Music Spotlight: Evan Blum

Sep 3

Sep 3 Music Spotlight: Evan Blum

LA-based singer, songwriter, producer + rapper Evan Blum recently released a double-single more than it seems + fight no more with an accompanying video for more than it seems. Both tracks express elements of human connection—more than it seems is an upbeat, vibrant love letter while fight no more is a softer, affectionate plea. In the equally vibrant more than it seems music video, Blum converts Los Angeles into a technicolor fantasy—all with iPhone footage. Blum masterfully blends a multitude of genres, and these two tracks are no exception to his infectious, eclectic sound. We caught up with Blum about the singles + what he’s been up to in quarantine.

Asymmetric Magazine: We're such big fans of more than it seems and fight no more. Can you tell us the story behind the two tracks?
Evan Blum: The songs both arise from my experience in my personal relationships. There are so many tiny little details when you have a real connection with someone. You can love someone and still struggle so much to connect and stay connected. These songs are both looking to keep that connection alive.

AM: What about your new video for more than it seems?
EB: Some fun facts about this video are that my girlfriend shot it all on an iPhone! She’s never filmed a music video before in her entire life. I found it a fun challenge to piece together the edit from the simple iPhone footage. No professional lights. No Gimbals. Just two people being creative. It took a lot of time to edit! The shots are all composed of Downtown Los Angeles and Downtown San Diego.

AM: Are there any consistent themes you typically pursue through your music?
EB: I find myself typically pursuing more personal and relationship-based themes in my music. Sometimes I’ll write about a friend and make it seem like it’s a love interest. Whatever I do, I always make sure that the melodies are all hitting right.

AM: During this pandemic, time of quarantine, and current movement, what's been keeping you grounded?
EB: Creativity. I’ve been expanding my knowledge of video editing and that has helped me get through a lot of time because video editing is basically endless.

AM: Are there any other new hobbies that you’ve picked up since social distancing has begun?
EB: At first, I was running four miles a day: two miles in the morning and two miles at night. That didn’t last long. I also was cooking a lot at the beginning. That also didn’t last long. My new hobby has been my beautiful new dog Sammie! She’s my perfect little angel.

AM: Speaking of the movement, how do you think music impacts social change?
EB: Music is the life force through all cultures. I’ve been very tuned in to all the incredible movements happening right now and how so much art has sprung up. From DaBaby to Anderson PAAK—music always reflects the times.

AM: What other musicians have you been listening to in quarantine?
EB: Khalid, Lauv, Julia Michaels, Sasha Sloan, John Mayer, T Swift, Drake

AM: What can we expect to hear from you next?
EB: I have so many songs that are ready to go. It's crazy. The only challenge is releasing them in a way that feels authentic. Just know that if you like anything you’ve heard from me, there’s plenty more where that came from.