evrYwhr
Talks Travel, New Music, and Connection
By Bailey Meyers
Photo Credit: Juan Veloz
evrYwhr is an artist with a mindset like no other, offering an oasis of content for the contemplative listener. Invoking Indian breathwork in his bars and creating a caring community around him, evrYwhr promotes a healthy culture surrounding his music and himself.
This shines through on “Tie Dye,” the Grammy-winning artist’s recent music video release, with uplifting lyrics and grounding visuals. The song’s catchy chorus, snippets of rap, spoken word, and esoteric production that fuses world instruments lets the listener sink into the good vibes that the song offers.
Further, evrYwhr has been traveling around the world himself, speaking to musicians and creating with them on film for his show, “Destination Evrywhr,” and spreading the fun and connection that music gives us.
Dedicated to earnesty and the propagation of love in his community, evrYwhr has created the Instagram page, @freedomlovetribegang, where he hosts community chats and book clubs. We spoke to the artist about his ventures in creating communal space, exploring the sounds of the world, making music, and more!
Hey, evrYwhr! Thanks so much for speaking with us and congrats on the release of the “Tie Dye” music video! includes some really striking visuals, especially the car with flowers spilling out the back. What does this represent to you?
Thank you. The Sunflower has grown close to me over the years. I’ve built a personal relationship with its uplifting presence as it’s seen me through times, and it is used to symbolize a season of bloom within the video.
Two of my favorite lines from “Tie Dye” are, “Breathe through your nose, damn/ Pranayama time.” I love the call-out to yoga and breathwork. What inspired this?
I founded a community called Freedom Lovetribe Gang where we hold virtual breathwork sessions every other Sunday (among other experiences) on our Instagram page. I’m heavy into inspiring wellness within those around me and as I’ve come to learn life through breath, it’s been a beautiful impact on my world of growth.
What does it mean to “feel like tie dye”?
You feel like tie dye when you’ve embraced the many hues that make you a unique individual. We’re all beautiful, we’re all colorful, and we’re all different. We’re Tie Dye.
Another song you collaborated on in 2020, “Letter to the White House,” is overtly political and gained acclaim for promoting voting campaigns. If you had to rewrite it today, what messages would you want to share with your fans?
That’s an incredible question, but I wouldn’t change a word.
As a traveler, I absolutely love the idea behind “Destination Evrywhr.” What motivated you to explore the sounds of the world with the viewers of your show?
I believe it’s important to travel so we can build a first-hand understanding and empathy for cultures outside of our own. Music is one of the primary sources of connection to culture, so it makes sense to witness society through the lens of this universal language of sound.
Are there any countries you particularly want to explore?
The entire continent of Africa, Brazil, all of the Caribbean, India, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Switzerland, etc. Honestly, it would be easier to ask me which countries I wouldn’t want to explore.
What is your favorite musical sound that you have heard around the world?
It’s a tie between the Handpan & Kalimba.
You’ve been around music your whole life, and started writing songs super young. Process-wise, what guides you as you create music?
I’m guided by the many experiences and interactions I’ve called into my life. I’m adding a bit of manifestation into my new creations, but the vast majority is derived from an emotional attachment to something I’ve witnessed.
You made it to LA in 2010! How did your life change when you made it to LA?
There are so many cultures in Los Angeles that it allowed me to experience more of the world before I was physically able to venture outside of North America. It was like having a second round of formative years being that I arrived with an open heart to gain new insight into what it means to be alive. In moving to LA, I gained deeper levels of empathy.
You’ve been working on Freedom Lovetribe Gang recently. I love the Instagram, CommuniTEA Tuesday, and the book club! Can you tell us more about what you’re all about?
We’re all Creations of the Creator, Created to Create; FLG is a global community rooted in love and diversity inclusion. When you think of Freedom Lovetribe Gang, picture us as a metaphorical garden of society where beautiful souls come together to be watered into their bloom.
“Tie Dye” Cover Artwork / Click to Listen!
From the @freedomlovetribegang Instagram I could tell you were such a warm, inviting, and positive guy. Is it ever hard to maintain your attitude?
I don’t try to maintain my attitude; my goal each day is to be as I am. If I’m having a bad day I usually communicate it and seek to let it go from within as compassionately as possible, but when I show up for FLG experiences it usually lifts my spirits. I haven’t come to understand that anyone could ever truly be happy all of the time, but at all times I realize I’m blessed.
You’ve had a lot of collaborations and songwriting credits with other artists. Can you tell us about your favorite artist to work with?
My favorite artist to work with is my production partner Blair Taylor. We have fun exploring the infinite realms of sound and creation.
Which artist would you most want to work with?
Andre 3000.
What can fans expect from you as we close out the year and go into the next?
I’ve been inspired to give another song before year's end that comes from a special place of interest and I’m definitely excited for you to hear it. I’m also diving into the makings of “me” so that I’m able to share a project with you come 2022. I’m excited, to say the least!