Meet Evan Volk | San Diego artist & lifeguard

We had the good fortune of connecting with Evan Volk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk-taking it an essential part of life. That doesn’t mean try a double backflip on concrete with no experience-it has to be calculated. I have multiple examples of me driving hours up north to an event/city where I know nobody/nothing about the area and just full send it. Even jumping up on stage with a song I’ve never performed in front of a crowd I’ve never seen contains risk. I’ve been booed off stage (shoutout Druski & Coulda Been Records), cheered on stage, had my voice give out, had my music sung back to me, and everything in between. Most of my performances have been more embarrassing than something I’m proud of, but that ratio has slowly improved over time and is ever-changing. The reality is there’s always a risk, but it’s up us to decide if it’s worth taking for the potential opportunity/learning experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an artist born/raised in San Diego, California. I summertime lifeguard at the beach/bay, write/record/mix/master music, and attend San Diego State University for Business. I prioritize being myself and speaking my truth through music. My style’s been referred to as surf rap, beach rap, surf rock rap, and more. I’m also exploring the edm rap sound & 2000’s Pharrell Williams style production as well, always learning/open-minded to new styles.

One piece I’m proud of is my music video/song “FeetinthaSand!”. Although it’s not the best, I 99% (can never be sure with variety of perspectives in the world lol) guarantee there’s nothing out there like it. It’s a sound (produced by dsktkg) that blends surf rock, punk, and hip hop into one. I also surf and rap simultaneously which was a challenge but ultimately fun hahaha. I edited/directed the video, huge shoutout the homie Claudio for filming.

Another piece that was challenging but fulfilling was my song/music video “Lost at Sea” where the entire music video is based in the middle of the ocean. Although (shoutout Claudio again) we obviously didn’t travel out away from any land, we shot the video and certain angles to make it appear as such. The concept of the video/song was about me metaphorically being “lost as sea” while trying to find myself as a person/artist. Throughout the song lines such as “surfboard covered in kelp and the scent foul, I got bad habits holding on things I should let out/Catch some waves of optimism help unload the tension, inna storm those same waves might hold my stresses, knock me off my board in the waters of old regressions” etc. etc. you get the point. Regardless it was one of the toughest projects I’ve ever set out to complete and I’m happy it’s out for others to enjoy/resonate with.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego has a variety of perspectives and options when it comes to areas to check out. It really depends on what my “best friend” is into….growing up in Point Loma I’d definitely show them Ortiz’s Taco Shop and Rosaria’s Pizza.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d have to give a shoutout to my parents for being there for me my entire life. They both raised me with morals/integrity that have shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up in environments where I could experiment creatively has been a key factor in my development as an artist. I have nothing but love and appreciation for my family.

Website: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/evanvolk/lost-at-sea

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/711evan_v/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-volk-3302a9291/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@711evan_v

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1p3mo3evjwte64iESiFrQj?si=4qZIXn2pQqWUsIF-g4iRiA
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/evan-volk/1489783794

Image Credits
@officialleekfilmz
@thedongadi
@callme__curtis
@cpflynn04