Interviewing Evie Calabasas

What inspired you to start making music?

I've been making music for over 15 years now. I started playing guitar when I was six, began singing around 12 or 13, and started releasing music in 2020 when I was 19. But my journey truly began when I started writing and creating music at 13. It's been a long process of growth and evolution, but music has always been a huge part of my life—and it still is today. As for what inspired me, it might sound a bit silly, but it was Taylor Swift. I vividly remember sitting on the sofa when I was six years old, watching one of her performances on TV. I was completely captivated—her stage presence, her music, her songwriting, and the way she connected with the audience were incredible to me. I instantly became a fan and knew, in that moment, that I wanted to do what she was doing. I wanted to create music, perform, and build that kind of connection with people. I just thought ‘I want that to be me one day’.

Ah, so did you see her at the ‘Era’s Tour’ then?

Yes! I did.

I'm so jealous! What is your favourite era?

I’m torn between two! I absolutely love ‘Speak Now’, though it’s a bit disappointing that Taylor doesn’t seem to care about it as much. But I’m also a huge fan of ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ - I think her songwriting in that era is incredible. It feels like a perfect blend of music and poetry.

And do you have any other musical inspirations?

Definitely! David Bowie has been a huge inspiration - I’ve been a massive fan for as long as I can remember. I also love ‘The 1975’; their music has had a big influence on me as well.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your songs?

I’d describe my sound as a blend of genres - there’s definitely a strong pop influence, with elements of indie and acoustic as well. Since I write my songs on guitar and record the first drafts that way, there’s often a heavy acoustic feel to them. But lately, I’ve been incorporating more electronic elements, moving towards a style similar to The 1975. Overall, I’d say my music has a mix of Taylor Swift, The 1975, and Sam Fender vibes.

And, you said you’ve written quite few songs of your own – do you have a favourite?

I do have a favourite, but it hasn’t been released yet - hopefully, it’ll be out within the next month! It’s called ‘Crush’, and it’s actually based on a friend’s experience. I’m really proud of it because I wrote both the music and lyrics in just 15 minutes - it all came together so quickly.

So, what was would you say your creative process is when it comes to writing songs? Is it the same with all of them or do you switch it up a bit?

I usually start on guitar, just strumming until I find a chord progression or melody that I like. If something clicks, I’ll start writing from there. But sometimes, my process is completely different - I might be doing something totally unrelated when a lyric or idea suddenly comes to me. When that happens, I jot it down and come back to it later to finish the song.

And is there a specific theme that you tend to gravitate towards, or something that tends to inspire your songs?

Love is for sure a major theme in my music - both the positive and the more complicated, emotional sides of it. I’m also very vocal about mental health, and being queer is a big part of my songwriting as well. 

So, thinking back to your musical inspirations, what’s a song that you wish you had written?

That’s a great question! I think Vienna – I know that may be a basic answer as the song is very famous, but definitely Vienna by Billy Joel would have to be it. 

I love that song too! And what would be your dream venue to perform in?

If we’re thinking of big venues, then I would say Madison Square Garden because I grew up with this idea in my had that if you play Madison Square Garden then it's like you’ve actually made it. With smaller venues it would have to be Shepards Bush Empire, maybe. 

And I'm guessing that you’ve done some live shows of your own – have there been any moments where you felt as though you were really making a mark in music?

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to play at a massive festival in Italy as an opening act in front of more than 5,000 people. I was so nervous - I even told my friends they had to be front row because if they weren’t there, I’d probably throw up from nerves! After my set, these two girls came up to me and told me they had travelled just to see me play, which I found so incredibly sweet. They literally got on a bus and made the trip just to watch my 30-minute set. We started talking, and they told me how much my music meant to them. That moment really stuck with me because, for the first time, I truly felt that people were connecting with my music in a real, meaningful way. It was such a special experience, and I absolutely loved it.

Wow that must have felt amazing! You said that your favourite song is due to be released – what else have you got coming up?

I’m working on a new release for next Month, hopefully due to be out between February and March and I'm working on a new EP which is hopefully going to come out this year – I still don’t know exactly when but it's my favourite music so far. I think it's the most honest I’ve been with music and I'm really excited to be putting it out into the world.