Check Out Evan Volk’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Volk.

Hi Evan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
Thank you for having me! Truly appreciate the opportunity. After learning the lyrics to a couple songs at 11 years old, I started writing songs myself. There wasn’t a specific motive; the first time I wrote a poem, it was around 6ish am in the morning, and I was up before everyone else. I didn’t know what do, so I snuck my mom’s iPad mini off the table and started writing poems in the notes tab. I’d eventually write three poems, which would be merged into my first song, “Moonwalking Down the Street”-I think that’s the name (as a young kid, I always wanted to breakdance hahaha). Soon after, I’d record the songs I wrote on Autorap (a rap battle/rap maker app) for the next couple years. Doing the talent show that year in 6th grade also solidified the passion I had for rapping. Throughout late middle school and the start of high school, I mostly kept my music a secret until I eventually released two songs on Soundcloud my freshmen year. Releasing music (with some YouTube videos initially) throughout high school and college, I began doing more music videos to accompany my ever-changing sound. Currently, I’m always working to better my music and myself as a person! 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I had a very blessed childhood that I’m forever grateful for. My parents always supported my passion, and having a safe space to work on my projects was/is huge. Fear of judgment was definitely something that built up throughout late middle school/early high school (hence keeping the music mostly a secret). I had a bad performance in 8th grade that likely contributed to me not performing again until my junior year of high school. Some friends supported me, while others played it for comedic purposes (not bullying, just homies being homies, lol). Although lacking much traction with the music, I never got directly hated on too bad throughout high school. The main challenge I’ve faced musically is vocal damage. Starting around the end of my senior year of high school, the red flags I’d been trying to figure out/work through bit me. For the next year and a half or so, I wouldn’t release any music (besides “Class of 2021,” which I recorded in blocks to save my voice) and barely socialized. Fast forward over three years since the initial onset, and I still have significant vocal issues I’m working through. After seeing 5+ doctors/vocal coaches/etc. I’ve been able to find the vocal coach I’m currently working with (shoutout Kaizen Music Studio). Lots of progress has been made. I’m able to strategically record/perform music which I’m extremely thankful for. Although I have a ways to go, taking it day by day and focusing on continual improvement has been key. Experiencing vocal damage has been one of the toughest challenges in my life, but it has certainly shaped me as an artist and a person. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an artist born/raised in San Diego, California. I summertime lifeguard at the beach/bay, write/record/mix/master music, and attend San Diego State University for Business. I prioritize being myself and speaking my truth through music. My style’s been referred to as surf rap, beach rap, surf rock rap, and more. I’m also exploring the edm rap sound as well and always learning/open-minded to new styles as well. 

One piece I’m proud of is my music video/song “FeetinthaSand!”. Although it’s not the best, I 99% (can never be sure with variety of perspectives in the world, lol) guarantee there’s nothing out there like it. It’s a sound (produced by dsktkg) that blends surf rock, punk, and hip-hop into one. I also surf and rap simultaneously, which was a challenge but ultimately fun hahaha. I edited/directed the video, huge shoutout the homie Claudio for filming. 

Another piece that was challenging but fulfilling was my song/music video, “Lost at Sea,” where the entire music video is based in the middle of the ocean. Although (shoutout Claudio again) we obviously didn’t travel out away from any land, we shot the video and certain angles to make it appear as such. The concept of the video/song was about me metaphorically being “lost as sea” while trying to find myself as a person/artist. Throughout the song, lines such as “surfboard covered in kelp and the scent foul, I got bad habits holding on things I should let out/Catch some waves of optimism help unload the tension, inna storm those same waves might hold my stresses, knock me off my board in the waters of old regressions” etc. etc. you get the point. Regardless, it was one of the toughest projects I’ve ever set out to complete, and I’m happy it’s out for others to enjoy/resonate with. 

We’d love to hear what you think about risk-taking.
Risk-taking it an essential part of life. That doesn’t mean try a double backflip on concrete with no experience-it has to be calculated. I have multiple examples of me driving hours up north to an event/city where I know nobody/nothing about the area and just full send it. Even jumping up on stage with a song I’ve never performed in front of a crowd I’ve never seen contains risk. I’ve been booed off stage (shoutout Druski & Coulda Been Records), cheered on stage, had my voice give out, had my music sung back to me, and everything in between. Most of my performances have been more embarrassing than something I’m proud of, but that ratio has slowly improved over time and is ever-changing. The reality is there’s always a risk, but it’s up us to decide if it’s worth taking for the potential opportunity/learning experience. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/evanvolk/lost-at-sea
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/711evan_v/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-volk-3302a9291/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_84lwFs1T7wx_TVSHkonQA
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/volk7
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1p3mo3evjwte64iESiFrQj?si=UhzjRcinSTyk2uHgGyfyuQ

Image Credits
@itsonlyrighteous
@simpl3visionz_photography