MEET : Evann McIntosh
Evann McIntosh began releasing their music on streaming platforms in 2017 after meeting their Ohio-based producer Jesty, and from that moment the rest was history. At only 17 years old, McIntosh already has a hit album under their belt, not to mention multiple singles most aptly described as utterly enchanting. Based in Derby, Kansas, the singer/songwriter’s lo-fi, bedroom pop has garnered a well-deserved loyal fan-base which we (and soon to be you) are absolutely a part of.
Releasing their latest single ELECTRICITY last week, this song matches up with the musician’s past releases – laden with some of the most honest, relatable lyrics we’ve heard in a while, this track’s warm bass and soulful guitar has us on the edge of our seats for the artist’s next release. We’re so excited to be able to have had the chance to have a brief chat with Evann about their music, so let’s get you acquainted.
LB: Evann, thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us! When you got signed to your record label last year, it was over zoom - what has it been like putting out music this past year?
EM: It’s seemed very slow at times, which was an adjustment… but I also realised it’s not really slow, I just didn’t realise I move fast. I think I get in a hurry to release music as soon as I make it because I grow through and with music and I’ll never make music that sounds the way it does right in the moment I make it, ever again. It’s proof of my progress and it’s like I can preserve my exact state at one point in a song.
Can you pick out one of your songs and tell us about the inspiration behind it?
‘BULL$HIT’ is my favorite song I’ve got out right now I think, and it was inspired by my astrological compatibility with people with Taurus traits…
Who would be your dream quarantine household?
Me and nobody else. I love my family and my friends and quarantine has been bearable because of them, but I would want to be completely alone very much. And I’d probably regret saying that because I’d get so lonely and isolated. But I would want to be all by myself. Maybe I wouldn’t, I could be a liar. I don’t know.
Your lyrics are so honest, charming and personal yet universally familiar - has your writing style changed from when you started/do you follow a specific method when starting a new song?
1. Thank you very much, you are so nice. 2. It has to have changed, naturally with personal growth and all that. I don’t have a specific method. My process, just like myself, is very fluid.
How would you describe your music in one sentence?
I am going to outlet my trauma to a massive group of people + I’m gay btw.
You’ve said your favourite TV Show when you were younger was Hannah Montana…you can only pick one: Hannah or Miley?
There wouldn’t be Hannah without Miley. If I were to choose Hannah I’d just be Miley in a wig – it’s the same person.
Your next project ‘Character Development’ comes out August 27th - can you tell us a bit about the concept of the project, where you found inspiration and if there’s a specific train of thought that flows throughout it?
The concept, the inspiration and my constant train of thought were mainly recognizing I was unhappy and that I was fluid, and fluid is my new favorite word so I might use it a lot until I find synonyms, but it’s about being a queer in Derby, Kansas. The thing is, this isn’t approached directly – I don’t have a song or anything specifically and obviously about that experience, but all of these songs come out of that experience or recognizing my state.
Imagine, you’re on the Last Bus home from a hectic night out - where have you been and what are you listening to?
A crazy party, obviously. Because I’m so cool. I’m listening to ‘The Downtown Lights’ by The Blue Nile.