by joann snavely
photo courtesy of evann mcintosh
Kansas-born, Chicago-based artist Evann McIntosh has been carving out their space in the indie scene since their breakout debut at just sixteen. With influences from classic rock icons and up-and-coming indie artists, McIntosh has curated a catalog plentiful in introspection and upfront experimentation. McIntosh is back with their most experimental single yet. “Free Ride” is a track born from dorm parties, chance encounters, and the encapsulation of youth. Unclear Magazine got to catch up with McIntosh about the making of "Free Ride," Thelma & Louise, their growth as an artist, and more!
Congrats on your latest single, "Free Ride." Walk us through the making of the song and what inspired you to make the track.
Evann: “Thank you! When I was 18 I moved out to Chicago and everyone else my age was going to school so I’d make these friends at shows who were going to Columbia or UIC and the song is about attending dorm parties and being the only person with a car.”
Musically, were there any artists in particular who inspired you to make the single?
Evann: “I saw Madison Cunningham at Thalia Hall in 2023 maybe and that Revealer album had me in a chokehold for a few months thereafter. Abe Rounds who produced the song asked if she would be down to play on it and she did! That's surreal. Madison Cunningham and 70s classic rock artists like Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Tom Petty. I was in a dark place and I was listening to this song by The Time called ‘The Stick’ a lot. I don’t know what was up with that. Only to say that I must’ve had cars on the brain.”
What does "Free Ride" mean for the future of your music?
Evann: “‘Free Ride,’ for the future of my music, means greatness, realness, and awesomeness forever.”
How would you describe "Free Ride" to someone listening to your music for the first time?
Evann: “It definitely stands out in my catalog. It’s the most guitar heavy for sure, I think a lot of my stuff I’ve got out is based around synths, the MOJO album is a bunch of keys and synths on GarageBand. But I think the attitude fits with everything else, it’s still very me. Probably my coolest song. I feel very cool when I play that song.”
Is there any specific lyric on "Free Ride" that stands out from the rest of the song?
Evann: “The verses are pretty clever. I’m proud of that line, ‘Got to burn some bridges to keep warm sometimes.’ I don’t know if anything in particular stands out from the rest. Maybe at the end where I spell out the sentiment, ‘Everybody they want something, if you can take it, if you want it.’ I get in the habit of being suspicious of things that are too easy, or I think I don’t deserve them. As one should be suspicious of a stranger offering a free ride. I think that thought process stops me from enjoying good things. Not that people should not be weary of strange people offering them rides! You should! I need a better metaphor.”
If you could include "Free Ride" on any movie's soundtrack, which would it be and why?
Evann: “Probably like Thelma & Louise. They could drive off the cliff to ‘Free Ride.’”
You've been releasing music for quite some time. How have you seen your sound evolve over the years?
Evann: “I grow, I listen to more music and learn more. It’s a journey in self discovery, everytime I release music or move into a new era it feels truer to me. That is a big motivating factor in learning more is the more knowledge I’ve got the more control I have and the easier it is to communicate what I’ve got in my head. That’s also just life probably. Sonically this new stuff is objectively the best sounding music I’ve released. Very beautifully mixed by Chris Connors.”
photo courtesy of evann mcintosh
What has been the most important piece of advice you've been given as a musician so far?
Evann: “Chill out!!! It’s not that serious. And practice.”
If your music were any inanimate object, what would it be, and why?
Evann: “This is hard to say. I’ve never thought about this before. I want to say a disco ball? Might be a lame answer. It’s a pretty standard cool object. But it’s fitting for any ambiance. A disco ball you can spin for any song really, if you want. Slow disco ball, fast disco ball. Multicolor disco ball. Pretty versatile.”
Are there any additional upcoming events or projects fans should be aware of?
Evann: “It’s hard to say… but something in me says… yes there is… but it’s too soon… to say…”