Evolver-lutionary times

You guys must be pretty excited about your new Manager and Promoter, Doug Davenport. How did that come about, you guys hooked up at the Music Exchange Conference right?

Working with Doug is really exciting. He brings a lot of American experience and passion to the band. He heard our music during a recent holiday to South Africa and then we met at The Music Exchange Conference in Cape Town in March. We started to negotiate and a few weeks later we decided to join efforts

How did you find the Music Exchange Conference, did the band attend? Obviously you guys benefited from that quite well.

Yes we attended and we really learned quite a bit from all the music professionals. Networking in our industry is quite important and The Music Exchange was a great opportunity to do that.

How is working with Doug Davenport going so far? What are his plans with the band in the future?

It's been a really intense experience working with Doug. He has a lot of energy and is bringing a fresh approach to Evolver. He has a vision for us that is quite exciting and bold. Doug's business model is quite ambitious and challenges us every day. He wants us to reach another level and Evolver is ready for that. He is planning some really exciting things that include national and international exposure.

How do you personally find the SA music scene? What improvements do you think need to be made and what would you say we are doing right?

Evolver has always thought the SA music scene is really wide open. We have seen the entire nation and are excited about the changes we see coming in the future. We know the 2010 World Cup will bring along some international opportunities that haven't been here before. SA music is really only growing up. We intend to grow with it.

Any plans to tour overseas?

Yes of course. We wouldn't have taken on an American manager if we weren't planning to explore the international market. It's in the works.

How was the reception for Evolvers latest album “What's the Story”?

The reception was great! We really feel the songs are indicative of our talents. Our fans really love them and it's really evident at our shows. Our song writing is solid and is getting even better as we “evolve”.

How would you say the two albums “What's the Story” and “Get Up” compare and contrast?

“Get Up” was writing over very long time period spanning over many different players in the band, it was a great album for us but it wasn't really a band as such. “What's the Story”, is a more balanced album which was done by a full band which remains the same today.

Can you give up a brief history lesson regarding Evolver? How did you guys meet and what is the significance if any behind the band name?

The history is quite a long one. We started in PE about 8 years ago, Sean Murphy and Peter Pote were the founding members of Evolver. As popularity grew for Evolver it was apparent that they would have to move to Johannesburg to start the real work. Going through many members they found James Cohen and Tulsa Pittaway who share the similar vision and work ethic as Sean and Peter. We are all great friends and get along very well. That is one of the bands strengths. The name “Evolver” is referring to the evolution of all things, physically, mentally, and of course, musically.

What does each member bring to the band?

Each member brings an intense synergy to the music. Each of us is involved in the creation of the songs. It's really a special process between us. Evolver is changing constantly, and each of us is adding to the growth. We are evolving.

What was playing at Coke Fest like?

It was a real thrill to share the stage with Oasis and Snow Patrol. The show was really exciting and the crowd really responded to us. There were 20,000 people there and anytime you can excite a crowd of that size, it's unforgettable. Our Coke Zero Fest appearance has to be our favourite gig . It was a turning point for us.

Musical influences-favourite SA bands?

We love The Beatles and U2. Why not learn from the best. Favourite SA band would have to be Wonderboom, they are good friends and a great musical outfit.

If you could collaborate with any other artist in the world of music, who would it be and why?

U2 would be at the top of the list. They are “The Beatles” of our generation.

What do think about free music / music sharing / and digital distribution?

We think the problems of digital sharing are far too big to be ignored. Hopefully technology will be developed to help curb it a little.

If you weren't musicians what would you be?

We would be businessmen. I'm sure.

If you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?

We would be Superman, Truth and Justice!

A message for your fans?

We are planning the release of a new single in July, followed by a new album in September. We are embarking on a National Tour in September/October. It's all part of the Evolution