Earlier in this young century, several great bands came out of Belmont University. Sadly, some acts that did like the Kopecky Family Band and Apache Relay are no more. One Belmont musician who was somewhat under the local radar (except perhaps for starting Diarrhea Planet) was Evan P. Donahue. Having drifted away from the recording scene, Evan is thankfully on his way back. Since graduating from Belmont with a degree in Audio Engineering, Donahue has had a successful career working the boards as a live sound engineering for some old friends and big Music City names.

Evan has just successfully completed a Kickstarter campaign to fund “Page of Wands,” his third full-length LP. It’ll be a “cool green vinyl” LP pressed at Third Man Pressing. Unfortunately, it’s too late to secure a pledge copy, however, you can drool and learn more about it right here!

I connected with Evan’s pop-rock sound after noticing that he resembled a young Elvis Costello and then hearing songs he wrote that reminded me of Paul Westerberg. His 2010 LP “Rhythm and Amplitude” is a true gem that you too can learn to love at Bandcamp.

Its been a big thrill to reconnect with Evan. Watch for “Page of Wands” in September. All those who pledged will be invited to a Nashville Celebration show in November, and maybe he’ll let a few more of us in. Thanks Evan for your eleven!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

Bay Area California, then New York when I was ten. I moved to Nashville to pursue a major in Audio Engineering when I was eighteen. I wanted to be involved in the creation of music in any way I could.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

First music I remember buying was “Sometimes” by Britney Spears, just the single on compact disc. The last record I bought was Give Me My Flowers, a compilation of 50s and 60s Gospel recordings from Nashville TN. It was a 12-inch vinyl record.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First concert, oh man, that would have to be something like The Nutcracker, does that count? The last concert I saw was Sunn O))) at the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel in Hyde Park Chicago on Good Friday. I don’t really get out too much.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Cyntoia Brown, Jessi Zazu and James Shaw Jr.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Coffee: Mas Tacos (put a shot of mezcal in the horchata coffee) Pizza: Five Points

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Dino’s!

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Tristen Gaspadarek, Jake Orrall and Jeremy Ivey

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

The 5 Spot

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

Neil Young

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

I’m working on completing a record called Page of Wands and continuing to tour as a live sound engineer. Please check out some demos and rough mixes at:  https://evanpdonohue.bandcamp.com/album/for-promotional-use-only