Hello everyone, I'm thrilled to share with you an engaging conversation I had with acclaimed producer and multi-instrumentalist, Evert Snyman, who recently released a cover album titled "All Killer Filler."
The Inspiration Behind "All Killer Filler"
Cover albums are not as common these days, which made my chat with Evert all the more intriguing. Evert, who hails from the era of singles and b-sides, has always enjoyed recording covers for fun. The idea to compile these covers into an album was born out of a desire to keep busy while working on his upcoming original album.
The Song Selection Process
Choosing the songs for "All Killer Filler" was a journey down memory lane for Evert. He selected tracks from artists he has listened to since his youth and songs he learned to play on. Specific tracks like "Search and Destroy" and "Pina Colada" hold personal significance to him. Despite having a broader list, Evert had to narrow it down to fit the album.
Adding a Personal Touch to Covers
One of the challenges of creating a cover album is maintaining the essence of the original songs while adding a personal touch. Evert managed to strike this balance by keeping some songs close to the original, adding his unique spin to them. A friend's suggestion led him to cover a Tom Waits song, for which he created his own arrangement.
The Risk and Reward of Cover Albums
Evert believes that cover albums have fewer limitations compared to original ones. He admires bands like Metallica for their consistency but acknowledges the risk of doing a cover album, as it may be perceived as running out of ideas. However, he believes that stepping out of his comfort zone is essential for growth as a musician and as a person.
Evert's Musical Journey and Influences
Evert's musical journey began at home, with his dad playing the piano and a family with a musical background. His passion for music ignited when he started playing in bands, helping him overcome his quiet and withdrawn nature. He was influenced by bands like The Beatles, Billy Joel, ABBA, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Deep Purple. His teenage years exposed him to nu metal and alternative rock, drawing him to music that was not mainstream.
The Multi-Instrumentalist Journey
Evert's journey as a multi-instrumentalist began out of necessity. He often felt like an outcast and had difficulty finding people to play with who shared his musical tastes. This led him to learn piano, bass, guitar, harmonica, and eventually added drums to his repertoire. He emphasizes the importance of drums in his songwriting process and the impact a great drummer can have on a band.
The Live Performance Experience
Evert describes his live shows as high-energy performances where his band plays the entire set without gaps between songs. He draws inspiration from bands like Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age. He also shares his experience finding his first guitar, which he affectionately named "Doel," a word that translates to "purpose" in Afrikaans.
Coping with Anxiety and Engaging with Fans
Evert doesn't rely on medication to cope with anxiety. Instead, he keeps himself active throughout the day to exhaust his excess energy, which helps him sleep better. When it comes to engaging with his fans, Evert pays attention to their reactions during live shows. He encourages participation and enjoys when people express their appreciation for his music.
Measuring Success and Dealing with Criticism
For Evert, success is being happy and content with his life, having gratitude for the people in his life, and having good health and family. He values honesty in his lyrics and writes exactly what he feels, even if it may upset someone. He doesn't let negative feedback or criticism bother him, giving the example of Billy Joel, who faced initial criticism but stayed true to himself and eventually found success.
Looking Ahead
Evert and I discussed the importance of variety in live performances. His band has been covering songs by Tom Waits and performing "Search and Destroy" live. He emphasizes the need for each show to be different and exciting, as playing the same songs at every show can become monotonous.
When asked about his choice of performer from history for a one-night-only concert, Evert chose Billy Joel, praising his timeless sound and ongoing residency at Madison Square Garden. If he had to spend 24 hours locked in a room with any musician from history, he would choose Paul McCartney, describing him as a nice old man who wouldn't mess with him.
In conclusion, my conversation with Evert was a deep dive into the world of cover albums, the challenges and rewards of being a multi-instrumentalist, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of criticism. It was a reminder that music is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and that every artist has a unique story to tell.
