Interview with Leah Martin-Brown
Interview conducted on April 27, 2019
by Dan Locke
With a healthy chunk of attitude, a dynamite lead singer and a predilection for rock and roll, Evol Walks have rapidly emerged as a heavyweight contender in the hard rock scene.
The brainchild of Australian born, Los Angeles based singer/songwriter Leah Martin-Brown in 2014, Evol Walks have proven themselves a band to watch by cutting their teeth in venues across three continents and earning plaudits from fans and industry experts alike.
Dan Locke: You grow up in Australia. Tell me how was the music scene in that country?
Leah Martin-Brown: Although much smaller than the USA, Australia still has a fantastic, nurturing music scene with new cultural hubs and creative spaces popping up every year to help nurture the talent we have. Growing up, there were always venues I was able to perform at and places where I could develop my craft further via songwriting workshops or music classes, etc. It was fun.
The distance from one city to another is a way. How does one see bands if they are not near your hometown?
Honestly, we think of distance differently in Australia. I am from the Gold Coast and 95% of the time bands would go to Brisbane which is only an hour (if that) North. So I just drove up to see them. Occasionally a band or festival may only visit Sydney or Melbourne and, in that case, flights and accommodation are really reasonable so I’d just fly down for the evening. It’s maximum 2-hour plane ride so it’s easy.
Who influenced you?
I have always been extremely influenced by Bon Scott-era AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Zeppelin and Monster Magnet. Vocally, I have always looked up to Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, and Amy Lee. Joan Jett is also a total badass!
You are from Australia. I am going to name a few bands from that area. I would like you to tell me something in a sentence or two about these bands?
AC/DC- Bon Scott Forever!
Kylie Minogue- The Queen of Australia. Also appeared as the Absinthe fairy in the movie Moulin Rouge.
Bee Gees- Iconic. I’m always confusing them with the Beach Boys⌠(I know that’s so bad)
Olivia Newton-John- YAH BETTER SHAPE UP! CAUSE I NEEEEEDDDDD A MAN!! Grease, am I right? Those black pants thoâŚ
Keith Urban- From a town not far from me. Married to Princess of Australia Nicole Kidman. Nicest person ever. Fantastic guitarist.
Michael Hutchence- Sexiest frontman ever. Incredible lyrics.
Rick Springfield- Is he from Australia? I had no idea.
INXS- Amazing musicians. Great songs. Its a shame about Michael đ
Sia- Some of the grooviest pop music out there. Love her concepts when it comes to character and videos.
Midnight Oil- Incredible band and will always be a favorite of mine. Did you know the singer was a Politician for a while?
Men at Work- Did they write anything other than ‘Land Down Under’? I’m not sureâŚ
Empire of the Sun- I love their music and how incredible their live show and costumes are.
Sick Puppies- I haven’t listened to them very much. I believe they’re in the States now.
You have a degree in Pop Music. How does one get this degree?
I went to University for three years and studied everything from songwriting, music theory, performance to Audio engineering.
What was your first band like âLilly Rougeâ?
It was much more electronic and ‘goth rock’-ish. I had a lot of fun developing my style and stage persona as I worked on that project from the time I was around 13.
How was it touring with the likes of Everclear and President of the United States? And did you learn anything while on tour about the true music business?
Unfortunately, we did not tour with those guys. We did get to be the Main Support at their big show in my home town. I love Everclear, the guys were absolutely lovely and took the time to come and chat with us afterward.
How was it to perform at âBig Day Outâ
Big Day Out was such a surreal experience. We were on the same bill as Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The Killers which was pretty spectacular! Very hot though, middle of Aussie Summer. I was really sad when that festival closed down.
You worked in LA as a talent buyer for the Viper Room on Sunset. How was that?
I had so much fun working for the Viper Room. I am still a regular there with Evol Walks and I am always welcomed by the Viper Crew as part of the family. Just incredible people and such an iconic venue! I still can’t believe I worked there.
How was it to share the stage with Nita Strauss, Courtney Cox, and Glen Sobel?
So much fun! They are just incredible musicians and to be able to join them onstage and blast through some Iron Maiden and Metallica was surreal. Very challenging music and they made it seem like a walk in the park.
Leah Martin-Brown from Evol Walks with Nita Strauss, Courtney Cox, and Glen Sobel
How did you come up with the name Evol Walks?
Evil Walks is an AC/DC song from one of the Brian Johnson albums. I love the song and the idea behind the lyrics, all about an “Evil Woman” who tortures men into madness. I’m not actually Evil though so my Manager and I brainstormed and decided on Evol Walks- short for Evolution or Love backward. We wanted to articulate the idea that perhaps things aren’t always as they appear.
How was it to work with Jake Pitts (Black Veil Brides) Travis Mignel and Don Jacobs (Atreun)?
It was a dream come true. All of those guys are so awesome and so great to write with. They all brought something different into the sessions and we created some super fun tracks together. I was humbled to be able to work with them in that capacity.
Did LA help energize your music?
I definitely think that LA helped breathe new life into me as a performer and pushed me to be better in a way that being in Australia could not. There are so many talented people here that you really have to work harder than you’ve ever worked in order to get booked and seen.
What is a Wet Burrito?
A burrito made enchilada style! Covered in cheese and salsa!
How is the food different in the states than from your home country?
I find our food is a lot fresher. We also don’t make candied yams and blue cheese isn’t a huge staple in our sandwiches and burgers.
Any plan for an tour?
We are hoping to tour before the year is out.
Do you call LA home now?
Yes! It has been my home for 5.5 years now đ
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