We were lucky to catch up with Evanne Vernon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Evanne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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 started as a musician by learning piano as my first instrument, which gave me a strong foundation in music composition and theory. From there, I expanded to woodwinds and percussion, further developing my musical skills. I also attended a performing arts school, where I received formal training in voice, dance, and theater. This immersive education shaped me into a well-rounded performer. After graduating from elementary school, I signed my first record deal, marking the beginning of my professional journey in the music industry.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was born into a musical family, where entertainment and artistry were part of everyday life. My grandmother, a dedicated teacher and owner of a fine arts school, trained my mother, my aunts, my cousins, and me to be entertainers. She not only nurtured my passion for music but also influenced countless children pursuing the arts. Growing up in this environment, I was constantly surrounded by creativity, discipline, and performance, which shaped me into the artist I am today.
As a child, I was deeply influenced by other musical families like Selena Quintanilla’s and the Jacksons. Their dedication to their craft, their ability to transcend genres, and their stage presence inspired me to dream bigger and push creative boundaries. Like them, I’ve always believed that music should be more than just sound—it should be an experience that connects deeply with audiences.
A defining moment in my career was being mentored through the Recording Academy and working closely with Grammy-winning artists. This experience allowed me to grow as a songwriter and gain firsthand insight into the creative process at the highest level. I’ve had the opportunity to write songs for award-winning musicians, which has helped me refine my craft and solidify my place as a songwriter in the industry.
Today, I’m a singer, performer, and recording artist who blends multiple artistic influences into my work. My music is a fusion of Afrobeat, Latin, reggae, and indigenous sounds—an homage to my cultural roots. I take pride in creating performances that are both visually and sonically captivating, ensuring that my audience is fully immersed in the moment.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend artistry with entrepreneurship. I understand branding, storytelling, and the evolving digital space, which allows me to connect with audiences in a way that feels organic and authentic. One of my proudest achievements is maintaining my independence while growing a dedicated audience. My goal is to push creative boundaries, amplify underrepresented voices, and continue evolving as an artist.
For those discovering my work for the first time, I want them to know that everything I do—whether it’s music, performance, or creative direction—is rooted in authenticity, passion, and excellence. I aim to create experiences that inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impact.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Looking back, there are several resources I wish I had known about earlier in my journey. One of the biggest ones is understanding the business side of music and branding. Early on, I was focused purely on the creative aspect—singing, writing, and performing—but I later realized that knowing how to navigate contracts, publishing, and royalties is just as important as making great music. I wish I had taken advantage of music business courses or mentorship programs sooner to better understand ownership, distribution, and licensing.
Another resource I wish I had tapped into earlier is networking opportunities like the Recording Academy, music conferences, and digital creator platforms. Being around industry professionals, Grammy-winning artists, and executives has given me insights that would have been invaluable at the start of my career. Platforms like ASCAP, BMI, and Songtrust for songwriting royalties, as well as digital distribution services with strong marketing tools, would have helped me establish my independence much faster.
For content creation and audience growth, I wish I had known more about influencer marketing platforms like Aspire, Upfluence, and BrandCollabs Manager earlier. These platforms connect artists and creators with brands, helping to secure deals that can fund creative projects. Social media growth tools, analytics platforms, and engagement strategies would have also been incredibly helpful in building my following more strategically.
Lastly, I wish I had known the importance of having a strong team early on—whether it’s a manager, publicist, or marketing expert. Trying to do everything alone can slow down growth, but having the right people in your corner makes all the difference.
If I had these resources earlier, I could have saved time, avoided costly mistakes, and scaled my brand faster. But everything is a learning experience, and I’m grateful for the knowledge I have now to continue leveling up.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One of the biggest moments that tested my resilience was when I signed my first record deal. My mother, who handles contracts, warned me that it wasn’t a good deal, but as a young artist eager to take the next step in my career, I signed it anyway. It was a five-year, five-album deal, but the label never had the budget or focus to truly push my project. I quickly realized I was stuck in a situation where my music wasn’t being prioritized. Eventually, my mother had to step in, arrange a meeting, and get my contract voided so I could regain control over my career.
At the same time, I was facing personal challenges—my father became ill, and I moved to Belize to be closer to my family. That move changed everything for me. I dove deeper into my Belizean heritage and made sure my sound reflected my culture and roots. Instead of waiting for another label or opportunity, I took my career into my own hands. I started touring independently across Belize, Mexico, and Guatemala with my family, performing and growing my audience on my own terms.
Contact Info:
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