Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Evans.
Richard, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
It all started with a 4 track TASCAM tape recorder. a beat up electric guitar and a Yamaha POS. from there I started using impulse tracker / scream tracker in the mid 90’s where I’d learn from some of the best and was able to share those songs on something called… THE INTERNET. Based in San Antonio TX I’d perform in various bands like Gastromachine, Hollow, GUILD and others in the electronic scene. After living out in Los Angeles for 5 years grinding away at the dream and slowly depleting my bank account I returned to cheaper living back in Texas bouncing around Dallas, Austin, San Antonio.
Now with the help of my good friend and drummer Mike Kee, I’m making electro disco punk with our group RIVERS WANT and playing all around Texas including the awesome Neil’s Bahr in downtown Houston and hopefully soon… the world!!!!!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Well what’s been inspiring me as of late is a lot of pop music and rap mostly how a lot of these producers go back in time to say the 70’s and 80’s and sample or emulate some of those styles and integrate it into a modern work flow. I’m a huge fan of Rick James, Zapp and Rogers, Boney M, Earth Wind and Fire, Brick, The O’Jays etc. from that classic era funk while also being really into electronic artists like Daft Punk, Crystal Castles, Huoratron, Ctrix, Skrillex and others. Basically, anything that makes someone dance. After playing in rock bands in the past you always had a bunch of sweaty dudes up front moshing and rocking out … I wanted a change of vibe and as soon as I started playing dancey / melodic tunes… the front our crowds changed to happy dancing women and men of all ages / backgrounds. If there’s something specific I’d want people to know about my “art” is that it’s meant to elevate the vibe… to be a cheerleader about life and all the good things that it has to offer. Yes, life can be rough and difficult and that is really easy to focus on and sometimes we take the little things for granted. Best medicine for that is to dance those bad vibes away and enjoy it 🙂
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Of… there’s the balance. I still have my day job which helps me pay for this endeavor. But as far as monetary concerns …. don’t sell yourself short … price your merch accordingly … don’t play for free unless you know you’re going to sell merch … know that merch is where you’re going to make the most money. don’t spend that money you make at the bar!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
if you google RIVERS WANT we are the only ones with that name.
www.riverswant.com
facebook.com/riverswant
instagram.com/riverswant
youtube.com/riverswant
riverswant.bandcamp.com
soundcloud.com/riverswant
tindr.com/riverswant
One of those is a lie: P
Contact Info:
- Website: www.riverswant.com
- Email: riverswant@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/riverswant
- Facebook: facebook.com/riverswantmusic
- Twitter: twitter.com/riverswant
Image Credit:
Studio shot by Matt Sevier photography
Mannequin shot by Wayne Holtz
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
