On The Rise: EVAN GIIA

We are pleased to have this incredibly talented artist from Astralwerks x Capitol Music Group, be joining our On The Rise roster!! Introducing EVAN GIIA! Check out our convo below!

Starting off can you share with our readers how you began your musical journey?

I’ve been singing my whole life but it really started in high school. I was in all of the musicals, studied Opera in my free time after school and then applied to Berklee. I got in but actually didn’t sing much while I was there. I got my music business degree instead. After school I wanted to work in the business but quickly felt like something was missing in my life. I quit my job and started making music with MEMBA. ODESZA found my song WESTWORLD and took me on tour and the rest is history! 

 As a classically trained musician, how did you navigate your way to alt pop? And do you ever find yourself adding classical elements into your records?

It was hard at first, I had to re-learn everything. But now my classical background is the backbone to everything. The technique is my foundation that I use on all my EVAN GIIA records and especially on stage. I am adding something really special in to my live show on my tour. You’ll have to come see it! 

 What has been the most monumental moment of your career so far?

I would say certain shows that I could hear people signing the words to my songs. I still can’t believe that people come to see me! 

 Tell us more about your new single “Switch Off.” Can you take us through your process for creating that track?

I wrote Switch Off for one of my best friends. They were going through a rough time and I wanted to make a song that we can blast in my kitchen, dance and let go. I made it with MEMBA at my house in BK, NY. I LOVE playing it live! 

 How would you say you’ve grown since your first release?

My tone (in my voice), confidence and writing has grown an insane amount. I listen back and don’t recognize myself. I’m proud of the fact that I am constantly growing as an artist and performer.

 How excited are you to head out on your headline tour?! Is there a city that you are looking forward to playing most? Anything you can reveal to us about the show?

I can’t tell you how hard I’ve worked for this tour. It’s the biggest moment in my career so far. I would say I’m most excited to for BOSTON and BK. They are my hometown shows! I can say the show is leveled up, it will be a freaking blast! Take a road trip from Philly I promise it will be worth it. 

 Your song “WESTWORLD” is your most popular song on Spotify at 10 million+ streams! Did you ever expect that song to blow up the way it did?

No, MEMBA and I actually wrote that song one night when we were tipsy and fooling around in the studio. I barely ever drink so it was a big deal haha. We are still shocked that it has done so well! Still gets at least 20k streams a day. 

 Can you share with us any upcoming projects you have in the works?

Well I just launched GIIA MOVE, where I will be leading spin classes / meet and greets around the US while on tour. It was always my goal to meld fitness and music and I did it. I’m so excited to sweat with my fans!

  And finally, where do you see yourself musically in the next 5 years?

I hope to be able to write a big body of work EP or album and I hope to be headlining my own stages!

Check out Evan on tour! Get your tickets HERE!

Just Be Real 2020 Headline Tour

3/5 | San Francisco, CA | The Independent

3/7 | West Hollywood, CA | The Roxy Theatre

3/12 | Seattle, WA | Neumos

3/13 | Vancouver, BC | Fortune Sound Club

3/14 | Portland, OR | Doug Fir Lounge

3/26 | Denver, CO | Larimer Lounge

3/27 | Chicago, IL | Schubas Tavern

3/28 | Toronto, ON | The Drake Hotel

4/2 | Cambridge, MA | The Sinclair

4/3 | Washington, DC | U Street Music Hall

4/4 | Brooklyn, NY | Music Hall of Williamsburg

Supporting Louis The Child

4/22 | Austin, TX | Stubbs BBQ

4/23 | Austin, TX | Stubbs BBQ

4/24 | Dallas, TX | South Side Ballroom

4/25 | Oklahoma City | The Criterion

4/30 | Louisville, KY | Iroquois Amphitheater

5/1 | Charlotte, NC | Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre

5/2 | Charlottesville, VA | Sprint Pavilion

5/6 | Pittsburgh, PA | Stage AE

5/7 | Cleveland, OH | Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

5/8 | Columbus, OH | Express Live!

5/9 | Detroit, MI | Masonic Temple Theater

5/13 | St. Augustine, FL | St. Augustine Amphitheatre Backyard Stage

5/14 | Raleigh, NC | Red Hat Amphitheater

5/15 | Nashville, TN | Ascend Amphitheater

6/3 | Boise, ID | Idaho Botanical Garden

6/4 | Spokane, WA | Pavilion at Riverfront

6/5 | Bonner, MT | Kettlehouse Amphitheater

6/6 | Ogden, UT | Ogden Amphitheater

6/11 | Troutdale, OR | McMenamins Edgefield

6/12 | Eugene, OR | The Cuthbert Amphitheater

6/13 | Sacramento, CA | Papa Murphy’s Park

Festivals

8/1 | Montreal, QC | Park Jean-Drapeau – Osheaga Festival

Connect with EVAN GIIA:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter