From that first moment of playing to a crowd that sang back the cover tunes he was singing, Evan Michaels knew he couldn’t stop. He formed a band that would take him to shows all across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Tennessee, and Nebraska. Playing around 150 shows a year he has been quickly gaining momentum. Playing fairs and festivals with the likes of Whiskey Myers, Bleu Edmondson, Chris Young, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Brett Eldredge, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and many more.
Evan Michaels’ parents and hometown of Ponca City, Oklahoma helped make him the driven, hardworking businessman and musician he is today. He is proud to call himself a songwriter and writes a majority of the songs he plays. The songs are written with a conviction and passion that shows this is something he lives for.
It’s About Time is not just the title of Evan Michaels’ latest album; it’s the mantra that has reshaped his life’s choices and songwriting style. With over 200 songs written and thousands of hours performing in front of audiences, Evan knows how to tell a story. This new album is a look into the heart and mind of good guy who has stories to tell that we can all understand and say, “I’ve been there.”
NMG: Did you come from a musical background?
Evan Michaels: I grew up in a house with eight pianos. My mother was a piano teacher who had an in-home studio. So piano is actually my first instrument and is becoming my favorite.
NMG: How do you balance your music career with your other obligations in life?
Evan Michaels: I don’t know that I balance them at all. I have turned down countless opportunities to have “real life” situations. Music seems to always win over relationships and job opportunities.
NMG: What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?
Evan Michaels: Just do it. Don’t even think about it. You have to go in without a Plan B. And I think that will make you work even harder. You will get hungry enough to make it work.
NMG: If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose this career? Would you do anything differently?
Evan Michaels: Most definitely. I would have more of a plan starting off. I just hit the ground running and played trial and error. Sometimes I still feel that way!
NMG: As a child growing up, music surrounds us; What type of music did you hear the most back then? How does it differ from what you listen to now?
Evan Michaels: Growing up my mother’s favorite station was an oldies AM radio station that played all the hits from Jim Croce to Simon and Garfunkel. Then it evolved into the 1990’s country music era with Tracy Lawrence and Brooks and Dunn.
NMG: What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Evan Michaels: Being on stage and realizing people are singing along with the songs you are playing is one of the greatest feelings in the world. That sparked my need to have more.
NMG: If you had the opportunity to change something about the music industry what would it be?
Evan Michaels: I would love for it to be like back in the old days of the caravan and traveling shows. Three or four bands just go play old theaters for a weekend like the Sun Rocking Railway shows.
NMG: Do you have other interests or talents you would like to share with us?
Evan Michaels: I don’t know if I am a “talented” team roper but it is something that I enjoy doing when I have the time.
NMG: How do you like to enjoy your relaxation time away from the music?
Evan Michaels: I love going to the lake on my boat. Just floating with friends is a great way to relax.
NMG: Who does most of the songwriting?
Evan Michaels: For the most part I write my songs. I love the art of it. Co-writing is great as well because you get to have two sides of the story almost.
NMG: What are your up-to-date performance plans? New Releases? Tours ? News?
Evan Michaels: We are set to release our acoustic record August 21st with a follow-up full band record in the fall. We will be releasing a song to radio as well hopefully in September.
NMG: If you could perform with anyone in the world – either dead, alive, or broke up – who would it be? Why?
Evan Michaels: Alive: I would love to perform with Vince Gill because of his killer guitar playing and voice. Dead: Jimi Hendrix – a CMT Crossroads with that guy would be killer!
NMG: As an artist, how would you define SUCCESS?
Evan Michaels: That is a question that the answer changes for me constantly. I definitely have milestones that I set for me to hit, but once I hit them I am never satisfied. I always crave to be better. One of my favorite sayings is, “If I had the perfect woman, I’d want twins…” Success is being able to sustain and love the life you are living. For now at least…
For more information on Evan Michaels visit: http://www.evanmichaelsband.com/
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