After 12 years on the South African music scene, Evolver One wasn’t going to let the loss of a band member make them lose momentum. When vocalist Peter Pote left in February this year, Sean Murphy (Keyboards & Back-Up Vocals) and Tulsa Pittaway (Drums) took their talent search viral.

They called on talented vocalists to post videos of themselves singing Evolver One hit songs on Youtube, and link them to the band’s Facebook page. One on one auditions were then held, and so the talented Lez Dart became part of the family! We chatted to the guys about their exciting future.

Where did the idea to search for a new vocalist through Youtube and Facebook come from?

Sean: Our European manager suggested we use everything at our disposal, and that a viral campaign would be good for the band.

Tulsa: And we had been looking for ways to get our fans involved in the process of a new release, so it kind of fell into our laps. It made sense to do it that way.

How big was the response?

Tulsa: Better than we expected. The amount of talent and options we got was very encouraging!

So what were you looking for in a new vocalist?

Sean: We decided before we ran the campaign that character was as important as a great singing voice. We looked for the candidate who wants it as much as we want it.

And what made you choose Lez?

Sean: Lez has one incredible voice, plus he sent us seven original songs and made two audition videos. At the audition he made it clear he was a team player and was ready for the hard work that lay ahead and he’s already proved that so far.

Lez, how did you feel when you heard Evolver One was looking for a new vocalist?

Lez: I was excited about it, as the band I previously founded had broken up. I was looking to “Evolve” and play a more fresh and current style of music. So I pulled something together within days. It was a kind of no brainer – I had to sing for them.

And when they chose you?

Lez: Well there were people around me when I got the call, so I had to compose myself. But I set aside a little victory dance for when I got home later!

How are the three of you coming together so far?

Sean: It’s been an easy process – everything is clear and everyone is focused on what needs to be done.

Tulsa: At the moment we’re working on new material for a new album and have been working on our own, and then together over the internet through email and Skype. You’ve got to love technology.

Will you guys come back with a new sound now?

Tulsa: Our sound will change naturally. We never want to put out the same record over and over. Lez’s voice is going to bring a fresh and more commercial sound to the band.

Sean: From the demos we’ve done so far it’s really exciting to hear the calibre of sound.

When can we expect to hear more of the new Evolver One?

Tulsa: Soooooooon. We hope to release our first single in Sept/October.