We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Akeal Evans. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Akeal below.

Akeal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’ve been picking up musical skills since I was three years old specifically as a drummer. With that I wish I had properly studied piano at a younger age rather than once I got to college. I was so caught up on being a drummer as a kid that I feel like I’m playing catch up in terms of the other instruments I play, my ear is pretty strong though The most essential skills that I have gained is probably being able to adjust and play any style on the fly. As a drummer I’ve been able to sit in without rehearsals for gospel gigs, jazz gigs, rock gigs and more. It’s been a blessing to be able to be so versatile.

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

Im a musician first before Im anything else. Ive been playing drums since I was 3 and found out I could sing around the same age. Ever since Ive delve deep into developing my musical skills specifically from the instrumental standpoint (now playing drums, piano and some bass). I recently graduated from Morehouse College with a degree in Music Composition but I have been formally studying music since I was in 11, having attended both middle school and high school for performing arts and music. Now I do a lot from teaching music theory, instruments and music production. I produce for a multitude of artist as well as running sound, lights and video team for an event center here in Atlanta. Having a mother who was an event planner and decorator has allowed me to be comfortable filling such a role. The one thing I want people to see me as a versatile individual who is dedicated to creating experiences.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

The biggest story I can tell about my journey that demonstrates resilience is about my senior year of college. I faced more challenges that would prepare me for everything. I had trouble paying my rent at times, got into two accidents, lost friends, and had some family members pass away all while trying to finish my degree and prepare for post graduation . In November of 2021 towards the end of my senior year fall semester, my mother who lives in Baltimore was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. My mom is a single mother and Im her only son. So on top of all the hardships I had, I also had to maintain a healthy mindset and be able to support and take care of my mother through her journey. Not only did we succeed in me graduating and handling everything that I needed to but my mother is also healthy and cancer free now.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is moving peoples perspectives. Energy is neither created or destroyed and music is such an open ended and emotional form of art, that we often forget there is a science to it. Once you understand your own formula of creation you can then bend the and shake the bounds of which people understand emotions. Music is a gateway to universes and mindsets but if it isn’t done intentionally, poetically and cohesively then people can miss the point. So being able to do all of those things and still give people space to come to their own notion. Then having the ability to watch them develop through it is beautiful. Being told “your music moved me so much that I cried” then gives me the inspiration to keep creating. The reward overall comes from watching community blossom from it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/akealevans
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealakeal/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRealAkeal_

Image Credits
pic 1 @ Madi.low