L.A. Artist Evolsi Releases New EP, Phases Of A Breakdown
Photos by Lucas Markman
The new EP from L.A. based songwriter Evolsi is stocked with fresh beats and catchy hooks perfect for a Friday night get down, or Sunday morning chill out. It also communicates the transformation and self-discovery of the artist behind the music.
Listen to Phases Of A Breakdown ———————>
Evolsi, a.k.a. Kelly, started writing songs when she was 13 living at her mom’s house. Her parents divorced when she was in the 6th grade, and Kelly began dealing with factors surrounding her mother’s addiction. In high school, she moved in with her dad, and made a new set of friends who would become some of her first fans when Kelly started passing out mix tapes from her backpack.
“People would hear [my tape] playing in friend’s cars and ask ‘where can I find one?!’”
She ended up giving out over 100 CDs at first and made another lengthy mix tape during her sophomore and junior years of high school.
In college Kelly was faced with the conundrum of choosing a path that allowed for creative expression while pursuing a passion for entrepreneurship and landed on business management. This was during the time when artists like Lorde and Halsey were taking over the airwaves, the style resonating with Kelly. She was inspired.
“Okay, this is the type of music I’m meant to make.”
The next couple of years had Kelly working tirelessly in pursuit of defining her original sound. She had found a couple of producers in Austin who she collaborated with to create Paradigms, a fledgling collection of songs that is no longer available.
Kelly knew she needed some element of flash to establish herself as the new artist she was becoming. She was working at credit union at the time and at work she wrote down “LOVE IS. LOVE IS. WHAT IS LOVE…” and eventually rearranged the words to spell: Evolsi, a Latin term meaning to evolve and expand.
With her new name, Evolsi began playing shows in Texas showcasing a new set of songs. She was introduced to producer Ryan Scott, a.k.a. (at the time) Swanbeats. One day, to her surprise, her song “So Young” went viral.
“I got a text when I was sitting in business class.”
Something along the lines of: ‘Uh hey Kelly, your song is charting globally.’
It got over 1 million streams and was garnering some real attention.
At this point, Swanbeats and Evolsi decided to join forces, becoming known as the duo, Swan. They lived together for a year making a bunch of music in L.A. But then eventually Kelly felt the need to side-step once again, and return to her solo career.
She began focusing on writing for other artists, and took an internship at a marketing agency, and was soon promoted from intern to writer for artist development. The experience allowed her to build a catalogue and hone her skills as a writer.
Enter: Phases Of A Breakdown
Kelly says that for her, the last year or so has been spent discovering more about who she is, and realizing truths about her sexuality. Today she identifies as a member of the LGBTQ community, and her new music serves as a vessel for communicating those feelings of self-discovery.
“I grappled with how I might want to communicate my new identity to my family and friends,” Kelly said. “So I just decided to put it all in an album.”
How would you describe your creative process?
Its a purge. I don’t give myself topics. I don’t take inspiration from things. I allow myself to just throw up all over the Ableton session. [laughs]
How do you use storytelling as an element of your songwriting?
I create conceptual projects, so it’s the most important part. I look up to songwriters, like Taylor Swift, but also like Carole king and James Taylor. You know what they’re talking about and it’s relatable.
Do you feel that you have an overarching goal as an artist?
I want to tour, play shows and write albums but also I want to help other artists do the same. I started my record label and publishing company, Terrace Drive Entertainment. I want to reach out and help children of families of addiction. Someday I hope to start a non-profit.
What’s most meaningful to you in what you do?
Sometimes it just take’s one person’s story to help someone else grow, and that’s very meaningful to me.
Who are some peers or influences that have inspired you?
Halle Abadi - A 19 Year old singer/songwriter/artist from Scottsdale who I have co-written a few singles with.
Clancy - A pop/rock artist based in LA who is making waves in the indie scene. Also a songwriter!
Averi Burke - A badass musician out of Dallas. She is amazing at guitar, and has some really solid songs out as well.
