Biography
read full storyWith authenticity at his core, the acronym M.E. is only fitting for this rising star who is creating his own niche of the Reggae-Soul genre. He defines his music as the place where R&B and Soul meets Reggae and a touch of Dancehall. One could consider it as Babyface meets Bob Marley with a bit of Junior Gong. It is with passion and tenacity that this artiste develops and delivers his music, as is evidenced by his compelling stage presence and unique musical styling.
Mario completed his degree in Songwriting and Music Business Management from the Berklee College of Music in December 2010, with honors, and is now living in New York, performing, developing his artistry and carefully piecing together his album, "Reggae Soul Vol. 1: M.E. on Love". Since arriving in New York, Evon has opened for Reggae Crossover band, New Kingston, performed numerous times at Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar, and also at the first Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival (2011). Most recently Mario has advanced to the final round of four in the Amateur Night at the Apollo competition in Harlem, NY and will draw from the diverse experience he has gathered as a performer with hopes of winning the entire competition.
Mario began singing at age 7 and has sung in school choirs, the male quintet 'Choir Boyz', University Singers and later as a solo wedding singer. He has performed in Jamaican theatrical productions such as 'The Lion King' (Jamaica Musical Theatre Company) and 'Once on this Island' (The Company Limited), and has provided studio and live background vocals for Jamaican artists such as Stevie Face, Camar, Benjy Myaz, Cezar and Alaine. Evon has also shared the stage with the late legendary Luther Vandross while singing backgrounds for Stevie Face. While at Berklee College of Music, he shared the stage with Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind & Fire), producer/bassist Don Was, Angelique Kidjoe, and had the privilege of performing for legends, such as Smokey Robinson and Gamble and Huff. In January 2010, he was an opening act on the main stage of Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival setting the stage for Marion Hall, Jon Secada, Hall and Oates and Gladys Knight.
While at Berklee, Mario's song with producer Malachi Mott, 'Not That Kinda Guy', was among the top 12 best songs selected for analysis by songwriter Barry Eastmond. Renowned songwriter Gordon Chambers, upon hearing Evon's music, commended his ability to write good songs that were catchy, memorable and radio-ready. This skill of determining music that appeals to various groups was utilized during an internship at Warner/Chappell Music (NY) where he was involved in the process of pitching music appropriate for commercial use in video games and advertisements to various companies that included Electronic Arts and Virgin Mobile. Mario Evon's songwriting is evidence of a potpourri of musical influences. 'Love in Di Mawnin'' and 'You Used 2 Love Me' both contain a beautiful blend of reggae, jazz, R&B, dancehall and soul genres. Evon considers Bob Marley, Donny Hathaway, Boyz II Men, Babyface, Beres Hammond, Tarrus Riley and India Arie among the many musicians who have influenced his music.