We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Evan Acklin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Evan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I have come to fully experience the quote: “Life is all about taking risks.”, as of late. Sometimes, the life we truly desire is on the other side of fear and comfort. In the midst of 2022, my faith has been tested in more ways than one, however, I believe the opportunities and challenges that I endured were specifically tailored to provide me with the characteristics needed for my journey. Thus, my risk was revealed in 2022; this story began in 2020. In January of 2020, I unwillingly accepted a position at BMI [Broadcast Music Inc.]. At the time I was expecting to hear “life changing” news from an opportunity in Los Angeles that I thought would change the trajectory of my music career/brand. I HAVE to interrupt the story to say this, LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER’S INTUITION! My mother influenced my decision on accepting the job at BMI. As I stated before, I did not want to accept the position because I was hellbent in my aspirations regarding the possibility of finally receiving the “big break” I had hoped for my entire life. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 the golden opportunity fell through, and I was left working a job that was unfulfilling. Even though I was unfulfilled in my position, I was grateful and blessed that I worked for an organization that cared about their employees and made sure they provided adequate job security and aid during the pandemic. If it was not for the love and perspective of my mother, I would not have endured the pandemic as comfortably as I did. Although I appreciated the organization, I still gave myself a 2-year cap concerning my employment. I knew within myself that my position in the organization was not the end all be all for my life. I knew that there was more!

At the turn of 2022, I declared May 2nd as my, “Submit 2-week notice” day. To show how serious I was I even typed my 2-week notice resignation letter 4 months before hand. I had no idea what I was going to do once I quit my job but, I knew I had to start living in my purpose. I grew weary a couple months into the year due to the mundane/routine stature of my position. Honestly, I really did not think I was going to make it to my designated resignation day. The combination of my fear of the unknown after quitting and desperation led me to audition for another opportunity that would land me in Los Angeles but, this time felt different. I never felt anxious about the opportunity. For some reason, I felt that this moment was already mine and God was simply waiting on me to step out on faith. Once I received my official on-board e-mail, I shared the brilliant news with my job to remain transparent about my endeavors. Even though I had plans to quit prior to me receiving the news, fear set in, and I found myself attempting to see if there was some way, I could keep my position due to the unsurety of my return date. Unfortunately, they were unable to work around the sporadic date schedule and I was forced to resign and take the leap. Ever since I took that risk I have never looked back once.

My experience in Los Angeles did not pan out how I wanted but, I believe the moment as a whole revealed the strength of my faith. If I did not take the risk, I would not have realized the widths of my confidence. If I did not take the risk, I would not have been able to acknowledge my short comings. If I did not take the risk, I would not know if I could actually be financially stable and do what I love. If I did not take the risk, I would not have experienced the moment of a lifetime. If I did not take the risk, I would not have known that I have what it takes to make my dream/s a reality. I am not saying take a risk without calculation; however, I will reiterate, sometimes the life we truly desire is on the other side of fear and comfort.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois! I was blessed with a loving family which consisted of my mother, aunt, and my grandmother [Immediate family]. I discovered my gift/s of singing and dancing around the age of five, however, it wasn’t until the moment I witnessed Michael Jackson in: “Remember The Time” – Music Video when I absolutely knew I wanted to be an Artist/Entertainer. After realizing my passion, my mother placed me in creative outlets, such as joining my church choir (St. James AME Church), modeling/performing for fashion shows, talent shows, acting, and enrolling me into performing arts programs. I moved to Nashville for college in 2012 and attended the illustrious Fisk University. While at Fisk, I was granted the opportunity to be a part of the world-renown Fisk Jubilee Singers (2013-2016). Being a part of the Fisk Jubilee Singers encouraged me to grow as an artist individually and collectively; all the while provoking knowledge of the music business. To further my knowledge in Music Business, I obtained an internship with the Recording Academy Grammy Chapter: Nashville; where I learned the ins and outs of enrollment, and event management. Upon graduating from Fisk (2016), I acquired my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and began to focus more on my own artistry. Nashville has provided me the environment to find out who I am as an artist/entertainer. Since putting my artistry to the forefront, I have performed on numerous stages (in-state/out of state), released music that can be found on all streaming platforms, Co-directed and produced two of my own music videos, developed a consistent social media presence, and opened for Bobby Valentino and Big Krit. I have been humbled with the opportunities to grace television on networks such as TV ONE and Investigation Discovery, as well as aid Kevin Hart in his IRRESPONSIBLE Tour promo production, and provided background vocals for Netflix “The Harder They Fall”, Warner Bros. “Elvis” movie and Cece Winans. Outside of my personal accomplishments and also being a part of a Grammy-winning project; there is certainly more work to be done. However, I would not change my journey for the world.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I feel as if non-creatives tend to struggle to understand how much a creative has to give of themselves. As a creative how we express ourselves is always under the microscope. Like Erykah Badu said, “I am an artist and I’m sensitive about my ****.”, (you can fill in the blank). It is easy for a non-creative to supply support when a creative doesn’t get the job or doesn’t book the gig but, as a creative we feel rejection differently because our art is a piece of us. So rejection can feel as if we’re being disliked as a person. However, within being a creative over time you build tough skin of course but, it takes resilience to continue to create and build your own happiness.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Earlier in my creative journey I wish I knew of more professional musical opportunities outside of just being a recording artist and what being a full-time musician could look like. I wish I knew of the resources that provided information for being a background singer, studio session work, cover band singer, sync placement, and gig work. My hope is that teachers who acknowledge their student/s passion for music will enlighten them on the various opportunities that are available in music outside of being a mainstream artist. There is way to make a living doing what you love you just have to find your niche and stick to it. I will also do my due diligence in sharing my knowledge to ensure aspiring musicians/singers give themselves a fighting chance.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/evanacklin1
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/evanacklin1
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/evan.acklin
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/evan-acklin-3489844b
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/evanacklin1
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/EvanAcklin1
• Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/Evanacklin1

Image Credits
Ryan Henderson Dave Ragland