Top photo: The married couple, Clansy Thomas (left) and Evie Clair (right), in their 2021 engagement photos. Picture courtesy of Evie Clair
By Riley Earl
REXBURG一Evie Clair, who performed at the Romance Theater last month, had known from a young age that she would be a singer.
Music was already a huge part of her family’s life before she was born. Clair attributes much of her success to her mother, a singer and performer who taught her piano at age two and provided comprehensive musical training and performance opportunities.
“I loved it. I loved every part of it,” said Clair.
Clair has fond memories of performing in church and entering competitions, honing her skills and love of music.
As she progressed in her musical abilities, she discovered her talent for songwriting.
“I wrote my first song when I was five,” Clair said.
When Clair was only 14 years old, she released her first full album, “Okay Day.” Shortly after, one of her songs was featured in “Once I Was a Beehive,” a major motion picture about a girl attending an LDS girl’s camp.
Her music choices are deeply influenced by her dedication to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“All the music in my life is there for a purpose. I know that if I don’t listen to good, uplifting music, it really affects me quickly. So, I choose to sing and write songs that uplift and help people.”
Clair values her opportunity to share her faith with others through music.
“I love singing to big, sold-out crowds—it’s awesome, but I also love to just share my testimony with people, and that is a hundred times more rewarding and important than any amount of tickets or people in the audience.”
Clair’s songwriting delves into deep, genuine emotions, many of which come from being a new mother, losing her father in her teenage years and working to make sense of the messy progression of life.
“I have a lot of sad songs, but they’re just honest. I think that’s important sometimes—to just have honest, raw emotions and share that with people.”
When asked who her biggest inspiration for her music is, she had a clear and unblinking answer: Jesus Christ.
“He is my inspiration, and my rock for my life,” Clair said. “I wouldn’t have anything that I have if it wasn’t for him.”
Clair made special mention of two additional inspirations: her husband, Clansy Thomas, and her almost two-year-old daughter, Billye Thomas.
Clair and Clansy met at a high school basketball game where she was performing and he was the captain of the team. From then on, they had an unbreakable bond that led to their marriage in December 2021. Their daughter was welcomed into the world in April 2023.
“My number one dream has always been to be a wife and to be a mom,” Clair said. She is unceasingly grateful for the opportunity to live all her dreams: being a wife, mother and performer.
Clair is a clear example of staying true to her standards.
“The music industry is really hard. There definitely was a time where it was too much for me, and I had to take a step back. Keeping your priorities in line is what gets you the furthest,” Clair said.
Clair shares her message for other LDS music artists trying to break into the music business.
“Stay true to yourself, and don’t let the world change you, but keep growing because of Jesus Christ. Let Him be your guide in your journey, and it’ll work out how it’s supposed to.”
With her faith and family as her foundation, Evie Clair continues to inspire others through her music and testimony.
