Q&A: EYVE
THE POWER OF INCLUSIVITY
“By embracing and championing queer artists, the music industry can foster a more inclusive and accepting community for everyone to enjoy.”
Fresh from her recent feature on BBC Introducing, the anticipation surrounding her upcoming EP, 'Sista!' & recent performance at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards; EVYE shares insights into her musical journey, influences, and aspirations for the future. This week we delve into EYVE’s experiences, her creative process and her thoughts on the industry's role in supporting diversity and inclusion. Read more below.
Following EYVE's debut EP - "Go Honey Go" which had an amazing reception from Press, Radio & general Public alike - "UM. Indecisive" was released on 4th Nov - “a powerful song that explores the struggles of decision-making and the impact of anxiety. It's a journey of self-discovery and finding clarity amidst pressure. The track beautifully captures the essence of seeking support and love from those around us.” - Eyve
Q&A
We see you were recently on BBC Introducing, tell us what that was like?
I’ve felt so supported by the BBC introducing Scotland. I also got a chance to go to BBC Maida Vale Studios for an RNB Cypher. There were so many talented upcoming musicians and it was a moment to cherish forever.
What was the process like, creating your new EP ‘Sista!’?
Creating "Sista!" was a game-changer for me .It was my first deep dive into my African heritage, and man, it was an incredible experience. Working with Axor at Up2Stndrd was ideal. He totally got my vision and took the beats to a whole new level. They turned out even better than I could have imagined! Usually, I write lyrics after hearing the beat, but this time, it was the other way around. We spent so much time in the studio, crafting that unique sound and bouncing ideas off each other. I learned so much about production and discovered the true power of my voice. It's been an amazing journey, and I can't wait for everyone to hear the EP in 2024!
What are your top 5 goals you want to achieve throughout your career?
Goals tend to change as I grow. At the moment, the five that I can think of are;
1. To perform at festivals
2. To reach more people that love the music
3. To improve my voice and try new ideas
4. To produce my own music and for others
5. To get people dancing and relating to the music!
If you could collaborate with anyone on future music, who would it be?
Doja Cat, always
Your music career so far has been so inspiring! do you have any advice for any musicians, starting out, who may have similar experiences?
My advice would be, do you, no matter how strange someone will say your music is, just know that it’s a world of 7 billion people, someone is bound to like it. I’d also say, use the resources you get, go to other local musicians’ shows. You never know who you’ll meet there. You’ll find people that will link you up to different things that you didn’t even think about.
How do you think the music industry can better support queer artists?
The music industry can support queer artists by creating inclusive spaces, promoting diversity, and providing equal opportunities for LGBTQ+ musicians. It's important to celebrate and amplify their voices, as well as provide platforms and resources to help them thrive. By embracing and championing queer artists, the music industry can foster a more inclusive and accepting community for everyone to enjoy.
I write to inspire women, people of colour, the queer community and I put in my personal experiences just as a human being. The EP background for Sista comes from my experience as a dark skin black woman and how we are put to the bottom of the totem pole. Now it’s high time to defy that. I added elements of vogueing, commentating and embracing my queerness. I hope people can resonate with that.
"As a queer black woman, society puts us to the bottom of the totem pole. It’s high time that’s defied, we can do anything we put our minds to. Even if it is not “typical” of a black woman."
Check out EYVE’s latest release ‘Um, Indecisive’ below