How did you get started with songwriting and making music?
I’ve always enjoyed all forms of writing. As an early teen, I enjoyed writing fictional stories and poetry, and my favorite subject in school had always been English Literature. As far as my musical side, my dad’s side of the family is filled with singers and musicians, so I honestly couldn’t escape it. I wrote my first original song at age ten, five years later I started my YouTube channel, and two years into being a YouTuber I finally decided to start sharing some of my music with the world. Now, heading into being twenty-one, writing, recording, and sharing my music is not only my greatest hobby but a major part of my God-given purpose.
Who and/or what are your inspirations?
Regarding the overall sound of my music, my greatest inspiration is the Malaysian singer-songwriter, Yuna. Similar to Yuna’s discography, the sound of my music is quite playful and warm, yet laid-back. As for my abstract, story-teller style of songwriting, artists like Lorde, Alessia Cara, and Billie Eilish are major inspirations. Themes like sarcasm also reveal themselves throughout my music, as also witnessed in the music of the artists above.
How has being at Andrews helped you share your craft?
Oh boy, being at Andrews has served as such great exposure for my craft, in addition to contributing to my comfortability with performing my original music. I still remember performing my single, “Lullaby” for the first time ever at a Cultural Club event during my freshman year! The AU community is so supportive of people’s art. It was through (reluctantly) saying yes to performing at events on campus, as well as back at home in The Bahamas, that I learned just how much I enjoy delivering my music in front of the masses. I genuinely believe in my craft as an artist and I’m grateful that God granted me the passions that He did.
What are your current goals for your music? Any ultimate goals or aspirations?
Currently, I’m actually working on my second EP that will be released before the end of the year! I absolutely cannot wait to share the new sounds I’ve been experimenting with, as well as bringing them to life visually, with videographer and content creator Joshua Martin (@joshuamartinstudios). However, an ultimate goal of mine as an indie artist is to host my own concerts, where I can better connect with listeners. Apart from actually performing the songs, I most enjoy sharing the stories behind the music, including all of the emotions experienced and the little quirks behind the process of each song.
Tell me about your favorite thing you’ve created.
I always get nervous whenever I’m asked this question. The pressure! As far as music videos, the video for my single “Simple Things,” will always be one of the happiest moments of my music career. However, I’m not sure that I actually have a favorite project of mine, as I genuinely form an emotional attachment to each one of them. There are two projects that I believe I hold especially close, though: “Lullaby” and the anthem of my upcoming EP, which is soon to be revealed on social media. “Lullaby” continues to be a fan favorite, and I’ve learned that it’s due to the tough seasons many listeners have been able to grow through while listening to this song. One listener personally shared that “Lullaby” helped her cope with a miscarriage. Others testify that “Lullaby” brought comfort while going through seasons of depression and almost served as a ‘warm hug.’ Testimonies like these remind me how important it is to approach the songwriting process authentically and with a purpose in mind.
You can check out my music on all platforms, as well as music videos on my YouTube channel! I hope you resonate with my craft in some way.
IG: @evinmusgrove_
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0SLCr2b3clXJwkmDvhFXtG?si=Z5RWAu6ZT6yWGyTmj2uYGA&dl_branch=1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_kYtGvQWGV8tBF2dPn5W6A
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.