Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Shepperd.
Evan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all goes back to when I first heard my Dad play drums. I was somewhere around the age of 8. They were set up in the common area of the duplex he and my step mom lived in (I’m sure the neighbors loved that) and he showed me a few basic beats and fills. I remember being mesmerized by it, totally consumed by it. Up until that point I had never given much thought about music other than listening to the radio and knowing my favorite songs at the time. It was the first time I made the realization that people actually play the instruments. I knew right then that I wanted to be a drummer. Eventually my Mom and Grandmother bought me a drum set for Christmas, it was a Pearl Export series with a “Blue Oyster” wrap. It was best Christmas I’ve ever had. My Brother and I played the hell out of those drums for years and linked up with all of my other musician friends in school. It wasn’t anything serious but we still had big plans to become rockstars. Anyway, somewhere along the way my priorities shifted and I spent some years away from the drums until around 2017 when a couple of my closest friends, the same ones that I played with in middle/high school, all decided to start a band. That band didn’t last but once I rediscovered the instrument that was it. I was hooked all over again. A few bands later and I found a group of guys that I knew was a good fit for me musically. We started the band, American Merit, around 2020 and it has ben my musical home since. We have a catalog of music available on all the streaming platforms and play shows all over, including the DFW area. Our next show in that area will be at Hoots Hall in Burleson on November 7th. And now, I have started a YouTube channel centered around me playing drums in my storage unit. As it stands at the time of this interview, my channel has a humble 41 subscribers. I am very thankful for all 41 of them and hope that I can continue to grow the channel alongside American Merit.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I have always considered myself very blessed with having a great support system. After my Dad introduced me to the instrument and stoked that flame, my Mom and Grandmother made that dream come true with providing me my very own drum set and a space to make a racket with my brother and friends. Then, once I got back into playing, my Aunt and Uncle let me set up my drums at their place when I had nowhere to set them up. And now, I have a wife and son who cheer me on. I’m in my 30’s now and there have been some struggles along the way but nothing out of the ordinary or worthy to bring up. I would have to say that I’m a very rich man when it comes to love and support.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For the last 12 years I have worked at an airport as a Fire Fighter. I am thankful for that job and the work family I have. That job has also financed my passion. My passion being music. I have spent years playing the drums and I would say that I am dependable and solid when it comes to my musical choices and performing. When it comes to being proud, I’m most proud of choosing my partner. She has given me the most beautiful son and encourages me to be the best I can, both, on the stage and at home. I wouldn’t necessarily say I am set apart from others. Plenty of people decide to do the music thing and a lot of them have done it “better”. However, if I had to say one thing, it would be my self awareness. I know who I am and I know where I need to improve. The amount of time I have spent playing music with others isn’t anywhere close to the amount of time I have spent woodshedding. I’ll be here working on myself for as long as I am able to play.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My Dad for introducing me to the greatest instrument of all time. My Mom and Grandmother (Gammie) for always having my back and doing their best to provide my brother and I with everything we needed as kids (music and hot pockets). My Brother, Cameron, for being my best friend for as long as he’s been alive and my first bandmate. My Aunt and Uncle for being so giving when I needed a place to practice. My beautiful Wife and Son for inspiring me to be the best version of myself. My late music teacher, Kevin Riley. I wish I could jam with him one last time. All the guys in American Merit (Alex, Daniel, Travis, and Brandon). And my Grandfather, who everyone knew as “Cotton”. He had such an impact on my brother and I growing up. He’s the first person that comes to mind when I think of strength and character.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.americanmeritband.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanmeritband/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americanmeritband/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EvanShepperd
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ifj0WB2KIcZXXRWCuipC2?si=dt3PDd0WTSua8JuQGNDWew
Image Credits
Temple Star Studios
Hello Texas
Deckman’s World
Faith Tepoel Photography
