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Up N' Coming Artist "InnerView" with Evie Haskell
InnerVoice spotlights up and coming Christian music artist, Evie Haskell, with an exclusive “InnerView.”
IV: Evie, first of all thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. I know you’ve been in the recording studio working on your new CD coming out later this year. We’d like to give your fans and our readers a closer “innerview” into the life of Evie Haskell, so here goes…
IV: People listen to your music for inspiration. Which artists do you listen to?
Evie: I listen to almost everything. Lately, my biggest inspirations are 60s/70s artists, like Simon and Garfunkel, the Monkees, and others. I also like anything creative and piano-driven, whether that be Regina Spektor, Norah Jones, or Feist.
IV: What is your most embarrassing musical moment? Be honest…
Evie: Wow, I’ve had a few. The first one that comes to mind was when I actually forgot the whole second verse to one of my songs. I had to stop the song, and tell the audience what happened. The words just wouldn’t come!
IV: Oh…that does sound like a forgettable moment. OK, then what was your proudest musical moment?
Evie: Probably when I opened for Third Day. It was so much fun being able to share music with that many people, and my band was made up of some good friends of mine. We were so giddy backstage; it was a blast!
IV: Awesome. If you had to choose one song you’ve written that you want people to take to heart, which one would it be?
Evie: I wrote a song called “One”, and it’s all about making our lives revolve around Christ. The first verse talks about how treasures and trophies don’t fulfill us, yet God gives us abundant joy and life. The chorus lyrics say: “I live for One, I breathe for One, I sing for One. You are my reason, my purpose, my song.” This message, to me, encapsulates my music mission. Whether I sing about struggles, joys, romantic love, or the truth of God’s Word, I hope people get the message that God offers us a full, meaningful life in Him.
IV: As a recording artist, you know people look up to you, especially young people. Who do you look up to?
Evie: There are some wellknown people that have inspired me, but I think I am most inspired by people I know personally. I look up to anyone who walks with God in every part of their life with honesty, humility and courage. People like this in my life: my husband, my family, and my pastors.
IV: Is there a particular Bible verse that speaks to you more than others?
Evie: I love Phillipians 3, because it talks about never giving up and continuing to “press on” in our faith. I’m always inspired when I read it. It’s a pep-talk of a chapter!
IV: Luke 6:38 says “Give, and it will be given to you.” Other than your music, what is the thing you strive to give to others? What is the greatest thing you’ve received?”
Evie: I think the most powerful gifts one human can give to another are grace and truth. Jesus gives us the same. I think everyone needs to know that they are accepted and loved without condition. At the same time, we all need God’s truth that corrects and guides us along the way. I’ve been praying lately that God would help me give others grace and truth.
IV: If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
Evie: I don’t know that I have one big question for God. I’m just waiting to see Bible history videos when I get to Heaven. Like being able to see what it looked like when God spoke, and the world was created. Or seeing the Israelites cross the Red Sea. How cool would that be?!
IV: Final question for you, Evie…at the edge of every audience, there is someone lost, seeking faith and hope. If you could speak to them directly, what would you say?
Evie: What your soul lacks, God offers. Walking with God doesn’t mean that everything will be perfect and easy, but it does mean that we can hold onto hope. It does mean we have purpose and unconditional, life-altering love poured into us. All you have to do is genuinely seek Him out. The God who created the universe…the God who created you is listening and loves you without end. That’s incredible.
About Evie
Since the release of her 2006 debut project, Evie Haskell quickly caught the attention of many in the music industry. The styles of Evie’s songs, inspired by her own life experiences and walk of faith, reflect a combination of contemporary pop, worship, and even sometimes evoke a sacred hymn-like quality that is sure to stand the test of time. Raised in a minister’s family on the East Coast, Evie is the youngest of three sisters where dad was both pastor and principal during her elementary years of school.
Shortly after moving to Portland, Oregon at age seven, Evie was heard playing "The Entertainer" on the family’s old upright piano with both hands. Not long after that, she was enrolled in private piano lessons which she continued through college. Evie grew up singing and playing in the church, and started to write songs in middle school. It wasn’t until high school that she began sharing her songs with others and leading worship services on a weekly basis at the Christian High School she attended. Her songwriting and piano playing earned her a scholarship to attend Bethany University in Santa Cruz, CA.
With the encouragement of her music pastor, Evie attended Gospel Music Association’s Music in the Rockies in August 2005 and she entered the competition as a songwriter. Her success at the event made the Lord’s calling on her life more clear. Within a few months, Evie was on her way to Nashville to record her first full-length album, My Beautiful Everything.
Doors continued to open for Evie and her songwriting continued to receive positive reviews. After just learning that her song, “Until Then” received First Place with Contemporary Christian Music International’s songwriting contest, an announcement was made in March 2007 that she had received Album of the Year from Indieheaven.com, and soon followed an invitation to open for Grammy award winning Third Day at a concert on the East Coast. Evie’s song, “Talk Me Home,” won the Adult Contemporary genre and was one of the top ten 2007 finalists with songoftheyear.com.
Evie is currently recording her sophomore album, which will be released within the year. This album will feature songs that she has written amidst major life changes in the past couple years, including: falling in love, moving away from family, and pursuing a career in music. “I’m really excited about this album, because I think a lot of people will identify with the different emotions and subject matter explored in these songs. It’s also going to have more creative elements, including some jazz and ‘indie girl-pop’ undertones.” Evie is currently offering a pre-sale package, including a free copy of her first album, My Beautiful Everything, at www.eviehaskell.com. 