Biography
Evan Oberla was born in the Midwest of the United States and developed an early passion for music, gravitating toward instruments like piano and classical guitar in his family's living room while benefiting from a strong school music program and encouraging mentors.[1] Now based in New Orleans, he is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer, and arranger who has built a diverse career spanning over a decade in jazz, funk, pop, avant-garde, brass bands, and roots music, with trombone as his primary instrument.[1][4][7][8]
Oberla's career includes playing with various bands such as Flow Tribe and leading the group Evan Oberla Project (EOP), formed in 2012 with members including Ero on vocals, Dan Shaw on keys, Jeff Bass on bass, and Nathan Parker on drums.[3][8] His solo work features dream-pop and dynamic sounds blending catchy melodies, as heard in releases like the 2020 single 'Kick It,' which emerged spontaneously during quarantine while setting up livestreams.[1][2] He maintains an active presence in the New Orleans scene, hosting weekly 'Sonic Social Healing Hour' livestreams covering originals and covers from artists like Allen Toussaint to The Strokes.[1]
His musical style defies strict genres, drawing from personal experiences, friends, family, and a wide array of influences to express soulful feelings, much like Miles Davis, emphasizing authenticity and instinct over categorization.[1][7]
Fun Facts
- Wrote his single 'Kick It' in one evening during the early weeks of COVID-19 quarantine, starting from a bass line tested for livestream setup.[1]
- Hosts a weekly 'Sonic Social Healing Hour' livestream every Tuesday, featuring originals on various instruments and eclectic covers from Allen Toussaint to Michael McDonald.[1]
- Views music as an inevitable path, stating he 'didn’t really have a choice' due to lifelong fascination and family encouragement with home instruments.[1]
- A Jazz Studies University graduate active in New Orleans' vibrant music scene.[8]
Associated Acts
- MojoFlo - trombone
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Unnamed school mentors - Mentors in school music program who appealed to his sense of wonder about music (School music education) [Early life, pre-college]
Key Collaborators
- Ero - Vocals in Evan Oberla Project (EOP) (EOP group projects) [2012-present]
- Dan Shaw - Keys in Evan Oberla Project (EOP) (EOP group projects) [2012-present]
- Jeff Bass - Bass in Evan Oberla Project (EOP) (EOP group projects) [2012-present]
- Nathan Parker - Drums in Evan Oberla Project (EOP) (EOP group projects) [2012-present]
- Flow Tribe members - Active band member in New Orleans scene (Flow Tribe performances and recordings) [Ongoing]
- Corey Henry - Fellow trombonist admired for playing style; expressed interest in performing with Galactic (Potential collaboration with Galactic) [Current]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Evan Oberla has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 29, 2025 | 12:10 | Canal Street Revolutionfrom Canal Street Revolution | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves | |
| Sep 15, 2025 | 11:25 | Canal Street Revolutionfrom Canal Street Revolution | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves |