Local Artist Spotlight - Q&A with Musician Bryanna Evaro, of the Desert Rhythm Project
Bryanna Evaro has been a staple in the Coachella Valley music scene for quite some time. She grew up in a musical family, her father was a writer, producer, and musician, who worked primarily out of their home studio - you could say music is in her genes. Growing up, she played in local talent shows, school theater and choir and spent her early 20’s living in Nashville with her brother. Currently, Evaro is on vocals and plays bass for the Desert Rhythm Project, a neo-roots, reggae, funk, and soul band, which was started in collaboration with her partner, Michael Reyes. Together their unique style is comprised of soulful harmonies, and effortless bass rhythms. In addition to being an incredibly talented musician, Bryanna is also the talent coordinator of Local 622. A self-hosted music series created for F10 Creative, presented on Thursday nights at 7pm at BIRBA. Local 622 is an opportunity for artists to explore new and unpublished materials in a live atmosphere that offers a special, intimate, opportunity for guests to see, hear and feel something that is truly authentic to the Desert. Read on below to hear from more from Bryanna about her life, both on and off the stage!
F10 - Tell us a little bit about life growing up and how you got involved in music?
BE - I didn't really start seriously getting into music until I was 23. My family and I endured a very serious tragedy and loss so I relocated back home to Joshua Tree from Nashville, TN with my brother. It was shortly after moving back home to the desert when I first picked up the bass guitar and decided that I wanted to play. From there my brother showed me notes and chords and taught me the ropes around the bass. I kind of just dove right in and never stopped. The first band I ever played in was with my siblings. It was incredibly healing, fun, challenging, but most of all, fulfilling. So I guess you could say that life got me into music. My family got me into music. My heart’s desire to grieve and heal, lead me to play music.
F10 - If you didn’t become a musician, what do you think you’d be doing right now?
BE - I have always loved interior design and decorating. I think if I wasn't doing music I would be doing design work. I have always had a really great eye and an interest in a spaces form, texture, color and balance. I would still love to pursue this endeavor at some point in my life. It’s never too late..right?!
“...some of my personal major influences are the unabashed honesty and unique lyrical style of Regina Spektor and Billie Holiday, I love bass on all things, The Brothers Johnson, and I could listen to Andrew Bird all day long.”
F10 - What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your personal major influences?
BE - In our band we play a lot of Reggae music. We also play a lot of funk, soul and hiphop. It is really it is hard to put our style into one genre box. But some of my personal major influences are the unabashed honesty and unique lyrical style of Regina Spektor and Billie Holiday, I love bass on all things The Brothers Johnson, and I could listen to Andrew Bird all day long.
F10 - What do you feel is the best song you’ve ever released and why?
BE - I don't feel like I have a song thats the “best song I’ve released”. Michael and I are working on a handful of new singles that I feel really excited for people to hear and enjoy. But I might have a different answer to that question in a month or two.
F10 - What is your favorite show or venue you’ve played so far this year?
BE - I always love playing the Joshua Tree Music Festival. It’s our hometown market and we always have the best time performing for our fans!
F10 - What projects do you have coming down the pipeline that you can share with us?
BE - This fall we will be releasing some new singles so keep an eye out for that..and tour announcements at the end of the year.
F10 - If you had one message to give aspiring musicians what would it be?
BE - Be diligent, stay focused and true to you. This path is by no means an easy one but it can be very fulfilling and rewarding. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you to be a better version of yourself. Have Fun.
F10 - Is there anyone, in particular, you’d like to thank for providing support in your musical journey thus far?
BE - There are so many people who have supported me in all my endeavors and who have been huge facilitators of love and inspiration... I don’t even know who to start with. I am very grateful to all the people who love, believe and support me in this journey. Obviously my momma, she always has my back. But also my partner Michael. He is always 100% supportive of my growth and is always encouraging and inspiring me to push beyond my comfort zone.
F10 - What changes do you hope to see for the Coachella Valley music + arts scene in the coming years?
BE - I would like to see local musicians being paid more than mere pennies and beer to perform. The Coachella Valley has a lot to offer and so does its musicians. I hate to see local bands playing for free or for next to nothing because that's “the best deal or only gig around”. In my opinion that is just ridiculous. I think the whole entertainment structure in the Coachella Valley needs an overhaul. I feel the change is coming, its time.
F10 - How long have you been involved in curating the lineup for Birba’s Local 622 Music series?
BE - I've been involved in curating the lineup at Birba for about four years now. Im pretty sure. Time is flying but I believe that this 2019-2020 will be my fifth season with Local 622.
The Flusters, Live at Birba for the Local 622 Music Showcase
F10 - What do you look for when booking new acts?
BE - When booking new acts I really am in search of the vibe. There are so many amazing and talented musicians in this valley and beyond but what really catches my attention is the energy that they create.
I'm not on the look for a certain sound or genre but definitely a certain level of professionalism and creative originality is at the top of the list when considering a new act.
F10 - What makes Local 622 such a special music series for Palm Springs?
BE - This season we are really focusing on curating a tasteful, creative, exceptional musical experience. On any given Thursday you can look forward to arriving and enjoying sounds from some of our desert’s most talented and inspired musicians.
Stay Up To Date with The Desert Rhythm Project
See DRP live at Birba on Thursday 11/21 as a part of our Local 622 Music Series!
Please Join Us for our Local 622 Music Series on Wednesday’s at Birba, Palm Springs.
For the complete list of November acts visit the link below.
When: Thursdays
Where: 622 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA. 92262
