Evin Nazya-Musgrove (senior, psychology)
EP “Small Talk”
Evin’s sophomore EP is truly a work of art and a joy to listen to, with an edgy airy sound that calls to mind artists such as FKA twigs. My personal favorite on the EP is “Under,” the song she performed for the AUSA Talent Show, but each of the songs give great vibes with an alternative edge if you’re looking for something truly unique on the music scene. At first listen, I was simply too blown away by her vocals and production to even notice the lyrics, but upon several listens, Evin really explores some of those incredible and hard-to-capture feelings of the last few years. She self describes “Lemons!” as the “wild card of the EP,” an occasionally dizzying exploration of joy and loving yourself where you’re at. Check out my interview with her below.
Details about the music:
I was the sole writer of the EP, in terms of lyricism, as I am for all of my music! It is my absolute favorite part of creating! My primary engineer and good friend, Kenny Helms (@prodxoasis) mixed the vocals for the entire project. In regards to production, each song on the EP was produced by a mixture of some of my favorite producers:
Spoiler: @Idlybare
Under: @8een
Blvd: @AstoriaBLVD
Lemons: @Stoic
Small Talk: @Alanfor
How did you get into music?
Music has always been a major part of my life, as my father’s side of the family is flooded with musicians! I’ve quite literally been singing since I was 4-years old. At 10 years of age, my love for writing poetry and fictional stories led to then trying my hand at songwriting. When I started my YouTube channel 5 years later, I mainly sang covers by other artists, and at age 17, I finally began releasing my own music on all platforms, slowly dipping my toes into the indie-artist scene. The more comfortable I became with writing and releasing music, I found myself identifying more as an artist than I did as a YouTuber. It’s so fulfilling to witness my own growth as a songwriter and musician over the past 4 years. I truly believe that I’ve found, or at least I'm a whole lot closer to finding my sound as an artist, especially as I enter this new era of music with “Small Talk,” my newest EP!
What inspired this particular project?
As I shared with listeners on my Instagram and Genius Official, “Small Talk” is a sneak peek into the past two years of my life; themes of contentment, transparency, discomfort, peace, catharsis, mental chaos, love, doubt, patience, and self-assurance. I had originally planned to release my second EP back in October of 2020, but everything that could’ve gone wrong … did. It’s as if God deliberately said, “It’s not time, sis. This isn’t the vision.” I can now say, with full confidence, that I am grateful things fell through when they did, because, during that time, the inspiration for this project did a complete 180! In crafting these songs, I wanted to embrace my young adulthood and offer listeners a more mature sound that was representative of my 21-year old self, in contrast to my first EP, “So This Is What It’s Like.” In the process of producing “Small Talk,” I was dedicated to pushing myself, both as a singer and artist, and in leaving my comfort zone, I finally allowed my creative identity room to evolve.
What can we expect to see in the future?
Well, firstly, I want to sincerely thank all those at AU who actively support my music, whether through listening, sharing, play-listing, or personally letting me know that they resonate with my craft. I deeply appreciate it. Listeners can expect a music video for the EP’s title track, “Small Talk,” coming very soon, and other “Small Talk” EP-related content over the next few months! Further, do expect my appearance on various collaborative projects that are currently in the works and soon to be released! I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about a music era of mine, and I hope that anyone who stumbles across my music, finds a reason to stay for the journey.
Where can we stream “Small Talk”?
Spotify
Apple Music
YouTube
Genius
Eli Wilson (freshman, business)
EP “The Day After Valentines”
Eli’s music should be familiar to most students on campus, as he’s been creating for quite some time in the Berrien Springs area and is fairly active on TikTok with 65k followers. Most recently, he dropped a 3-song EP exclusively on Soundcloud. This EP combines guitar-pop with a distinctly authentic lyrical feel and lets us sit in the heartbreak of February 15 with him. “15 Miles” is acoustic & heartfelt, even moving to acapella toward the end, “Problems” is an achingly real discussion of what it can feel like to fall in love with someone it’s not really working out with, and “Catching Feelings” really showcases the piano in a way that deepens the sadness of the piece. Personally, I find Eli’s sound and lyrics really capture the desperation of heartbreak well. Check out my interview with him below.
Details about the music:
The EP was produced by some producers I met on Instagram.
How did you get into music?
I got into music a couple of years ago when I found some recording stuff in my grandpa's attic. Me and one of my friends (Felipe Navia) started making songs and uploading them to Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon music, etc. I started posting videos on Tiktok and slowly started getting more and more people who were actually listening. Been making music since.
What inspired this particular project?
I don’t know about you guys but Valentine’s Day always seems like a drag to me. I’m sure everyone knows the familiar feeling of not having that special someone you hoped for. That’s why this EP is titled “The Day After Valentines” Hope you guys can relate, but if not, then good for you!
What can we expect to see in the future?
We got some big things coming.
Where can we stream “The Day After Valentines”?
You can stream “The Day After Valentines EP” through this link or through the link in my Instagram bio!
Jonathan Lutterodt (freshman, nursing)
Single “Too Late”
Jonathan’s first single really showcases his impressive vocals, with some light harmonies and backed by piano transitioning into strings. It really shines lyrically and captures the pain and second-guessing that often takes place after a difficult breakup. His music calls to mind the emotional intensity and sound of Hozier and the singer-songwriter feel of the likes of Chord Overstreet. Instrumentally, “Too Late” starts simply and moves into full on string accompaniment. Check out my interview with him below.
Details about the music:
Jonathan Lutterodt wrote & performed, Felipe Navia mixed, APC produced, and an honorable mention to Eli Wilson for helping make this song happen.
How did you get into music?
I've been a music guy ever since I could remember and I've shared my passion with others through songwriting. Most of what I make aren’t real stories, although it’s kinda fun to let people think they are! I mostly write love songs, breakup songs, and some Christian music here and there, and I’ve only recently started to release my music on major platforms as an individual artist!
What inspired this particular project?
This project was pure fun as far as inspiration. No one inspired it, but as a writer I like to become someone else and write as if I’m in their shoes, because that’s what I find fun.
What can we expect to see in the future?
More music is definitely to come soon in the following months! I’m working hard to get out the best and build my portfolio of music out there!
Where can we stream “Too Late”?
"Too Late” will be available on all platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) on February 25! I hope everyone enjoys :) You can pre-add it here.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.