Model-turned-DJ Eva Shaw dropped by HQ this past week to talk about her career, interests and more. Eva is a DJ, music producer and songwriter whose popularity has spread over the nightclub scene since she started playing shows in NYC. She's backed by Calvin Harris and Tiesto, having released club hits that have reached Beatports Top 10 Chart and recently put out her new single "Rise N Shine".
Eva showed up rocking athleisure and a low ponytail, an effortless look she pulled off perfectly. Despite her stunning appearance, she's definitely more on the soft-spoken side and maintained a leveled voice and demeanor throughout most of the interview. While waiting for set-up to be finished, we chatted about her new LA studio that's currently having renovations finished and about how she's dreamed about buying an apartment in NYC. She strongly expressed her dislike of LA as well (to which we all simultaneously laughed and agreed to). She let loose her silly side when she showed us her secret to clapping with only one hand which was essentially crazy wrist-flopping.
2016 was a big year for Eva; she shifted gears to focus on producing, deviated from her club beats and ventured into pop, and played a variety of shows that reflected her changing sound. She talked about how her evolving musical career affected her personally as well and enhanced her happiness. Eva expressed her excitement on being able to work one-on-one in the studio with Grammy-winning songwriters such as Poo Bear and hopes to collaborate with rappers to make urban tracks as well.
In regards to modeling, Eva explained that it helped her break out of the shyness she had when she was younger and taught her important social and communication skills that she's been able to apply to the music industry. Although Eva broke into the industry with her DJ career, she actually started producing before DJing. She explained how it was frustrating at times when she didn't think her producing was up to par, but that Calvin Harris picking up her track gave her both validation and motivation to pursue producing more passionately.
I asked for Eva's thoughts on the just-announced Grammy nominations to which she gave her support to her good friends The Chainsmokers. She's impressed by how they've been able to break into the mainstream industry and owes their success to their understanding of what the North American music audience wants. Other artists that she thinks are making noise include Skrillex and Diplo. Eva believes plenty of DJs/producers have the talent and ability to reach mainstream listeners, but lack the connection with the America music landscape and can build their experience by visiting or working with American songwriters/producers.
On a heavier note, Eva talked about how a serious car accident that injured her mother played a significant part in shaping the way she is now. Not only did it increase her outgoingness, but also it instilled her mindset to do things that you want to with no hesitation.
Looking forward to 2017, Eva revealed that she has a lot of new music waiting to be released and that she'll be spending the first half of the year concentrating on writing more music. Towards the summer months, she hopes to embark on a Europe tour in time for festival season. Within the next couple of weeks, she's dropping a Fifth Harmony remix, a Nick Cannon track and playing a show in China on New Year's Eve.
Overall, I really liked chatting with Eva and learning about how she's gotten to where she is today. She's easy to talk to and pleasantly mellow, yet ambitious and driven. After getting to know her in a short period of time, I understand how she's succeeded and made her name known in the industry. Eva has definitely gained a fan and the coming new year looks bright for her.
