Meet JJ EVANS | Artist & Visionary

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

Hi JJ, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe the most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand has been knowing who I am and the art of being authentically myself. Everything needed to sustain a successful brand is easier to manage when we’re true to who we are. My identity has primarily been rooted in my faith, which has allowed me to build confidence, connect with others, grow, and be more creative as an artist.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Whatup Family! I was born in Gainesville, GA, a small town about an hour north of Atlanta, in 1985. I grew up in a loving home, where my parents valued love, faith, unity, and legacy. They started a music company in 1995 and it has been a major blessing for our family and community ever since. We currently serve our hometown community through sound, audio, and visual installation services. We also have an education sector of our company, teaching private piano lessons and mentoring youth in the public school system and the local community. I’m the second of three sons and I have four nephews and one niece. So, as you can probably imagine, life for me is always full of great moments and surprises! Lol

I’ve sung since I was two years old, starting in the church choir. My great-grandfather is the founder of our home church back in Gainesville, so attending church was more than just a Sunday service for me. It was the place where I felt a part of something greater than myself. It was part of my legacy. Therefore, singing there always brought me joy and purpose in my life. I sang, directed the choir, and led the worship team there until I left for college in 2004.

I attended Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA, which still serves as one of the greatest periods of my life. I met a few of my closest friends during that time and I also built a great business network that has enhanced my career in many ways today! I served as the Assistant Director of our college gospel choir, and also began working in the music industry as a recording artist, songwriter, and professional background vocalist during that time. I always knew I wanted to do more in life than just music though. I received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Managerial Sciences in 2009. This achievement would and has supported my passion for big business, art, travel, education, and style. Additionally, I knew I wanted to do what it took to create ways to support my passions and desired lifestyle. I felt studying business was my ticket in, so that’s what I chose to do. This decision has proven itself to be a great milestone in my entire career.

By the time I graduated from college, I had recorded two independent albums, began traveling the world as a professional background vocalist, still working in our family company, serving in the education sector in my hometown community, and living a pretty successful life. I later recorded three more albums, toured with R&B artist, Monica, sang background for numerous televised award shows, produced and wrote songs for other artists, and had a dream to take my solo career even further!

Even as a child, I had big dreams to live in Hollywood and sit with the stars I admired growing up! I believed I belonged there in so many ways, even though I still found so much joy in being a country boy from the south. I knew it would happen one day but I didn’t expect it to land in my lap when it did. Back in 2017, I received a major opportunity to write and produce Asian Pop music for a publishing company in Los Angeles, CA. Joombas Music Group was run by a songwriter and music producer I met in Atlanta some years before. I decided to accept the offer and made the big move to Hollywood, all in a month’s time. I had never lived that far away from my family and support system, so I was nervous, anxious, and excited all at the same time. It was a tough decision to make but I knew it was what was best for me at the time.

With over 30 song placements and six years later, I’m still loving my new life in California! I’m currently writing and producing more K-Pop music, even expanding into the Chinese and Japanese markets. I’ve been blessed to now travel the world, serving as one of R&B star Kem’s touring background vocalists. I’m also working with my family back home to expand our business even further, launching a few other business ventures really soon, and always recording and releasing new music for myself. Lastly I recently launched my company, Dream City Enterprises, which is an international, wholistic lifestyle brand built on faith, identity, and freedom. It is designed to create and promote authentic art, products, and content that inspire and empower people to transform their lives and become the best version of themselves. I am honored to be the first recording artist on Dream City Records, releasing new music really soon. Sincerely, it’s my heart and soul wrapped in one and I’m so excited for what’s to come!

My life has been an adventurous and exciting journey thus far. However, it hasn’t always been easy. There have been many moments of sacrifice and humbling experiences that have gotten me to where I am today. I’ve also learned so much about myself and who I am at the core, leading me to a life of unexplainable peace and joy. Most of all, I’ve discovered who God truly is and His divine purpose for my life. I now know my mission is to live my life with and on purpose, and to empower others to do the same. I’m convinced that knowing who we are and why we’re here is the formula for living our best lives!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

As much as I travel and stay on the go, I’d say I’m not the best host (covers face lol).

My closest friends and I ultimately love to chill, create, eat great food, and spend quality time together. So I’d probably say I’d treat them to a nice breakfast at one of my favorite brunch spots on the beach in Santa Monica, CA first. Then we could explore the city one day with a little shopping, lunch for sure, catch a concert or two, get massages, and honestly hang out at the house for more food, a few drinks, and good conversation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my parents. I love them so much! They have been extremely instrumental in my career and life along the journey. I admire them for their faith, love for family, and service to others, which is the foundation of everything I do. They are my heroes!

Website: www.jjevansonline.com

Instagram: @jjevansmusic

Twitter: @jjevansmusic

Facebook: JJ Evans

Youtube: JJ EVANS TV

Other: TikTok @jjevansmusic

Image Credits
José Rodriguez