BY HOLLY NELLIS
Special to the Clarkston News
Meet Evan McLaughlin. The 16-year-old will start his junior year at Clarkston High School this fall and has already started making a name for himself in the music world, specifically the rap/hip-hop genre.
‘I have been writing music for about two and half years,? McLaughlin said.
‘But I have only been seriously perfecting my style and recording good songs for a little over one year. I’m very focused and concentrated on what I produce.?
McLaughlin currently has two managers, Mikey-G and Murda M4tt, and is signed to The Family Records Entertainment Label. You can visit the website at www.darealmurdam4tt.com – parental advisory for explicit language. Some artists influence his music include J Cole, Lil Wayne, Drake, Mikey-G and Murda M4tt.
He said his family has been extremely supportive since the beginning of his career. His father was actually the one to give him studio equipment to start recording. His sisters have helped out as well.
His oldest sister helped in finding him a manager while his other sister spreads his music to friends and helps him keep a level head.
‘My father still sits down with me to this day and talks about lyrics I should and shouldn’t use,? he said. ‘And my mother always listens to any song I ask her to. She will respect me and what I do no matter what.?
McLaughlin has performed multiple times at venues like The Crofoot Ballroom and The Emerald Ballroom in Pontiac, and the Diesel Concert Lounge in Chesterfield, Michigan.
In July, he will perform at The Crofoot Ballroom again. Every month or so, McLaughlin plays a show, depending on availability and cost.
‘Along with playing shows, I plan to drop a solo mixtape by the end of the summer,? McLaughlin shared. ‘I’m also working on two new songs that will be put out on iTunes, Spotify, and other music sharing websites.?
As for auditioning for a talent show such as American Idol or America’s Got Talent, McLaughlin stated it’s definitely something he’s considered but he also recognizes the cons.
‘America’s Got Talent has always been on my mind but I’ve noticed rappers hardly win because powerful singers eventually overpower them,? he said.
Like most rappers, McLaughlin has a stage name, SaVon, which he uses for all of his music. It’s somewhat sentimental as his uncle used to rap with the name Savant, but McLaughlin misunderstood and heard SaVon instead. The name stuck and he still uses it to this day.
When asked if he plans on continuing his music career beyond school, he said, ‘of course. Music is my life. Beats are my blood and soul, and the mental game of fitting words into places is what keeps me going.?
McLaughlin is very positive about his life and music. He says he loves his fans and no amount of criticism or bad vibes will ever stop him from doing what makes him happy.
‘I have a lot of people who support me and I plan to surround my music and myself with that positive energy. Mikey-G signed me to the label for a reason. He and Murda M4tt both have a lot of respect for what I do and that’s why I am where I am today. I’ve got my crew, my family, my fans, and my music. I’m good,? he stated.
McLaughlin has a great future ahead of him. Many are looking looking forward to saying ‘I knew him when??
You can listen to McLaughlin’s music by visiting www.youtube.com/savonmusik – parental advisory for explicit lyrics. He has many different mixes, songs, collaborations featured on the site.