Diandra Interviews Evan Konrad: The Ego And Soul Of Music

I learned so much interview Evan Konrad and then seeing him perform. Meeting him, he is one of the most relaxed, thoughtful personalities you will ever meet. He is even a little coy. Then, get him on stage, and, suddenly, he is this epic, mysterious rock star that swords his voice as if to cut inhibitions. I was shocked because you hear, so many times, of the divide between the artist on stage and the person in real life; even Rihanna and Beyonce claim to be shy personalities. Yet, Evan proved that, on stage, you do become a different person; one that has  the confident qualities you wished you could display in real life but never dare. In our interview, we discuss how our art reflects who we want to be versus who we are, and the healing that can come from acknowledging a divide that will never close. 

Diandra: There is a very story-telling quality to your music. What is one tale you wish you could transfer into music?

Evan: There are so many. I like simple stories; ones that are really relatable. Off the top of my head, one that focuses on an old man that works at a grocery store. One that is not so much about “larger than life” as much as making the small things feel extraordinary. I want people to go on the journey with the character.

I really like transferring what I see into music. I really don’t like to write about me, although there is always apart of you in your songs. I think with characters you imagine the depth of that person’s life and their relationships. 

Diandra: What do you feel heightens a song’s concept? 

Evan: For me, it is all in the layers: the production and the melody. The mystical really lies, for me, in the melody and, of course, in performance, the energy you feel from a crowd. I think as more songs come out and people listen to them, the more they will see the narrative thread within my music.  There is a really big concept I am working on, which will unfold in time. I just try to keep a narrative going. 

Evan Konrad – The Long Way Out

Diandra: In doing this process, what are the qualities you have learned about yourself?

Evan: I have learned to be open with myself. I produced the music myself and did a lot of the engineering myself and I spent a lot of time alone. I had to really build a relationship with me, and it made me better with other people. Music keeps me stronger and happy. Maybe, I had a hard time understanding myself, but in writing these songs, I had a lot of time to understand people. If someone is bringing me good energy I want to make sure I reciprocate. Positivity snowballs and so does negativity.  

Diandra: How do you feel image is important in terms of sound? 

Evan: I would love to, as we grow as a band, to get costumes and make the concert feel more like an event. I am still trying to figure out how to do this. We are still getting things together, and there are a lot of elements I want to add. I want to create a place, and the art will be something I just have and I am really just a director. Ultimately, a great crowd brings a great show. If they do not respond, then it is hard to produce that “juice” to perform. 

Diandra: You have described your music as a journey in the art of letting go. What are some misconceptions and insecurities you have let go? 

Evan: I am still trying to do that. I have been so busy that it is really hard to remember what is my intent. I am always writing when I am off the road. I am always so involved in so many aspects of my career and its future, it is hard to stay in the present. Music has really amplified this issue as apart of my past, and if I remain “here” then I do not over-complicate the “self-help” thoughts. I don’t worry so much about the outcomes of things as much as letting them happen.

When you are not where you want to be, it is easy to feel discouraged and I want to be happy where I am. It’s a lot. A lot of things have turned up, in a way, in my life, so have had to adjust as I go. It has been an adjustment to be “Mr.Rockstar.” (he laughs). It is a new “identity,” and I was not performing until I got signed with Lava. So I am trying to figure out this new part of me.

Evan Konrad – Come on Snake, Let’s Rattle (Audio)

Diandra: Well, “The Long Way Out” was about vanity, and figuring out who you are when you realize your life is “about you.”

Evan: I am in the process of working that out. I don’t know. I am going to practice being more “boss man.” ( he laughs) I am so used to working by myself for myself that my attitude has been, “Sure, whatever works for you,” and I have seen that be very inefficient. It feels very polite, but people want you to be polite and in control. Someone’s gotta do it. 

Diandra: So how do you define “Ego” and “Soul”?

Evan: Off the top of my head, there does not seem to be a lot of vulnerability in ego. It seems precautionary and protective, like armor. Like the more ego you have, the harder it is to reach yourself. So I try to stay human. (he laughs). I try to not get too focused on a show and, instead, absorb how the experience is crafting me.

For More Information On Evan Konrad Click Here.