Evol Walks Gun & A Crucifix Interview

Enigmatic, energetic, and accompanied by a healthy chunk of attitude, Evol Walks have made a veritable mark on the US and Australian rock 'n' roll scenes since their arrival in 2014.

Originally formed in Los Angeles, California in 2014 by flame haired, Australian-born Leah Martin-Brown, Evol Walks have moved from strength to strength, earning plaudits from artists and fans around the world, played across three Continents and shared the stages and line-ups with the likes of Johnny Depp, Nita Strauss, The Killers, Everclear, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nancy Wilson, Black Label Society, Within Temptation and many more.

Their latest single, 'Gun & A Crucifix' is a high-octane and heavy-hitting single that passionately showcases the raw power and musicianship shared between the 5-piece Pop Rock outfit.

Think tight, in-the-pocket grooves, soaring distorted guitar riffs and a vocal performance capable of sending shivers down the spines of even the most acquiescent listeners.

Initially written by revered lead singer Leah Martin-Brown and ARIA Award-winning producer Stuart Stuart in Brisbane, Australia, all the way back in 2015, it's safe to say this single has been well worth the wait. With Swedish producer Chris Wetterstrom now at the helm, the result is a track that not only slams musically but is also a treat to turn up loud and proud.

"Gun & a Crucifix is about the dichotomy between dark and light and the constant struggle for power between these two energies. When writing it I was envisioning the inexplicable yet enigmatic pull of a Cult Leader and exploring that a little. Said, Leah Martin-Brown.

Interview with Evol Walks (Leah Martin-Brown)

Question: How would you describe your music?

Evol Walks: I'd say it is energetic, heavy but still accessible to most and definitely very inspired by the 70's and 90's.


Question: Can you tell us about Gun & A Crucifix?

Evol Walks: Gun & a Crucifix is a track I co-wrote with Brisbane-based Producer Stuart Stuart. I had been spending a lot of time thinking about the fine line between Good and Evil/Light v.s Dark and how sometimes a person's background makes all the difference in how this is perceived. I loved the imagery of the Gun (traditional Evil) and Crucifix (traditional good) and enjoyed using this as a way to convey the story I was trying to piece together.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Evol Walks: I wanted people to listen to this song and come up with their own interpretation of what it' s trying to say. I have my reasons for writing it but I want others to come up with their own. I wanted people to dig into the lyrics and put their own spin on things.

Question: How has Los Angeles influenced your music?

Evol Walks: Los Angeles definitely opened my eyes to a lot of life lessons and experiences that I would not have seen staying in my hometown. I definitely have a lot of crazy stories that I am able to draw upon when writing even when I'm not feeling as inspired as I'd like.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Evol Walks: They are such different beasts. I love the energy of a live performance! I would do that every day if I was able! I do love the intimacy and the ability to create stories when recording but it can't beat live for me.


Question: What is the story behind the band name?

Evol Walks: I am a huge AC/DC fan. I was searching for a band name and my old Manager suggested searching through song titles. I found Evil Walks by AC/DC and it seemed like the perfect fit. I changed the spelling to be short for Evolution or Love backwards... because we aren't really that evil hah!


Question: How did the band come together?

Evol Walks: I had just moved over to the USA and was going to play a showcase for a bunch of record people. I had been in a band previously in Australia called Lilly Rouge and the name and style just didn't feel like something I wanted to continue. I felt like I'd outgrown it as I'd been using the name since I was around 14.

I decided a fresh start was needed so started looking around LA for musicians who might be a good fit. We went through a few different lineups until 2015/2016 when we locked in the lineup you see today!

Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Evol Walks: This is a tricky question because it can change depending on the situation. If I get inspired at home, I am usually motivated by how I'm feeling right at that moment. If I am in a writing session with another person, we usually throw around some musical ideas first and then building from there.
Overall, my motivation is to create music that people can listen and relate to. And also bang their heads.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Evol Walks: I have an eclectic bunch right now! Zeal & Ardour are a huge favourite of mine. The Halo Effect out of Gothenburg is blowing my mind (shout out to Niclas and Jesper!), Puscifer is always on my playlist as well as an amazing local LA Artist called Jayelle. She just released a new EP and its great! Dark Pop with so many different influences tied in! Could rave about her all day


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Evol Walks: I honestly don't know. I just knew this was what I wanted to do with my life so it seemed like I didn't have much of a choice haha.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Evol Walks: Only one?! Omigosh this is so tough as I have a bucket list. Lzzy Hale would be pretty amazing... Jesper and Niclas from The Halo Effect as well. Umm... I've already listed more than one so I should stop.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
Evol Walks: I love the different places music takes me and the different people I get to meet. I sometimes take a step back and can't really believe how lucky I have been to be able to do this and continue doing this through the pandemic.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Evol Walks: It depends on the day and where I am! It usually involves a bucket of coffee (unless I am singing and then its room temperature water), an hour or so in the gym (unless it's a gig day, in which case I am saving it all for the stage) and then answering emails and doing some work.


Question: What's next, for you?

Evol Walks: We are about to release a new lyric video for Gun & a Crucifix and we are shooting the actual video clip next week! So that's exciting!
I am returning home to Aus for a visit and maybe do some acoustic shows while I'm in town.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Evol Walks: Spotify
YouTube
Facebook  
Instagram 
Instagram Leah


Interview by Gwen van Montfort