Tell us about yourself and your music
My name is EVER-G, originally from Hanover, Jamaica. I have been singing since childhood – did my first show as a lead singer at age 16 while still in High School. I was very shy, to the point that I was terrified to face the audience during this performance. Over time I have come to realize that there is a vast difference between Singing and performing. After college and working for 4 years as a teacher in Jamaica, I migrated to the USA. I performed with my different bands as a rhythm guitar player, backup vocalist, and lead vocalist. I started writing original songs in the mid-1990s, recorded & produced my first solo album in 1999 – this album is titled “WORLD PEACE”. Since then, I have Independently recorded and produced 6 other albums, namely: INDEPENDENCE, MISSION, CHRISTMAS MOOD, JAH LOVE, UNLEASHED!!! & THE TRUTH. I am currently working on a new album that I recorded in Jamaica. The first single titled “LOVE” was released two weeks ago. I am an easygoing person, I believe strongly in being humble, treat people well, give a helping hand whenever you can. I love Children!!! I say this a lot in everything music-related that I do; “My Message Was, My Message Is & My Message will ALWAYS Be: Peace, Love & Unity! This is the very essence of whatever I do musically. My music is Predominantly Roots Reggae with some Lovers Rock here and there. I strongly believe that you don’t have to shout to get heard, Stay true to yourself, be persistent, and if you truly believe in whatever you are doing…NEVER GIVE UP!!
Talk to us more about your latest release
My latest release is the single titled “LOVE”. I wrote this song in 2019 – I was going through a very difficult time on the job, there was a lot of turmoil which resulted in endless frustration for me. So, one night after work I stayed up late, everything was off and the apartment was quiet. In the stillness of the night, I heard the word “LOVE” and I kept on hearing this word in my Soul…I got out my scratchpad and started to write…..The lyrics just came and the song was written in less than two hours. About a month or so later, I picked up my guitar and figured out a basic chord progression for the song. The song was recorded in Jamaica and I will say this; I am quite happy with the way it turned out and hope people who hear and listen to it will feel the same way.
What inspired you to write this release?
I was inspired by Love!! Love for humanity, Love for our planet Earth, Love for animals, plants, the oceans, rivers, mountains, sunshine, the wind….. If each of us chooses to love, what a difference there would be in the World. We would be kind and respectful to each other, we would look out for and look after each other. We could and would eliminate poverty, crime, homelessness, wars, greed, selfishness, and above all HATRED.
Describe the writing and recording process
As I mentioned earlier, I wrote the lyrics to the song late one night in 2019. The entire recording process took place in Jamaica. All the instruments were recorded at a studio in the parish of St. Mary by Unes “Sharlo” McLean. The Lead and harmony vocals were recorded at a Studio in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica. EVER-G is the Lead vocalist and the harmony vocals were done by Unes “Sharlo” McLean and EVER-G. It was a time-consuming process and there were challenges along the way, but through it all, we persevered and it was indeed a labor of Love.
Any plans to hit the road?
Nothing concrete right now because of COVID-19. However, I am looking forward to 2021 – I would love to hit the road to continue my Mission and spread the Message of Peace, Love & Unity, using the medium of Music.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
I keep the Message consistent, clear, and positive based on my core principles and what I know to be true and honest. I don’t believe in tearing down anyone in order to elevate myself. I never try to be a “warmed-over version” of anyone else; I remain a True and Original version of myself – I have to live with myself so to myself, I have to be True.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Brook Benton, Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions, Marcia Griffiths Minnie Rippleton, Jacob Miller, King Curtis, Gregory Isaacs, Capleton Tony Rebel, Culture, Mighty Diamonds, Diana Ross, Della Reese
Who are your biggest influences?
Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Curtis Mayfield & The Impressions
Tell us about your passions
I love to play my guitar, Love to cook Ital Stew and Veggie Soup, I love to read and do research about things I find intriguing. I am very passionate about helping people especially disadvantaged children and homeless people. One of my greatest desire is to do a benefit concert, sell a lot of CDs and other merchandise and donate all the proceeds except what must cover expenses to a shelter for abused children and or homeless people. I love to write positive and uplifting songs and that I will continue to do, for as long as I can.
What else is happening next in your world?
I will be releasing the second single from my album in September and another single later this year. I intend to release the full album in the Spring of 2021.
Thanks for an awesome interview, EVER-G
Connect with EVER-G
Website: http://www.evergmuzik.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evergmuzik/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evergmuzik/Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/evergmuzik/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EVERGMuzikReverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/everg