Evan Hannah has JUST released his classic soul-infused new single “Overwhelmed”
Emerging as a vibrant force in the artistic realm, proudly embracing their identity as a queer Black multi-disciplinary artist, performer, writer, and music educator based in Arlington, VA –Evan Hannah‘s journey commenced in Virginia Beach, nurtured under the tutelage of their mentor, John Vann, whose guidance ignited Evan’s passion for music and community engagement from a tender age. Immersed in programs like The Boy’s Choir of Hampton Roads and the Norfolk State University Summer Music Clinic, Evan found their calling within the folds of Black artistry, shaping their artistic vision and dedication to communal expression. Evan’s artistic odyssey took flight at the age of 9, unfolding against the backdrop of their local artistic community. Drawing inspiration from lived experiences and guided by the wisdom imparted by Mr. Vann, Evan delved into songwriting as a navigation tool through the complexities of adolescence. Themes of grief, self-acceptance, and loneliness permeate their work, each project serving as a vessel for personal catharsis and communal resonance. Through their artistic endeavors, Evan invites audiences to journey alongside them, traversing the landscapes of the human experience with vulnerability and grace.
Besides their artistic offerings, Evan’s creative spirit finds expression in entrepreneurship. The forthcoming launch of their skin-care line – Surrender Skin – in January 2025 marks a new chapter in Evan’s journey, reflecting their commitment to holistic self-expression and community empowerment. Rooted in authenticity and guided by a steadfast dedication to inclusivity, Surrender Skin embodies Evan’s vision of a world where beauty is synonymous with authenticity and self-love.
After years of creating and performing original works in Hampton Roads, Evan has been preparing their official artistic introduction with their debut album, due this Fall. Under Vann’s guidance, Evan was able to explore classical music, gospel/choral, original composition, arrangement, and various other facets of musical expression, enriching their artistic palette and expanding their creative horizons.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello there! My name is Evan Hannah. I am a queer Black performing artist and songwriter from Virginia. I’ve been making music since I was about 9 years old. I released my first EP on Bandcamp called The Morning, in February 2015. My sound is rooted in vulnerability, R&B, pop, and experimentation.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
My newest release is a song called Overwhelmed and a B-Side called Lessons. They were both written by me and produced by composer Jonathan Hull, who is a longtime friend and collaborator of mine.
Overwhelmed is a reflection on a time when I wasn’t ready to let a relationship go and all of the different ways I tried to cope with the difficult feelings. The production is pretty bare because we wanted the focus to be on my voice and the lyrics. It’s one of my current favorite songs of mine.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I’ve developed a few approaches over the years. I write a lot of songs sitting at the piano. I write a lot of songs freestyling to myself acapella or over different tracks. It depends on where I am emotionally, and I try to choose a songwriting tool that fits the needs of the moment. Writing has been a big healing tool for me since I was very young and it still is.
With Overwhelmed, that was first a freestyle I immediately recorded into my phone and then I took it to the piano.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
I’m very excited to put out the music video for Overwhelmed in a couple of months. We shot it last August, and I hope it brings the emotion and the story to life for people who’ve heard the song and for folks who’ve yet to discover it.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
I’d say things are still getting started for me, but a big turning point for me was meeting an engineer named John Terrell. Johnny owns and operates a recording studio in my hometown called Soul Haven Studios. It’s actually where I recorded Overwhelmed and he mixed and mastered it and Lessons too. He was the first person to really take me seriously and give me a safe space to explore my ideas at a time where I needed it the most. I produced my first EP with him as well. I don’t think I would be where I am without having him in my corner.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Definitely Shormey. They just dropped a new single called Raw, and it’s incredible! I’m a big fan. 🙂