Today we’d like to introduce you to Evyn Charles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The grandson of immigrants and refugees, I grew up outside Paris, France in a cultural gumbo pot where I was exposed to the sounds of the world. My mother says I was singing before I could walk… I haven’t stopped since!
Writing songs from a young age sparked my musical passion. I later learned the violin then the guitar; I can also get by on a few other instruments such as harmonica and bass.
Right out of high school, I played music at Club Med resorts, starting to refine what would turn into my trademark Soulful Beach Groove style. I later obtained an outstanding musical education at Boston’s Berklee College of Music.
After staying in Southern California for a few months in between projects, I left for a musical tour and was homesick for the first time in my life… that’s how I discovered where my home is!
Although I’m the only one to do it for a living, the rest of my family is very artistic and musical. My father made records in France as a child singer “Le Petit Charles.”
When I started performing professionally, I dropped my original surname Schonbuch and legally became Evyn Charles when I obtained U.S. citizenship.
I speak unaccented French and English—the gift of languages is another thing that runs in my family; I believe it’s closely related to a musical ear.
I’ve been hired to write, record or perform in my native language such as when I was Pharrell Williams French voice during the 2015 Grammy Awards!
I’ve been married and divorced; my son is an accomplished musician currently in his last year at Sacramento State University. He plays tuba, trombone and more and teaches brass ensembles. He has already toured almost every state in the U.S.A.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I didn’t choose music as a career, music chose me!
Growing up, my life was consumed with singing, writing songs, and learning how to play instruments. Although life at home was chaotic, I did receive some music lessons early on but most of my learning was informal—at local youth centers and playing in bands. Studying at Berklee College of Music later helped round out much of my musical knowledge.
I left home at the age of 17 to pursue opportunities across the world. I didn’t have a plan or much knowledge; however, I was eager to learn and collected musical and life lessons from many wise teachers.
Achieving financial success has never been a motivating factor in my life; it’s a good thing because I’ve had countless lean years. However, I now make a comfortable living as a full-time musician and live a “Champagne life on a beer budget.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While I’d love for my original music to achieve more notoriety, I make a living as a “craftsman,” the way many artists have throughout the ages: I sing, play guitar and violin at weddings, parties and special events as well as venues ranging from restaurants, senior homes and country clubs to festivals.
Additionally, I’ve been hired for recording and writing projects—both in English or my native French—and always welcome such opportunities.
My Soulful Beach Groove style follows in the footsteps of musical luminaries such as Van Morrison, Bob Marley and Eva Cassidy—whose territory covers exuberant fun numbers along with spiritually uplifting songs.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Trying to guess upcoming trends and fashions can be exhausting. Some visionaries are very good at it, but I’m not one of them. I’ve chosen to focus on the essential and unchangeable elements of music.
Live music elevates any interaction or event—singing and playing instruments is something humans have done from time immemorial, and I’m sure it will continue forever.
While many musicians incorporate some technology in their performances with sophisticated sound systems and gadgets, it is not necessary to the essence of live music: even without a shred of electricity, magic happens any time folks gather to sing, bang drums and strum guitars around a campfire!
Writing and recording are subject to changing trends and fashions, but the basics always apply—catchy melodies and lyrics people can sing along to.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.EVYNCHARLES.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/evyncharles
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/evyncharlesmusic
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/evyncharles
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/evyncharles
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/evyn-charles-music-culver-city
- SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/evyncharles
- Other: www.SOUNDCLICK.com/evyncharles
Image Credits
Photo #3 (beach/guitar): Taya Frank Photography (www.facebook.com/tayafrank.usa) Photo #4 (proposal on beach/violin): Sasha Renee Shubeau Photography (www.facebook.com/Sasha.R.Shubeau) Photo #5 (violin): David Irgens
