Two things that often go hand in hand are live music and alcohol. From five-day festivals to a neighbourhood gig catching your new favourite band, live shows can feel synonymous with having a drink—but not for Brisbane-based musician Eves Karydas.
We linked up with Queensland Health to chat with Karydas and find out how she finds her confidence both on and off the stage—without being big on booze. From non-alcoholic drinks to sticking to her boundaries, Karydas shares her tips for enjoying life and live music without the hectic hangovers.
Tell us who you are and what you do for work.
I’m Eves Karydas, an artist/songwriter/musician/producer from Brisbane.
How would you describe your music in three words?
Soulful sensitive grooves.
What are your favourite things about your work and industry?
I love writing songs and soundtracking moments in people’s lives. I’ve always been hyper-focused on the music that’s all around me —on the radio in the car, in the supermarket, on TV etc. I get a bit obsessive at times trying to figure out what makes a song work, so all I can say is that I’m very grateful it’s my job!
What are some challenges you face as a musician?
Recently I’ve started managing my own career after many years working with different managers and it has been a pretty steep learning curve but it’s also been really rewarding getting my hands dirty and facing the challenge head-on. It has allowed me to take control of my career trajectory and find some long-overdue autonomy.
How do you find the culture of working as a musician?
Answering this from the perspective of a woman—it depends on who you have in your inner circle and what kind of energy they bring. Over the years, I’ve faced misogyny on all sorts of levels as well as sexual harassment, so I’ve learnt to be very particular about the people around me and have set some really strict boundaries. The right people for me were out there, it just took a bit of courage to start looking for them.
What gives you confidence on and off the stage?
I think confidence onstage comes from believing in my songs. Offstage confidence comes from building healthy habits like exercising, eating well and getting enough sleep.
How do you like to spend your downtime?
I love a country drive, especially on a Sunday. Over the pandemic years, I got into woodworking too and I’ve made a fair bit of furniture for my apartment. .png)
Drinking can be commonplace in the music business, especially at gigs. What’s your relationship with alcohol like and how do you navigate it in your industry?
I definitely don’t mix alcohol with touring because I find comfort in knowing that I’m making smart choices for my general health/vocal health. At the end of the day I’m here to work, and if I can't do my job properly because I’ve made myself sick then I would find that really embarrassing.
Do you ever feel pressure from others to drink? If so, how do you manage those situations?
I feel like these days people have become far more understanding of someone's decision not to drink. I’ve personally never found it to be an awkward conversation. I think if you’re honest with your friends they will respect your decision and if they don’t maybe you should find some new friends.
What’s your advice for people who love going out to gigs but want to cut back on drinking?
If you like having a drink in your hand (which I do), bars sell plenty of non-alcoholic drinks and lots of bars these days also sell alcohol-free beers.
Do you have a go-to booze-free drink order? If so, what is it?
Yes, it resembles a lemon, lime & bitters, but it’s just with orange bitters, ⅔ soda water and ⅓ lemonade with ice.
What’s coming up next for you? Any announcements you’d like to share?
I can’t say too much right now but I’m working on lots of new music that I’m really excited about and I can’t wait to play for people again!
Need help reducing your alcohol intake? Visit the Your Drinking site or ADIS for support and information.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Queensland Health. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: supplied.