Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Barnes.
Hi Evan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been around music for as long as I can remember. I would harmonize with my mom in the car as a kid, play the guitar on Rockband 2 for the Wii, and sing in choir all through HS. When sophomore year rolled around, I had a buddy who made beats and played electric guitar, which I thought was just the coolest thing ever, so I decided to go buy a cheap $25 electric online and learn some Green Day. This quickly spiraled into a deep obsession, taking up several hours of every day for the past 8 years. This led to me learning to produce, record, DJ, write, and play in bands here and there, until my current band, “Fault in our Design” really stuck and gained some momentum in the local scene.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a rollercoaster to say the least. I spent years trying to find my place in the music industry, with no luck. I’d play in bands that quickly fell apart, or work with musicians who were so far out of my league at the time that I couldn’t keep up. I spent the majority of 2020 really diving in and practicing my craft to get to a place that I could genuinely feel proud of myself and not despise everything I created. It’s been lots of trial and error, and LOTS of having to overcome discouragement, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, because what I get to do now is so worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a musician from Dallas, Texas. I’ve been singing for 20 years, playing guitar for 8, mixing and producting music for 8, and playing piano for 15. I’d say I’m best known for my guitar playing in “Fault in our Design” which is the work I’m most proud of. My ear is something thats always been really special to me. It plays a part in my improvising, my production, mixing, mastering, and even my songwriting. I’m able to quickly pick out melodies or chord progressions, and with the music theory knowledge to back it up, making music feels like second nature to me.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My best advice to finding a mentor is surround yourself with people more skilled at your craft than you, and just make friends. I’ve never once asked for a mentor, it’s always been someone I admire artistically who I became friends with, and who was willing to let me watch their process, or even fill me in on things they learned that they wish they knew earlier.
Put yourself out there, build connections, be kind and genuine, and people will be that much happier to help you achieve your dreams! Don’t approach people in the scene with the intent to network, just show up and be yourself, and the connections will build themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/faultinourdesign?igsh=bHp5OWx6aWc3a2tr
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untilneptune?igsh=czA1b3g1emRqczZq&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Trudy Tran
