With a groove-laced pulse and evocative lyrical abstraction, “Belladonna” marks a transportive new chapter for artist and songwriter Ev. G. Taken from his debut album, And Then I Go Up (out September 23rd), the avant-pop track merges asymmetrical rhythms with ethereal textures and subtle hip hop swagger to conjure a lush, hallucinatory atmosphere. Fittingly named after the infamous poisonous plant, “Belladonna” leads listeners down a curiously oblique path – somewhere between dream and distortion, clarity and mystery.

The single began with a simple piano loop and drum pattern from producer Brock Geiger, which later inspired a mumble-vocal demo from Ev. G. That raw seed evolved into a fully immersive sonic world shaped by Geiger, Will Maclellan, and a cast of standout musicians, including Gabe Noel (bass), Kane Ritchotte (drums), Ethan Gruska (ambient loops), and Clea Anaïs (cello). A vocoder-style vocal layer, first introduced by Maclellan, brought unexpected texture and set the tone for the rest of the track’s evolution.

“It deals with some of the feelings you get when things are still just unfolding in those early stages of a relationship,” shares Ev. G. “That strange awareness of all the uncertainty, and the excitement that comes with it.” Inspired equally by emotional ambiguity and the layered history of the belladonna plant – from ancient witchcraft to Renaissance-era cosmetics – the track explores dualities of danger and beauty, hope and delusion. “We rarely live in absolutes,” Ev. G notes. “Except my cat, Pinot. He absolutely rules.”

•  What can you share with readers about your new project?

First and foremost we’re excited to be cracking the gate & sharing the first song from this project- this is a debut release for Ev. G. It’s surreal to have something that has been a creative outlet for a long time finally taking the shape of a record. Under the hood this project is a collaborative trio, with Brock Geiger & Will Maclellan steering the arrangement and production ship behind the scenes. It’s very cool to have a project that has space for everyone to explore, express, and shine. 

• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

This is a debut release for Ev. G! 

• What about this single makes you most proud?

Where this song landed in its final form is super satisfying. The original demo sketch and lyric writing were built around a super lofi, two chord piano loop, so the evolution to where it ended up has been a rewarding trip. 

• Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

The only goal with this music was making it and seeing the collection of work through to the finish line. Over the years there have been a lot of voice memos, bedroom recordings, and half finished productions floating around between us. Crystallizing these songs into a record with a release date on the horizon feels like an accomplishment. 

• What inspires you to create music? 

The process is the inspiration and reward all in itself. Giving ourselves the room to explore, unpack, and investigate what needs to come to the surface is really the best part. Sharing that collaborative process with friends makes it even better.

• If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Already collaborating with the dream team, my brother and best friend Brock Geiger and Will Maclellan. Brock just put out a record of his own, ‘Some Nights’ & Will is an engineer/ mixer extraordinaire- working on some huge records- everything from Phoebe Bridgers to the Killers.  

• What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

That new Pino Palladio/ Blake Mills cut from their forthcoming record is on repeat. All timers is a hard one. In the hiphop world, Kendrick and Roc Marciano are two goats and untouchable in their pockets and lyrical depth. James Blake always keeps me interested and wondering where he might go next with his songwriting and production. 

• Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Follow along on Instagram @and.then.i.go.up 

• I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Thanks for spinning the jam! Scope the music video for Belladonna here: