EVADE, a local independent Cantonese-language electronic band has quietly been cultivating their craft for the last 20 years, and are a must-listen for fans of electronic music, dream pop and dub music.
A small room located on the second floor of a clothing store on Rua da Barca filled with a computer, MIDI keyboard, audio interface, and monitor speakers – all the equipment needed for producing their unique sound – serves as EVADE’s music studio. Run by Faye Choi, the band’s arranger and producer, this place remains a haven of tranquillity amid the bustling city.
Since their establishment in 2004, EVADE has undergone several lineup changes. From 2019 to the present, the three current members are vocalist and songwriter Sonia, producer Faye, and guitarist Lobo. United by their love for music, they each have different professions: Faye is a fashion store owner, Lobo Ip a guitar teacher, and Sonia Lao a Chinese language teacher.
EVADE released their first self-titled EP in 2009, encompassing all the band’s creations up to that point. Sonia’s ethereal voice weaves through the illusory electronic soundscapes, laying the foundation for the group’s experimental, dreamy style.
Following their debut EP, EVADE collaborated with a Singaporean music label “Kitchen.Label” and released their second album Destroy & Dream in 2012, centred around urban legends of the apocalypse. Besides being sold in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, the album also resonated in Japan and Western markets, garnering media coverage and recommendations, including from Tokyo’s Tower Records and the British music magazine’s The Wire radio show. The band was subsequently invited to perform in Tokyo, Kyoto, Singapore, Malaysia, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Drifting Beyond Reality
At the time EVADE was first established, a new wave of electronAt the time EVADE was first established, a new wave of electronic music happened to be sweeping the globe, inheriting conventional music styles like house, synth-pop, techno, and acid jazz, and evolving into new forms like Trap dance music, which captivated dance floors and pop music scenes. However, EVADE’s music exudes a serene and detached energy, showcasing a trait of “standing aloof from worldly affairs.”
The band admits they focus intently on their creations without paying much attention to market trends or specific promotions. Nevertheless, their albums have been sold in Japan, Malaysia and other countries and regions, and they have attracted collaborations with musicians worldwide, gradually establishing a unique presence in the local music scene.
“Our creative process is like building within an illusory framework, striving to break through the limitations of conventional music formulas. We develop chaos within order, but maintain order within chaos, and present it in a new way,” Faye explains the origin of their distinctive sound.
While bringing a trendy auditory stimulation, the core philosophy of their music expression has remained unchanged through the different periods of the band.
“Previously, we mainly experimented with sound effects, but in the future, we will emphasise melody more,” Faye explains.
Compared to their earlier quirky and alternative style, EVADE is currently focusing on reducing the experimental elements in favour of a more straightforward and accessible auditory experience.
“We don’t follow a commercial path or deliberately position ourselves into a specific music genre. It’s more like a ‘fine art.’ Music is our way of expression, and we hope listeners can feel that. The mere existence of our works in this world is a great satisfaction and an inseparable passion, which is why our music remains so pure,” Faye says.
AI and the Future of Music
After releasing their first two albums, EVADE took a hiatus. During this time they witnessed the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the members decided to incorporate technological elements into their 2020 album Science & Dream, reflecting deep thoughts about the future of humanity and concerns about technology’s impact on human existence.
“We released Science & Dream in 2020, with the creative idea centred around the world after 2020, exploring whether technological development would lead to our dreams becoming true, or our nightmares,” says Sonia.
“Technology indeed facilitates many people in doing what they love, including music,” Sonia says. “I am not worried that AI will ‘take over’ my creative work. Although it’s much faster than humans, our band does not pursue speed, but remains true to ourselves.”
Although AI can generate numerous options instantly, EVADE has yet to use AI in any of their creations. Sonia especially insists on creating in Cantonese and hopes to maintain her independent thinking: “As long as I can use my brain, I will use it to the fullest!”
As well as being a guitarist, Lobo is also a DJ and founder of local independent music label 4daz-le Records, which has released most of EVADE’s works. He believes that the development of electronic music in Macau is “positive and optimistic.”
“I have observed the development of electronic music in Macau from the late 80s to now. It has been progressing in a good direction and although the progress is slow, I believe Macau musicians have the potential to create electronic music of international standards.”
New Album Out Soon
EVADE is currently producing their next album, and two of its new singles ENVY and LUST, have recently been released and are available on various music streaming platforms.
Sharing the inspiration behind LUST, Sonia says: “Desire is something everyone has. Although we always try to hide it, when desire surges like a tide, how are we going to calm it down?”
“I am excited about our transformation from ‘dreamy and sweet’ to ‘dark and elegant.’ This is a music direction completely different from before,” she adds.
“This album centres on the themes of human emotions and desires. We hope listeners can find clues from our recently released singles and look forward to the album which will hopefully be released by the end of the year.”
