Canvas Rebel: Meet Evan Doan Jenkins

Evan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a songwriter/artist. I grew up outside of the Washington, DC area. I learned blues piano from my grandfather at an early age and joined various choirs in the DC area, gaining a lot of experience before attending the Berklee College of Music. After graduating, acquiring many skills and meeting some of the most fascinating people in my life, I moved from Boston to Nashville. I came with a project I had put together over my time at school but we all went our own ways after a year. I chose to stay in Nashville since I was the songwriter of the group and after writing around town I chose to be my own act.

I write/play retro soul music. My inspirations ranging from Ray Charles, James Brown, STAX records to the Beatles, Steely Dan & more. I write modern pop with a nostalgic aftertaste, which I’ve labeled as “retro soul” or “retro pop”.

I’m most proud of my music being able to apply itself to a marketable genera but also having a uniqueness. Anytime I play live or play my music for someone who hasn’t heard it, the reaction is always exciting and positive! Of course there are all kinds of people/opinions and some that might not usually like the genera, but they all acknowledge the quality, potential and originality.

Have you ever had to pivot?

After graduating from college I had moved to Nashville with a band I had put together over the course of 3 years. We were generally a successful band with a handful of notable shows as well as some recorded music under our belts. In Boston, we had shaped a sound and following that energized the move to Nashville. We had originally planned on moving to LA but realized it wasn’t the most financially stable option with wanting to record an entire album as well as just living costs.

Over a few months into making the album we disbanded. This was a huge setback for us all, having invested years and endless creative ideas into the project that we thought would last at least another 6-8 years. We all realized we needed or wanted different things and having just got out of college there were many outside pressures thrusted onto us individually. Me being the center of the project, I was lost the most but what I did have were my songs still.

After a year of regrouping in Nashville I had to pivot. I started booking shows, meeting new people and writing songs with only the genera I wanted in mind. Growing in many ways but not enough to gain the attention I seeked.

Once 2020 came and forced us all to be home and regroup, I again had to pivot. I realized I’m getting older and need a sharpened purpose. I created a more specific sound and look as well as trying to build my business up to a height that would argue to any management that I’m worthy of the time and attention. I’ve created a logo, website, Merch, booked shows around the country, recorded an excellent EP as well as refining my social media and much more. I imagine my whole career will consist of “pivots”, but it has been a long time since I’ve felt recognition for my achievements. It’s a hard game to play, everyday you reach down from within for more motivation, energy and creative inspiration. Most of the time the people who you want to hear it don’t, but the people that do, love it and I’m grateful.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My particular goal as of now is to gain management or a team that will help take my business to the next step. I’ve been able to set up and manage most of it alone until now. I realize that I don’t need help booking, but I need help booking the RIGHT shows. Someone putting me with similar acts as well as helping me license my songs. My goal is to gain the attention of management, show them that I’m ready for a helping hand and that I deserve it.