Evenson

At the center of the 25-year-old Connecticut native's compositions are lyrics that are, by turns, deeply introspective and warmly poetic.

He has proven to be a visionary who layers infectious melodies with soul-baring words. He is forging new parameters for pop music by employing a broad palette of influences that range from Parliament Funkadelic to David Bowie.

Part of what fuels Evenson’s creativity is an affinity for his heritage as a first-generation Haitian American. “It’s where I find strength,” he says. “It’s a fundamental part of my personality."

For the better part of youth, he dealt with issues of isolation and identity. “I was either too black or too white for the world around me,” he says. “I looked inward to find my place in the world. Music's played a big role in my evolution. It made it okay for me feel things intensely and deeply.”

The fruits of Evenson’s musical exploration and emotional evolution can be strongly felt in each of his recordings.