Kanye West, Kid Ink, and Lecrae amongst several others. His pop music has a hip-hop sensibility that likens him to a mix of Justin Timberlake, Ed Sheeran and Drake.

Now in 2016, Jared is back with a dialed-in vision, ready to dominate the pop lane. Jared released the video for “Kids Forever” – a fan-adored track on the upcoming record, The Blanket Truth – in August, which quickly garnered over 60k views. Last week, Jared released the video for “Role Model,” which was very well received by fans and has garnered close to 12K views in just 6 days!

Learn more about Jared Evan in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time! Now that we are well into the fall of 2016, what are some words you would use to describe this year? What have been some of the highlights for you and your music?

I owe you guys a thank you! Thank you for taking the time! Words to describe this year, I guess, would be progressive, transitional, evolved and defining. These are all words that I think describe where I’m at in my career and how this year has been for me musically. Some of this year’s highlights have been writing and producing for artists that I never thought I’d write or produce for. It’s been a very productive year to say the least!

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory?

100% – I’m pretty sure that music is my sole purpose on Earth! I recall asking my parents to get me a drum set when I was 4 or 5 years old. I’ve been obsessed with music ever since and nothing has ever changed that.

Let’s talk about your upcoming album, “The Blanket Truth.” What was the inspiration for this collection? How will these songs be different then the songs you have written for others?

The album was actually inspired by, and loosely based on a scene in a movie called I Heart Huckabees. There is a scene where Dustin Hoffman explains to Jason Schwartzman this concept called The Blanket Truth. I always found that scene to be profound and super powerful. I kind of took that concept and used it in my own personal way. On the album I’m interconnecting my childhood to my adulthood, my past to my present and simply just humans to humans. We never really know the whole truth of what else is out there or what’s in store for us. This concept lets us know that there is more to this life and the people who are in it. We are all connected to the same blanket.

I’m curious to know how you go about writing a song for someone else? How do you go about deciding to save the song for yourself?

It’s funny because whenever I write for someone else, I try to just make the biggest, most poppiest sounding record I can make. But there are instances when I do that and I end up wanting to keep the record for myself. Most of the time if it’s for a specific artist, I try to almost imitate that artist and write from their perspective – kind of like an actor playing a role or a comedian doing an impression. I try to mimic them in every way.

How do you think this upcoming new album shows the growth that you have gone through as a musician? How is it different or similar to anything else that you have released?

I think this album is the most evolved album I’ve done for many reasons. The sounds I chose for it, the structures for some of the records I have never incorporated before. A lot of the drum programming I did is different on this album, because I’ve learned so much as a producer. This is also the first album that I incorporated an orchestra, choir and live instruments. I also just believe that my writing in general has gotten so much sharper. When you’re constantly writing and creating day in and day out, you have no choice but to eventually get bored. This album makes a statement that I got bored along the way and really strove for something new and improved. I made sure every lyric, kick, snare and musical element was different and better than any of the work I have done prior.

You recently released the video for your single, “Kids Forever.” How creatively involved are you with the making of your videos?

Yes yes! To me, the music is just one piece to the entire puzzle. All of the other stuff that surrounds the music is just as important. There isn’t a team of creatives or big machine helping me think of these video concepts – or any of my concepts for that matter. I think it’s crucial for any artist to not only be an artist, but to be a visionary as well. All of the artwork, visuals, photos etc. always come from my brain and I think that’s why all of the content always comes off honest and authentic. I think at this point my fans know it comes from me because it has become defined and almost trademarked in a way.

What if anything has surprised you about the music industry? What do you think has been your biggest challenge? And what do you think has come really naturally to you?

(Laughter) Earlier in my career, lots of things started to surprise me. Growing up as a musician, you always have this dream-like vision in your head of when you finally “make it”. You have this idea that you just get signed, become a big star and that everyone will automatically love you. As you develop and learn more, you start to understand that the business is not like that. In fact, it can get very dark at times and it has for me. I think my biggest challenge earlier on, was sticking to my guns and not letting anyone interfere with my vision. Once you master your gut, I think you master the music industry or just simply life.

How do you keep up with your social media outlets? Do you find challenging or more fun then anything?

I love social media! I love it simply for the fact that I can, at anytime, connect or talk to my supporters. You couldn’t do that in the 90’s, or even 10 years ago. I think social media is extremely important in this day and age, but could be very dangerous as well. I think a healthy balance is good and important for today’s music business model.

Who are some of your favorite artists and what bands continue to inspire you and your music? Who would you still love to work with in the future?

I got a long list for that question! Off the bat I’d have to say my main influences are The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Cream, Freddie Mercury, Led Zeppelin, Method Man, Biggie, The Roots, Bradley Nowell, Al Green, Rza and J Dilla. I would die to work with Paul McCartney, I think that would literally make my entire life!

When you aren’t performing, working in the studio, what do you like to do for fun? How do you unwind from it all? 

Honestly, music is all I do. It’s the only thing that gives me purpose or meaning. It’s my number one love and passion and I honestly can’t think of anything else that helps me unwind. I do however really love film and classic movies. I find film and music to be very similar and connected in many ways.

At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

At the end of the day, what I want people to walk away with after listening to my music is that there is hope. There is light at the end of every tunnel that we may find ourselves stuck in. I want my music to make people feel like they’re not alone, that they can relate to what I have to say and that it makes their day, year or even life better because of it.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music

I just want to say that I’m super thankful for any and everyone who supports me and my career. At the end of the day, no artist is anything without their fans and I want them to know that. Also that this new album is just the beginning. It’s a new chapter in a new book that I can not wait to finish writing.