Meet Evan Whitford

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Evan Whitford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Evan, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

Definitely by watching my own parents advocate for me when I was young, but in the case of music it boils down to the cold hard truth that nothing will get done if you don’t constantly reach out to people. Sometimes it’s about bookers, session musicians, music tech, studios, and advertising, but the list goes on. In a perfect world, I’d be able to just focus on the songwriting. But the current industry climate expects artists to know a great deal of skills when starting out. The skill of communication is also implied in directing any project, so I also see it as my duty to the artistic vision of the music to be communicating to those that can enhance it in any way possible. Upcoming Suspended In Cobwebs music in particular will further emphasize collaboration, though it was quite fundamental for getting Pig Debris off the ground.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I grew up in Southern California after moving from New York at a young age. I grew up loving horror, animation, films/tv, and video games, and developed an interest in rock, metal, and punk music later on. In 10th grade I started Psychoward, a punk rock band that released an EP called Black Lagoon, Inc. a single called Grilled Cheese (Edwin’s Song), and a cover of Violent Femmes’ Blister In The Sun. After that band came to an end, I started Suspended In Cobwebs, which I wanted to be more ambitious. I wanted it louder, heavier, crazier, and more unrestrained. The first Suspended In Cobwebs concert happened in 2022. The debut Suspended In Cobwebs recording, a 4 song EP called Pig Debris, was released on October 4th, 2024.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Obviously these wouldn’t be the only three qualities, but individuality, determination, and communication I would consider pretty fundamental to my own progress. Any music artist should try to do something different, and bring a sense of individuality to their craft. Especially when computers can auto generate the worst music you’ve ever heard, the modern day musician should make music other people or programs will not make for them or like them. Determination and persistence is necessary because the music industry makes it easy to discourage others from continuing. I personally feel I would be wasting my brief time on earth trying to do anything else, and not necessarily everyone feels that strongly about music. I intend to keep pushing the limits of my craft since a career in music is all I can imagine for myself. I briefly mentioned communication, but it’s fundamental when you’re working with arranging music. I only play a few instruments, and my notation is fine but not exceptional. Most of the time I simply have to communicate with other people about the vision of the project, whether if be drummers, percussionists, saxophonists, keyboardists, guitarists, et cetera.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m seeking collaborators just about all the time, whether it be for the live ensemble or endless studio arrangement possibilities. Knowledge of music theory is valued in my collaborators, as it lets me communicate my ideas in the easiest way. In addition, I value genuine musical and artistic passion . I love to pull from a wide variety of influences and concepts, and I personally adore working with culturally informed and open minded artists.

The best way to reach out to me to collaborate is through the Suspended In Cobwebs email.
[email protected]

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Ryan Gomez
Sadie Treleven
Issei Morrissey
Flyer by Meredyth Jones

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