Star Spot with Evan Carydakis, InterContinental Music Awards Winner 2024 – Best of America | Smooth Jazz
Welcome to Exclusive Star Spot Interview with Evan Carydakis!
From Melbourne to the World: Evan Carydakis Shares His Smooth Jazz Journey.
Award-winning saxophonist and recording artist Evan Carydakis has spent over two decades shaping his sound with heartfelt originals and cross-cultural influences. A Melbourne native with Greek heritage, Evan blends smooth jazz with global inspirations, crafting vibrant and emotional music that continues to captivate listeners around the world.
In this Star Spot interview, Evan opens up about his creative process, the challenges of building a career as an independent artist, and the significance of winning the 2024 InterContinental Music Award for Best of America | Smooth Jazz. With insights drawn from experience, generosity, and hustle, Evan offers valuable advice for artists navigating today’s music scene.
Let’s jump into his journey.
Evan, you’ve been active in the jazz scene for over two decades, but your official debut EP came out in 2021. Is that right?
You’re from Melbourne and studied at the University of New England. How have your life experiences influenced your approach to jazz music?
That’s a great question. One of the biggest influences was the people I studied with. When I traveled overseas, I had the privilege to learn from true masters of jazz. What stood out most was how generous they were with their knowledge and time. They weren’t on any kind of high horse — they genuinely wanted to share what they knew. That experience shaped how I approach my music and work with my band and fellow musicians. I try to be just as giving and collaborative.
Also, my background plays a big role in my music. Growing up in Melbourne, and my family roots in Greece — and later influences from Egypt — all come together in a unique way. This mix of cultures really colors the way I compose and express my music.
Evan, can you walk us through your creative process? How do you start working on a new piece of music, and what’s the story behind your compositions?
That’s a great question. I actually write in a few different ways. Sometimes, like with my song Movin’ On, I approach it very disciplinarily. For that track, I wrote three or four songs using specific guidelines or templates — kind of like setting A, B, and C as my framework and building around that.
On the other hand, Cherry Pops came from a more emotional and heartfelt place. It was inspired by feeling and personal expression.
Most recently, Paradise Beach was inspired by a specific place — the Greek island with the same name. That track is really about capturing the atmosphere and vibe of that beach. So my creative process really varies depending on the song and what’s driving it.
You mentioned Paradise Beach captures a magical emotion. Can you tell us more about that feeling?
Absolutely. It’s about those moments of true freedom you experience, especially when you’re near water or at the beach. For me, growing up and traveling, there are places — like the Greek islands — where time seems to stand still. Nothing else matters, and you feel completely untethered.
There’s no sense of time, just this beautiful feeling of absolute freedom. The sun, the beach, the happy people — all of that energy inspired the emotion behind Paradise Beach.
When I describe it, people often say, “Yes, that really is magic.” And I agree — it’s that special “X factor” that can’t quite be put into words but you feel deeply.
Evan, can you share some of the challenges and ups and downs you’ve experienced throughout your career?
Definitely. One of the biggest challenges for me was learning how to perform in the studio. Live performance and studio recording are two very different things. My brother once told me that studio recording is really about capturing the energy of a live performance — but if you haven’t done it before, it can be tough to understand and master that. I realized how different it was when I first recorded. You hear about great studio musicians in places like Nashville, Los Angeles, or New York, and they’ve truly mastered that craft. That was the first big hurdle.
The second major challenge has been being an independent musician. You have to wear so many hats — writing songs, recording, managing budgets for marketing and promotion, organizing tours, and sourcing musicians. You literally have to do it all yourself. It’s demanding, but it also means you become deeply connected to every part of your career.
At the end of the day, it’s the hustle that keeps you going. You have to enjoy the hustle to succeed in this business — there’s no way around it. The hustle never stops, so you have to be committed 24/7. That mindset has really helped me push through the ups and downs.
How did you first hear about the InterContinental Music Awards, and what was your experience like with ICMA?
I actually heard about the InterContinental Music Awards through my friend Devin, an incredible Indian guitarist who’s also an ICMA winner. Devin has amazing Spotify numbers — truly impressive — and he was generous enough to share his time and advice with me. He introduced me to the awards, and my experience has been absolutely fantastic.
The ICMA is held in very high regard in the industry. Being involved in the competition and engaging with the process really adds value to your professional profile. For talent agents, booking agents, and others evaluating your career, having an award like this on your CV significantly boosts your credibility.
It’s especially important if you’re planning to tour in the U.S. and need an O-1 visa. Immigration attorneys look closely at awards like ICMA when determining your eligibility. So, for original artists aiming to succeed and tour internationally, getting involved with the InterContinental Music Awards and similar competitions is invaluable for building your profile and advancing your career.
We’ve talked a bit about the struggles of being an independent artist. Do you have any advice for musicians just starting their careers?
Absolutely. My biggest advice is to start writing your own music as soon as possible. Playing other people’s music is important and helpful, but creating your own songs adds unmatched value. It’s your craft and your voice.
From a financial standpoint, writing your own music opens up multiple revenue streams. When you perform your own songs live, you earn performance royalties. You also receive streaming royalties from platforms like Spotify, plus mechanical royalties through organizations like the MLC and SoundExchange. The benefits multiply the sooner you start.
So, for anyone just starting out, focusing on your original music is essential.
Are you working on anything new right now? When can we expect to hear it?
Yes! I recently released a compilation EP called All For One, which includes four of my recent singles: Groove House, Movin’ On, Cherry Pops, and Paradise Beach.
Looking ahead to next year, I’m planning to release two new singles. The first is expected in March, and depending on how it performs on radio, the second will follow by August at the latest.
Right now, I’m in the studio finalizing my parts for the first single. Once that’s done, our producer Michael Whitaker in Nashville — a fantastic musician and producer — will take it from there. We aim to have the song ready by the end of October.
After that, I’ll start working on the second single. This will be the first year I’ve released two singles, so I’m excited to increase the pace and keep my fans engaged.
Do you have any last words or advice you’d like to share with your fans and our viewers?
Absolutely. I’d say this — do what you love. Life moves quickly, and we’re only here for a short time. So, find what you’re passionate about and pursue it now. That’s the best advice I can give.
Evan Carydakis Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evancarydakis.com.au/music/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evancaryjazz
Click here to watchEvan Carydakis‘s full interview on Instagram
InterContinental Music Awards Team