Born and raised in Los Angeles, Eva Gardner began her professional career as a bassist right after graduating UCLA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ethnomusicology. Since then she has performed and toured the world with artists such as P!NK, Cher, Gwen Stefani, The Mars Volta, Tegan & Sara, Moby and Veruca Salt.
Eva gets to live out her dream of performing in front of thousands, all the while connecting with those around her through music.
“I love connecting with people…it’s all about that connection,” stated Eva.
Discover how Eva pursued her dream career on the Find Your Passion Career Podcast!
A little bit of background
Eva’s known since she was a little kid that music was her destiny. Her dad was a bass player and she learned about the industry through him. But, Eva’s dad was reluctant for Eva to pursue music professionally.
“When I kept getting ‘no,’ that made me want it more,” said Eva.
Eva’s dad’s friend, Andy Johns gave Eva her first guitar lesson. “It was just like a fish to water,” added Eva.
While she loved playing bass, and had the passion and talent, she decided to focus on school before touring. In fact, Eva was the first in her family to graduate college. During those four years at UCLA, she got multiple tour offers, but stuck with her original plan to get her degree.
Showing up Prepared
Eva auditioned for a musical competition show called Rock Star. Although she thought the audition went well, and kept getting called back, she didn’t land the gig.
But, it’s funny how things work out sometimes— two years later, Eva got a call from the musical director of the show who remembered her. He asked her to audition to be P!nk’s bass player. “You never know how people come back in your life…do your best at all times…sometimes you just never know,” added Eva.
And that’s exactly what Eva does; she always shows up prepared and performs at her best no matter the audience.
“Whether you’re playing for two people in a club, or 200 people or 2,000 people you should be playing the same show,” added Eva.
She was told to pack for three months and prepare herself for the tour of her life.
Eva’s music career
12 years later, and Eva is still touring with P!nk. She shares the ins and outs of what it’s like to be on tour traveling from city to city, state to state, country to country. But, no matter where she’s traveling or playing, she always returns to her why.
“My why is being connected to people,” said Eva.
It’s safe to say that Eva had a clear vision for her career, took action, showed up prepared, and succeeded— and she’s not stopping there! But it wasn’t always smooth sailing, especially as a female bassist.There was a stretch of time when there wasn’t much happening in her career, and Eva was almost ready to give up.
“I was figuring out where I fit in the world as a human,” said Eva. (No easy feat.) It doesn’t help that bass is a male dominated field. “I eventually realized I had to own who I am, own what I am,” said Eva.
Saying YES
Eva Gardner has toured the world with some of the most iconic artists in the music industry. She knew her journey wasn’t going to be easy or one that is often followed, but she wasn’t afraid of going against the grain.
Eva takes advantage of any and all learning opportunities.
“Get out there, say yes to everything…always be willing to grow and expand,” said Eva.
After listening to my conversation with Eva, start thinking about how you can show up prepared for your career. Simply start by knowing what you’re showing up for—researching the company, the opportunity, the interviewer, the industry. How can you show up more prepared?
Download our podcast interview with Eva here on iTunes!
Once you’re inspired by Eva’s story, we would love to read your review. Thanks so much!
Shoutout to our sponsor Cutco & Vector Marketing! Check out their summer job opportunities here: http://www.workforstudents.com/college. It’s not about the knives, it’s about the relationships you create
FYPC Podcast Ep 31: Chris Lochhead, Mercury Interactive