JEFF EVELINE: Between Reality And A Mirage
With a distinctive approach to music production, Jeff Eveline exists somewhere out of time. His use of vintage distorted sounds, blurry and evocative vocals, and themes of love and introspection all come together in a seductive mirage as we wander into the mind of a modern artist yearning for the elusiveness of the scene’s halcyon days.
His recent Echo Valley EP on the ICONYC-affiliated W imprint is an immersive vision lingering on the outskirts of the desert, coming to life through a meticulous production approach. Embued in a narcotic, heady shade, Eveline proposes a gripping voyage to the heart of a forgotten place that still beats brimming with life with every sundown.
An elusive, yet refreshingly open figure, Eveline sits down with Type/01 to discuss the intricacies behind his new Echo Valley EP for W, his creative process, origins in the industry, the concept of “fast food music“, and more.
Hi, Jeff! It’s a pleasure to link up. How are you doing? Where are you now? Thank you for joining us today.
Hey, it's awesome to link up! I’m out here in LA, just grinding with meetings and connecting on some cool new projects. Super excited for what’s ahead this year, and chatting with you is definitely a solid start!
Love that energy. So, let’s kick this one off…Congratulations on the release of your new W EP, Echo Valley. We can imagine the excitement must be high! So, how are you feeling about this one? Has the anticipation been high for you?
Thanks, I’m really excited! This isn’t just another release for me. It’s the start of a solid collaboration with W and the next level of my friendship with Pietro Casella. He’s been amazing, letting me really express my vision through the music. From the jump, we had this great creative connection, so this release is way more than just music. Plus, the feedback has been great from some top DJs, which gives me even more energy to keep pushing forward.
Now, let’s dive straight into the record. Is there a story or concept behind Echo Valley? How did the idea for the title come about?
Honestly, the process was super quick and flowed really naturally. I started with this dark, percussive beat and thought about adding psychedelic and catchy melodies on top. The main inspiration came from cruising through the Hollywood Hills at night and during the golden hour. Those kinds of atmospheres always spark my creativity, but the process can get hectic. I might start in one direction and then totally switch gears.
Comprised of 2 original cuts, Echo Valley paints quite a vivid picture, almost immersive. What was the process for this EP like?
After I got the beat done and had the idea clear, I linked up with my partner Squarehead, and we started laying down some melodies. We played with the arpeggiator that kicks in after the drop. I love distorted, grainy sounds as you can hear in the track; it’s got this melancholic, edgy vibe. While we were working on that, I wrote some bars, sent them over to Madishu, and she absolutely nailed it. She totally captured that vibe of driving through the hills at night. “Echo Valley” feels like the chant of a siren, but this time, she’s not lying in the water singing—she’s calling you from the top of the City of Angels! After a couple of weeks, the track was done.
Where do you go to for inspiration? What is it that usually fuels your tracks?
Strip clubs! But seriously, I find inspiration in the most random places. The more you think about it, the harder it is to make it happen. I just let my feelings guide me, and then the music and lyrics follow. I try to create an entire world around my music. Collaborating with the right people is also huge; when you’re surrounded by artists who vibe with you, it can take your work to the next level.
Now, taking this one back to your origins…How did you first connect with electronic music? What was it that drove you to produce your own tracks? What role do you occupy today in the industry?
Honestly, I can’t really pinpoint when or why it all started. I’ve just always had this creative mindset and gravitated toward things that most people overlook. I don’t really play instruments but I know how to make things happen. My lifestyle is pretty different from what a lot of electronic DJs and producers go through when they’re starting out. I was into wrestling, fashion, muscle cars, and I listened to artists like Kanye, Travis Scott, Future, and Marilyn Manson. I’ve always been drawn to American culture, especially everything connected to Black American culture—it’s something I really resonate with. Then I started listening to DJs like Koze, Sven Väth, Damian Lazarus, and DJ Tennis, and that’s when I mixed it all together and created my own sound.
For me, it’s all about personality. If you don’t have a strong image, you’re probably not going to catch my attention. You don’t need to be a villain, but you have to stand out. So, for me, making electronic music is all about vibing with something unique.
Stepping outside of the studio…how do you envision the coming years for electronic dance music? Which new challenges do you see arising for artists?
The industry’s always changing, and it’s especially tough for up and coming artists like me. The game’s shifting, but that’s not a bad thing—it keeps you sharp. We’re in the era of social media and what I call “fast food music,” where thousands of songs are released every week, and all that matters are the numbers. Often, the real artist, the one who makes music because they have to, gets lost in the noise.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the celebrity status and the lifestyle, but I’m doing this because I need to. Right now, there are a lot of fake producers and artists out there, thanks to social media and easy access to free samples. So, to stand out, you really have to fight for your space. But here’s my advice: just do your thing the best you can, don’t follow trends, and don’t worry about what the audience thinks. No rules! Just do what you feel and don’t be afraid of it! You’re your biggest supporter, and your time will come. Try to surround yourself with the right people, those who support you without getting jealous or trying to compete for no reason. Go catch a flight and say “hi” to the DJ you want to collaborate with. The personal, face-to-face approach is key! Be proactive and invest your money wisely—it’s tough sometimes, really tough, but just never give up! There’s no secret formula, anyone can find their way to get noticed and stand out. But that real, in-person connection? That’s a total game-changer!
Last one, and we’ll set you free…What’s next for Jeff Eveline in 2025? What new milestones are you looking forward to now?
2025 is shaping up to be a busy year. I’ve got a new single dropping under Yulia Niko’s new imprint in a couple of months. I’m also finishing up some new tracks for W/ICONYC, and there are other projects still waiting for the right moment.
On top of that, I’m running my label COBRET, where I’m producing American alternative hip-hop and pop. My crew and I are building a strong roster of artists, and I can’t wait to drop everything we’ve been working on. One of the main artists is Chris Moner, my brother from Detroit. He’s in the “Echo Valley” video with me!
Thank you for your time, Jeff! We wish you the best of luck with Echo Valley. Catch you soon
Appreciate it! Thanks for the chat, and I’ll see you out there!
Jeff Eveline’s Echo Valley EP is out now via W. Purchase your copy here.