Photo by Milan Loiacono
DJ, music producer, music engineer and junior Rowland Evans lives most of his creative life in the dark.
Evans, who began working as a DJ when he was 12, now focuses on producing electronic and house music.
“Once you get a good idea, you’re not leaving it,” Evans said. “There is something really romantic about staying up late and working on something that you’re really passionate about. It just adds to the story of whatever you’re working on.”
Evans is currently making music with pop producer DallasK, who has produced songs like “Work from Home” by Fifth Harmony and Ty Dolla $ign.
Working in the music industry can be straining on someone who is also a full-time student, so Evans has learned to make time in his schedule for exploring his creative endeavors.
“I used to DJ every night, but now I have a lot more responsibility and I just can’t be tired all day,” Evans said. “So I have to be strategic. I’m kind of like a planned night owl, or a night owl that has good time-management skills.”
Evans reserves most of his long-night creative efforts for the weekends when school is less of a distraction.
“It’s really tough to be creative when other things are bothering you,” Evans said. “Like 0.5% of ideas … end up working out, and it’s really hard to get to that 0.5% if you’re worried about homework or some test you have tomorrow.”
Being easily impassioned is a quality that has helped Evans continue to create music despite the challenges it may bring.
“I will hear something and think, ‘Oh this is a game-changer!’ and it’s really not,” Evans said. “But I believe it is, and that’s important, and that’s what it takes for me to work several hours on it.”
Evans provided an uplifting message to encourage others who might be interested in pursuing a creative path.
“To the kids who are starting to think about making music, realize that it is a tremendous grind to make anything cool but it’s so worth it,” Evans said.
For many who make music, the night is when creativity comes alive. Studio sessions can last until 4 a.m. if he is feeling inspired, Evans said.
“It’s not unusual in studio sessions to be going late at night,” Evans said. “We’re just all kind of no-lives that want to make cool sounds or are willing to sleep poorly because of it.”
To listen to Evans’ music, visit Spotify, Soundcloud or YouTube under the name Rowland Evans.
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Email Lindsey Sullivan: Lindsey.sullivan@pepperdine.edu
