As a result of his unique background and vast stylistic knowledge, Evyn Charles Schonbuch writes original music that stands out.
Growing up in a cultural Gumbo pot outside Paris, France, the bilingual multi-instrumentalist and vocalist was immersed in the sounds of the world. He played violin in a classical orchestra, bass in a Reggae band, and has never stopped singing.
Right out of high-school, he played music at Club Med resorts, starting to refine what would turn into his trademark Soulful Beach Groove style, then obtaining an outstanding musical education at Boston’s Berklee College of Music.
Performing as Evyn Charles, he logs in over 200 live appearances each year with a prodigious repertoire that covers practically every genre and era, or as he likes to explain: "I play songs that people like."
… and he writes songs that people love!
Reggae/Rock with horns. Fun and positive. New girlfriend is a good luck charm!
Similar musical style: Bob Marley, UB40, Jason Mraz full version
BAR MUSICIAN-sample
Contemporary Country. Humorous and touching ode to the working troubadour.
Similar musical style: Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Jimmy Buffett
full version
BE MY VALENTINE-sample
Timeless romantic vibe of silky R&B/Pop crooners.
Similar musical style: Bruno Mars, John Legend, Jason Mraz, Smokey Robinson full version
BEAT THE SYSTEM-sample
Pop/Tropical Rock with horns. Fun and positive. Party song about letting loose after working hard all day!
Similar musical style: Bruno Mars, Aviici, Kygo, Bunt, Buster Poindexter full version
BENDING OVER BACKWARDS-sample
Emotionally intense slow Pop-Rock. Disconnecting from a troubled relationship.
Similar musical style: Kenny Loggins, Jeff Buckley, Elliott Smith, Bon Iver, Deathcab for Cutie full version
CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT-sample
Throwback to classic R&B/Sexy Soul. What happens when two people experience instant attraction.
Similar musical style: Jorja Smith, Miguel, John Legend, Soul2Soul full version
CHANGE OF PLANS-sample
Inspirational mid-tempo Pop-Rock. Personal transformation and new beginnings.
Similar musical style: John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Hall&Oates
full version
COOLEST DRINK OF WATER-sample
Romantic mid-tempo Pop-Rock. Meeting someone who can finally "quench the thirst of a lifetime." Perfect for weddings!
Similar musical style: John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Toto, Steely Dan
full version
DANCING ON THE BEACH-sample
Lighthearted feel-good mid-tempo Pop. Enjoying a dance on the beach with someone special.
Similar musical style: Beach Boys, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, David Bowie
full version
DANGEROUS WOMEN-sample
Classic Jazz ballad celebrating great women achievers throughout history.
Similar musical style: Michael Bublé, Harry Connick, Jr., Frank Sinatra
full version
DECORATED-sample
Emotionally charged perspective of a wounded war veteran. Mid-tempo Heartland Rock with organic band sound featuring harmonica.
Similar musical style: John Mellencamp, Matchbox 20, Wallflowers, Kenny Loggins
full version
ELROY McGREGOR-sample
Upbeat Irish Rock song about a rowdy character who is no gentleman… he drinks, swears and fights but you've got to love him!
Similar musical style: Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphys, Mumford & Sons, Dubliners, Pogues
full version
ENJOY THE RIDE-sample
THE RIDE = LIFE. Enjoy it because it’s short! The song’s style was inspired by Bill Withers’ "Lovely Day."
Similar musical style: Bruno Mars, Bill Withers, Doobie Brothers
full version
FAMOUS ALL OVER TOWN-sample
Smooth-Jazz throwback to classic Pop&Soul. Horn section and Earl Klugh-style nylon string guitar. A love that must be proclaimed everywhere, including city walls. Inspired by the Danny Santiago book with the same title.
Similar musical style: John Legend, Usher, Sam Smith, John Mayer, Bobby Caldwell full version
FIREFIGHTER OF YOUR HEART-sample
Joyful Dance Pop. This lover puts out fires of the heart.
Similar musical style: Bruno Mars, Gnarls Barkley, Pharrell, Donna Summers, Earth Wind & Fire
full version
FIRST STEP IS THE HARDEST-sample
Mid-tempo Southern California Rock. Uplifting message about accomplishing your goals.
Similar musical style: Dave Matthews, Jackson Browne, Eagles, James Taylor, Billy Joel full version
FREE REFILL-sample
Upbeat and joyful harmony Pop-Rock.
Similar musical style: Bruno Mars, Sugar Ray, Fastball, The Beatles, ELO
full version
GIRL FROM THE OFFICE-sample
Smooth R&B with a Hip Hop flavor about office romance.
Similar musical style: Usher, Drake, Isley Brothers, R. Kelly
full version
GOOD TO BE HOME-sample
Feel-good song about going home, the place where they take you in when you have nowhere else to go. After being away for a long time, the only place you want to be.
Similar musical style: Chris Stapleton, Kid Rock, Allman Brothers, CSN&Y
full version
HAPPY NEW YEAR-sample
Piano-based ballad with an inspiring message for the New Year!
Similar musical style: Josh Groban, Michael Bublé full version
HEART OF A COWBOY-sample
A young city-dweller discovers he is a cowboy at heart. "It makes no difference where your body resides, what matters the most is inside… and inside, lives the heart of a cowboy!"
Similar musical style: James Taylor, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson
full version
HERMOSA-sample
Sweet Pop lullaby celebrating the life-changing arrival of a child.
Similar musical style: John Mayer, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross
full version
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT-sample
Bittersweet Indie Folk-Pop with haunting vocals, driving acoustic guitar, then band joining in. It takes a long time to discover love when it’s hiding in plain sight.
Similar musical style: Death Cab for Cutie, Iron and Wine, Head and the Heart
full version
HIT ME AGAIN-sample
Classic Country feel. Feeling the pain from the end of a marriage.
Similar musical style: Eric Church, George Strait, Alan Jackson full version
I’M ON FOOT THESE DAYS-sample
Texas-style Blues Rocker. "My woman took the car, she ain’t coming back… I’m on foot these days!" Ripping lap steel guitar.
Similar musical style: Stevie Ray Vaughn, Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe Bonamassa full version
IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED-sample
Piano-based ballad. Getting married again, and the differences between first and subsequent marriages.
Similar musical style: Josh Groban, John Legend, The Eagles full version
IF YOU LIVED HERE, YOU’D BE HOME NOW-sample
Romantic mid-tempo Pop-Rock ballad reminiscent of The Eagles’ "Peaceful Easy Feeling." Time to get away from the rat race, and start living a simpler life.
Similar musical style: Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Kenny Chesney, The Eagles, Dan Fogelberg full version
INFINITY-sample
Romantic R&B Pop modern-day version of Sam Cooke’s "Wonderful World (Don’t Know Much)" using math and science references as metaphors for love.
Similar musical style: Michael Bublé, Bruno Mars, Usher, James Taylor, Sam Cooke full version
INSANELY HAPPY-sample
A joyful and rocking shoutout to choosing a life of happiness!
Similar musical style: Green Day, John Mayer, Foster The People, Third Eye Blind, Everclear full version
IT TOOK YOUR LOVE-sample
Uplifting Pop-Rock. Love blossoms when nurtured by the right person.
Similar musical style: Bruno Mars, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Doobie Brothers full version
KARAOKE BAR-sample
Catchy song celebrating the unique and fun Karaoke bar experience.
Similar musical style: Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney full version
KICK THIS DOG NO MORE-sample
Unapologetic Bluesy Rocker. Leaving an abusive relationship and regaining self-confidence.
Similar musical style: Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Joe Bonamasa full version
LIE DETECTOR-sample
Driving Dance Pop anthem about a frustrating lover who cannot tell the truth.
Similar musical style: Bruno Mars, The Killers, The Weeknd full version
LIQUOR YOU’RE DRINKING-sample
Raucous Country-Rock. Choice of drink reveals much about personality :)
Similar musical style: Eric Church, Jimmy Buffett, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton full version
THE MAGICIAN-sample
Tribute to magicians.
Similar musical style: Josh Groban, Michael Bublé full version
MAJESTIC-sample
A rallying call for world peace in the spirit of singalong anthem "We Are The World."
Similar musical style: Earth Wind & Fire; John Legend full version
MAYBE FOR A WHILE-sample
Romantic and sweet Pop ballad
Similar musical style: Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, John Mayer, Lionel Richie full version
MORE THAN LIFE-sample
Romantic piano-based Pop Ballad with a dramatic build.
Similar musical style: John Legend, Elton John, Carole King, Billy Joel full version
NATURAL VIBE-sample
Reggae-Pop romantic song in the style of Bob Marley’s "Waiting in Vain."
Similar musical style: Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Bob Marley, Steely Dan full version
NOTHING BUT TIME-sample
Slow-burning scorching Rock. Breaking off a relationship, then realizing that was a bad mistake!
Similar musical style: Tom Petty, U2, Bruce Springsteen full version
NOW I DO-sample
Romantic acoustic guitar-based ballad with a gentle beat. Perfect for weddings!
Similar musical style: Kenny Chesney, Bruno Mars, James Taylor, Eric Clapton full version
ON THE REBOUND-sample
Romantic acoustic guitar-based ballad. A rebound love that can last.
Similar musical style: Kenny Chesney, Ed Sheeran, James Taylor, Blake Shelton full version
OVER MY DEAD BODY-sample
Infectious Dance-Rock party anthem.
Similar musical style: Bruno Mars, Cee-Lo, Outkast full version
PLAYING TO WIN (I’LL NEVER QUIT)-sample
Fast Latin-Reggae dance anthem. Never giving up on your goals. Sung from the perspective of a beach volleyball player.
Similar musical style: Maroon 5, Sublime, No Doubt, Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, Inner Circle full version
PRIDE OF YOUR GENERATION-sample
Emotional heartbreaking ballad. Brilliant people who do not live up to their early promise.
Similar musical style: Muse, Bruce Hornsby, Pink Floyd, The Killers, The Who
full version
QUESTIONS-sample
Funky Pop ballad with a beat. Questions range from silly to profound as we realize a relationship may be in trouble.
Similar musical style: Jack Johnson, Maroon 5, Jason Mraz, Michael McDonald
full version
RAINBOW CHILDREN-sample
Celebration all the shades of humanity. Anthem in the tradition of "We Are The World."
Similar musical style: James Taylor, John Mayer, Michael McDonald, Ben Folds
full version
ROCKET SHIP OF UNIVERSAL LOVE-sample
Pop-Rock "Space" anthem in the tradition of David Bowie’s "Space Oddity," Elton John’s "Rocket Man," The Beatles "Across The Universe," etc.
Similar musical style: Imagine Dragons, Elton John, David Bowie, Beatles full version
SECOND-HAND SMOKE-sample
Funk-Rock with a Hip-Hop flavor. Staying with someone that you know is bad for you!
Similar musical style: Pharrell, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Outkast full version
SEND YOUR LOVE MY WAY-sample
High energy Dance Pop R&B that would make current practitioners of this style proud with funky guitars, vocal prowess, and tons of hooks. An unapologetic declaration of love!
Similar musical style: Bruno Mars, Avicii, Justin Timberlake, Old-School Funk and R&B
full version
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR-sample
Fun Country-Rocker. Getting rid of a guest who has worn out their welcome!
Similar musical style: Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Jimmy Buffett full version
SPARE ME THE DETAILS-sample
Rocking Pop anthem. Affirming the essence of love.
Similar musical style: The Killers, Third Eye Blind, Hall&Oates full version
SUMMER ALL THE TIME-sample
Catchy and fun ode to Summer with a nod to classic Surf-Rock.
Similar musical style: Jimmy Buffett, son of Beach Boys, Kenny Chesney full version
SUSAN CARTER-sample
Scorching and emotional slow Blues-Rocker. A woman down on her luck through no fault of her own.
Similar musical style: Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Joe Bonamasa full version
TAKE A PILL-sample
Funny Country-Honky Tonk anthem.
Similar musical style: Hank Williams, Jr., Toby Keith, Blake Shelton full version
TONY'S ON THE PIER-sample
Fun/Beachy/Tropical Pop. I play music at Tony's On The Pier in Redondo Beach three times per week. This beloved establishment opened its doors 1952 and deserved a theme song!
Similar musical style: Jack Johnson, Sergio Mendes full version
TOP DOWN-sample
Fun upbeat call to hitting the open road in a convertible.
Similar musical style: Kid Rock, Rascal Flatts, Beach Boys meets Bob Seger full version
TREACHEROUS HEART-sample
Irish ballad traditional style. Bad love, betrayal and murder!
Similar musical style: Chieftains, Danu, Flogging Molly, Dubliners full version
WATCHING THE SUNSET-sample
Sweet acoustic guitar-based romantic ballad.
Similar musical style: Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, James Taylor full version
WHERE HE’S COMING FROM-sample
Upbeat Folk-Rock with harmonica. Inspired by friends with a hippie spirit.
Similar musical style: Bob Dylan, Mumford & Sons full version
YOU BRING ME OUT-sample
Positive and upbeat romantic Pop with a danceable feel. "You bring me out, when I used to whisper… now I shout!"
Similar musical style: Sam Smith, Bruno Mars, Christopher Cross
full version
YOU CAN’T HANDLE YOURSELF-sample
Fast Blues-Rocker with ripping guitars and sax.
Similar musical style: Isley Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamasa full version
YOU WILL LIVE FOREVER-sample
Emotional Pop-Rocker. Grieving for a loved one.
Similar musical style: Gino Vanelli, The Killers, Third Eye Blind, Imagine Dragons full version
YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF ME-sample
Blues-Rock with slide guitar. Ode to the struggling artist
Similar musical style: Little Feat, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Allman Brothers full version
SONGS IN FRENCH • CHANSONS EN FRANÇAIS
SAMPLES
DESCRIPTION
TOUT EST POSSIBLE-sample
Classic and cinematic French song, typical of what you would have heard in a Paris cabaret or a cafe along the banks of the Seine River. An energetic and empowering celebration of life where everything is possible!
Similar musical style: Maurice Chevalier, Edith Piaf, Charles Trénet full version
J’ADORE-sample
Classic and cinematic French song, typical of what you would have heard in a Paris cabaret or a cafe along the banks of the Seine River. A joyful ode to all the big and small things that make life worthwhile, such as an unexpected gift or even tickles from a puppy!
Similar musical style: Maurice Chevalier, Edith Piaf, Charles Trénet full version
JE REVIENDRAI DANS MON PAYS-sample
Classic and dramatic French song, typical of what you would have heard in a Paris cabaret or a cafe along the banks of the Seine River. An expatriate’s poignant ode to the home country, and a vow to return some day.
Similar musical style: Maurice Chevalier, Edith Piaf, Charles Trénet full version
MOULIN A COEUR-sample
Sweet and upbeat French pop song, typical of what you would have heard while spending a summer in St. Tropez at the end of the 20th century. The Moulin à Coeur is a heart mill that grinds up hardship and turns it into the fine stuff of life!
Similar musical style: Laurent Voulzy, Michel Berger, Gérard Lenorman full version
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL TRACKS
… and click below for 50+ PERSONAL STUDIO RECORDINGS (from live acoustic to full band productions)
