We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Evans “smoky The Cat”. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah Evans below.

Alright, Sarah Evans thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Two and a half years into my college career, I realized something needed to change in my life. While I was studying Music and Psychology, I became undeniably aware that graduating with these degrees was not ultimately going to help me achieve the career I’d always wanted – to be a recording and touring artist.

Though I had learned a lot during my time at the university, I knew that staying in a rural part of Michigan was unlikely to give me the knowledge, experience, and network I’d need to advance toward my goals. I was learning about music theory, expanding my vocal technique, and growing my academic skills, but I became increasingly unhappy as if running full speed toward something I didn’t want.

Prior to my decision, I consulted with various instructors, mentors, and loved ones. Although my parents (for good reason) proposed several alternatives to dropping out, I knew that my deepest gut feeling was that I needed to seek out another solution. While several of the people in my life appeared to be concerned about the decision, everyone was still ultimately supportive and caring, which I am still grateful for.

I decided if I were officially going to quit school and abandon my scholarships, I would need to have some sort of plan lined up. After considering switching universities and applying to a few different schools, I found an immersive contemporary music program, called The Contemporary Music Center, that would lead me to Nashville, Tennessee. I then enrolled in the CMC for the following year and planned to work in the meantime.

Creating a disciplined schedule for myself, I continued taking voice, songwriting, and piano lessons. I also purchased Logic Pro and began taking various online music industry courses. I was determined to make my time away from school meaningful. Meanwhile, I was working as a Shipt Shopper and Substitute teacher to save money for my upcoming expenses.

When it was time for me to pay tuition and sign all paperwork, I had just saved enough money and received a scholarship that brought me to nearly the exact amount I owed. The first risk was dropping out of school, then the next risk was to move to a city that I had never been to before.

In January of 2022, my mom and I drove through several states with a van full of my things and no idea of what to expect. The main hope was that this was not about to be a scam; however, with a sigh of relief, we got to the apartments, moved some of my stuff in, and headed to the school for orientation.

Five months later, I walked away with a new understanding of the music industry, several new best friends, ridiculous memories, and an internship for a merchandise company. At this point, I didn’t know what my future in Nashville would look like, but I knew I needed to make it work as my next step.

Eventually, the internship turned into a job, and I moved the rest of my things down again with my mom. This time, I didn’t have a place to move into yet. That’s a risk story for another time… however, one risk led to another risk, and then another, and another. It seems the risks have gone down in amplitude as the last few years have gone on, but the frequency keeps things exciting.

Since living in Nashville, life has stretched me so much more than I would’ve expected, but I am so grateful as I look back at it all. I don’t feel like the same person as I was in 2021 and I am hopeful the journey will continue to be a path of growth as I take risks and step into what I feel is calling me.

I remember when I was debating dropping out, I asked one of my teachers for guidance. He said, “If you are getting an opportunity that will have you in a different place in a year from now, you should do it. If you’ll find yourself in the same spot as you are right now, I recommend finishing your degree.” For some reason, this conversation comes to mind frequently when I’m doubting myself.

I think I use it as a reference point to figure out if my decision was worth it. I was not in the same spot a year following my dropout, and I am in a completely different spot now from where I was then. Was it the right decision? I’m not sure… I have a long way to go before I’ve achieved what I came here for. And I am often insecure about the fact that I don’t have a degree… But I am comforted when I realize that I am not in the same place I was. And my life now is something I would’ve been excited about then. So, for now, I view that as worth it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been singing my entire life and music has been a major piece of my identity. Raised on Motown, 60s and 70s Pop and Soft Rock, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and many other legends, I developed a deep love for classics at a young age. For as long as I can remember, these artists were a part of my life and singing along to their songs was my earliest form of practice.

I began voice lessons in eighth grade, which was my introduction to singing classical music. These lessons continued through high school and then on through college. I majored in General Music at Saginaw Valley State University and had an amazing vocal instructor who was supportive of me singing in various styles, including the school’s jazz band.
Though I had played gigs for several years and written intermittently I wouldn’t say I had become a part of the music industry until moving to Nashville in 2022.

After being in Nashville for almost a year, I released my first song under the name Smoky the Cat. I’d describe my genre as eclectic pop- combining all the old school influences I was raised on with early 2000’s Anti-Folk and Alternative Pop that I developed a taste for. My various influences are woven into my style in a way that I feel separates me from other mainstream pop. Additionally, my approach to the instrument of my voice may vary from other pop artists due to years of cross-genre training.

While I have further progress to make, I am proud of the fact that I have successfully released songs that are aligned with my initial vision. Releasing music independently is quite a learning process, and it can be difficult to translate a song in a way that is authentic when you have limited resources. I’m glad to have had producers and collaborators come beside me and make this possible. I’m getting a better handle on the process of releasing music, and I am eager to continue expanding my boundaries of creativity.

Ultimately, music is one of the constant forces that have been a nurturing sanctuary in my life. I’ve looked to it for celebration in the good times and solace in the hard ones. I hope that the art I create will be something that guides others through similar situations.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’m committed to being, or becoming, one version of myself in all contexts. I’m not there yet, but this is a goal I hope to achieve with my artistry. I feel an obligation to present myself to the world as I am, not only as I wish to be.

As I try to be honest about the parts of myself that some people may look down, I hope that other people see themselves in the transparency. While this is mainly a personal yielding to the call of authenticity, I hope that my music inspires others to also be open and honest about where they’re at.

Faith, morality, and ethics are important to me, but I also am a human who experiences an array of complex feelings and thoughts that may not fit easily into boxes. I believe that shame does not bring freedom and healing, so it is my hope that exposing and naming a variety of human experiences will allow people to not feel isolated in their journey.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

For creatives, dedication to art feels like a duty that someone is called to. Sometimes it feels like life would just be easier without that tug. I often wonder what it’d be like if I could be satisfied with a typical 9-5. I also wonder if I’d be a little more pleasant to be around without the constant striving to make my career work. There is a lot of pressure in having something you’ve wanted your whole life that has no linear or standardized course.

Those who work in creative fields are not doing so because they are unable to accept the reality of a “real job.” Rather, it feels like the only satisfying answer is to seek out the truest path for you, even if the cost is high. The path to a creative career is a tough one. To carve out your own is difficult and requires a significant amount of resilience, focus, and trust in oneself. Despite the financial sacrifice, lack of certainty/stability, and various other challenges, it feels like you must at least give it your best shot, or you’ll always wonder.

I wish more people would let themselves say “yes,” to the things they want to try. At the end of the day, this is your life, and you get to choose how it’s spent. Even if that thing you want to do costs you time, a pay decrease, and/or some risk. While stability is great and being responsible is essential, life is more than money and there is a lot of freedom in saying “yes” to the right things while you can.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: smokythecatmusic
• Facebook: smokythecatmusic
• Youtube: SmokyTheCatMusic