Eva Westphal - “Belong”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlile, Taylor Swift

Acoustic pop/rock artist Eva Westphal’s music is affirming, personal and reflective, joyful and real. Stories of queer acceptance and strife highlight her latest EP Proud of Me and a couple of strong follow-up singles in “Adult” and “Belong”. A theme of embracing the love that is around us highlights Westphal’s songs with charm and cleverness. It’s naturally inspirational, led along by nice melodies born in Americana and indie rock nests. It’s nice that Westphal avoids using just softened pop tones in her music, instead belting out with clarity while still keeping things raw. She’s the kind of artist that is young, moving to NYC, and singing about being young and moving to NYC. Everything feels in the right place and Westphal has the potential to connect with a wide, multigenerational base as she continues honing these impactful acoustic pop songs. (Kevin McStravick)