Photography credit: www.ominadirect.com
It's only a matter of time before everyone will know the voice of Tessa Evans, and will have her music in heavy rotation whether it be on your music player or on your friends friend's playlist. Her sound is most definitely a breath of fresh air that just feels goooooood. Something like when the Delta Breeze kicks in on a warm, summer Sacramento night...yeah her sound feels that good! Okay, let's get to it...there aren't many artists that can remix or cover an original song without totally messing it up. Now, Tessa Evans on the other hand has remixed some of the hottest songs of this past year, and arguably, we would have to say she made them just as well or better! Just watch the video below to get an idea. After watching the vid we know you're going to want to know more about Tessa...so get into the conversation below we had with the Songstress. Make sure to keep in touch with Tessa Evans because she will be dropping her mixtape, Champagne & Cocaine this month, oh and you already KNOW you will find it here on Really Not Ready™ as well!
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Really Not Radio: Tessa doll, I can’t help it, but ever since I called you that it has just stuck, but not to take away from your beautiful name.... Tessa Evans. To quote you from your song, the remix of Wiz and Snoop’s song Young, Wild and Free, you said, “I don’t know you, you don’t know me”. This is soooo true so hopefully after this interview we will know you a lil bit better. Go on ahead and introduce yourself to the viewers and let us know where you’re from.
Tessa Evans: I'm a singer/songwriter from Sacramento, Ca.
RNR: SACRAMENTO!!! WHERE YA AT!!! lol Let me calm allll the way down ahaha Off top, where did you get this unique voice? Do you come from a musical family?
Tessa Evans: My dad probably had the biggest influence on my music. Growing up we listened to everything from jazz, soul, metal, rock, pop, r&b, almost everything under the sun. But...my first love as far as singers go was Billie Holiday. Something about the struggle in her voice was very comforting to me. Someone told me at a show a couple years ago that I sing with a "Wilt" in my voice like Miss Billie do. I swear I went home glowing that night, that meant the world.
Really Not Radio: Wow, I know that was a real special moment for you, and along the same lines...I can’t quite pinpoint what it is that I like most about your sound and style soooo much, but it just feels right to me all the way around. You not only have a one-of-a-kind voice, especially that little extra emphasis you put on the end of your musical phrases like in the video you just released. *PAUSE* SHOUT OUT TO JAE SYNTH (video director), for capturing the essence of the song with the video “She Will”. Sorry about that...I'm back now lol, but what I hear on those end phrases isn’t quite vibrato, but what the heck is that??? What do you call it, or how do you like to describe your sound?
Tessa Evans: That's funny that you should notice that! I call it my cornbread voice lol, and I describe my sound as adult contemporary. That's a pretty broad term, but my sound ranges from soul music, to edgy alternative tracks, to everything in between-except country! I'm no Carrie Underwood lol
RNR: AHAHAH I love it, and cornbread goes with everything kind of like your voice you can dabble in a variety of genres. Now, when I discover that an artist writes their own music, the musical appreciation for that artist grows stronger for me. Your lyrics come from such a sweet, innocent, soft voice, but when you really get into the lyrics...your content is very straight-forward, risque and a tad bit naughty ahahaha You straight up tell it like it is, and you’re telling your story, your truth, which I truly appreciate about you. Where do you draw your inspiration from for the lyrics you write?
Tessa Evans: Thank you, I really love writing! I get inspiration from everything that goes on in my life, from personal experiences to stories I hear, etc. I'm definitely not a writer that has a specific formula for how to write catchy hooks or a great song. Sometimes the songs are about me, sometimes they're not. I guess that's the mystery in the music...
RNR: That's a good point Music always finds a way to represent something to one person and something totally different to someone else. It's very interesting...What following phrase do you identify with most: A. High maintenance, 5 star type. B. Around the way girl C. Ride or die chick D. None of the above E. All of the above?
Tessa Evans: That's hard...probably all of the above. Lol I guess i'm the worst kind because you can't predict which one I'll want to be for the day!! I like variety ; )
RNR: Yea, keep 'em guessing is always a plus! Real quick...Do you always just chill around the house with stilletos and cute little, furry lacy numbers on? ahahaha
Tessa Evans: Always!!!
RNR: LOVE IT!! ahaha I can tell the camera loves you and all that beautiful hair. Do you enjoy being in front of the camera? I can foresee a modeling career in your near future...
Tessa Evans: Wow, what a compliment-thank you! I definitely enjoy being in front of the camera. Looking into the camera is like looking into someones eyes you love & receiving nothing but acceptance back. It feels very intimate to me.
RNR: You really are good with your words...modeling career CHECK...music publishing deals CHECK lol. GET IT! The first time I had the pleasure of hearing you perform was at Marilyn’s for the Home Grown Soul Show. At that time I knew you were going to get on because you have an unforgettable sound. Then, I saw you perform at Harlows and realized your set was produced by Jae Synth, and that sealed the deal for me. When you lace sultry, smooth talent with hard hitting 808s with street-wise content, AND it’s believable AND relatable you are a force to be reckoned with. You have a gift where you can dabble with any genre and knock it out the park for sure, but I really enjoy what you are creating right now. I like to call it “street blues” cuz it’s not just r&b to me where you’re talking about love and yadda yadda yaddda. You are speaking about some real personal experiences, and I want to hear more of the story. At what point did you realize things are really beginning to happen for your career?
Tessa Evans: You're right, I tend to focus on everything that comes from loving someone but not the actual love part!! Although, I have a few songs I'm really excited about coming out and they show the softer side of me as well...I think the changes in my career are largely due to me finding out who I am as an artist & working with the right team of people. My Trak Monstaz fam(Young Dizzy, Cal-E) have been instrumental in my success.
RNR: You said two key things knowing who you are and having a strong team behind you is guaranteed success. Now, if I understand it correctly you are signed to Block Starz/Dogg Pound Entertainment, but your management is Grand Hustle? If I’m not stating any of this correctly please clear this up for me. How is it being represented by two major factors in the industry?
Tessa Evans: I feel very blessed!! To clear it up, I was signed to Block Starz/Dogg Pound for a single deal on one of my songs. Grand Hustle is my management.
RNR: You already have a nice list of achievements like being named SN&R Sammie 2011 winner for the “R&B/Soul” category....congrats on that btw! You’ve performed at major events like the Natalie Cole afterparty, San Jose Summer Soul Music Festival and the NAACP Rhythm & Blues Festival. You have also opened for artists such as Goapele, Bilal and Chante Moore. What has been your greatest accomplishment to-date?
Tessa Evans: That's a hard question! I'm pretty hands on with my music, so every little step feels exciting to me. Sidebar...I do want to say a big thank you to Josh Fernandez at SN&R for the great article they just did on my music, they've been supportive from the start! Anyway, my big goal was to be signed by 21 & I accomplished that. Right now I'm really excited to continue working with my Grand Hustle Family & eventually tour!
RNR: There are no limits just keep going after it! How much fun are you having with everything? Are you living your dreams?
Tessa Evans: Yes I'm definitely living my dreams. I believe everyone should do exactly what they want & do it to the best of there ability.
RNR: Word! They say 80% of success is just showing up and the other 20% is giving it your all when you are there. I noticed you have a strong presence on the internet from your YouTube videos like “She Will” the Lil Wayne cover and “Too much of a good thing” produced and directed by Jae Synth. Your remixes of “Young, Wild and Free” by Wiz Khalifa and Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz’s “Spend it”, which is fire too. Even the intro song on www.tessaevans.com is SMACKINEM! I know I’m super excited to hear more music from you, but what can we expect from the Champagne & Cocaine mixtape due out this month and speak on the title of the mixtape a bit.
Tessa Evans: The mixtape has been really fun to record because it's definitely honest to the world as I see it. I think people were surprised that I would jump on a Lil Wayne track and say the things I said, but I sound like me no matter what I sing over! Plus, I love that song in general! I got the title inspiration from a post I was joking about being on "the hollywood diet". I put Coffee, Diet Coke, & ________ = the hollywood diet. Well, people went to town I got so much inspiration! There was champagne, cocaine, cigarettes, cardio(sex), etc. The songs are definitely about that life, so it fit...
RNR: Okay, last question then I’ll let you get out of here. Now I know people sometimes embellish the truth a bit in their songs, but can you really, “hop up on the d*%$ and do a full split”???? ahahaha girl, you don’t have to answer that, but I just had to ask AHAHAHA
Tessa Evans: Lol, I do yoga ; ) Just kidding!!!
RNR: THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for letting us get inside the thoughts of Ms. Tessa Evans and let us know where the viewers can find you and stay connected with you and all things Tessa Evans! Also, if you have any shout outs or put us up on any upcoming events as well....On behalf of Really Not Radio™ THANK YOU Tessa Doll....
Tessa Evans: Thank you, I love my nickname btw! You can follow me on Twitter @tessaevansmusic.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tessaevansmusic
Shout out to my Trak Monstaz Team Young Dizzy, Cal-E Porter, my grand hustle fam Jason Geter & Mike Lace, & Jae Synth & especially everyone who supports my music!