Eva Pagán Talks "Gold," Confidence, and Building a World That Finally Feels Like Hers

Everyday Jams is excited to premiere Eva Pagán's new single, "Gold," ahead of its official release on June 26.

The single introduces the next chapter for the Los Angeles based artist with a rush of confidence, bilingual lyricism, and glossy self-produced pop that feels as playful as it is self assured. It is the first song she's written entirely on her own since changing her artist name, and the first track she has produced by herself from start to finish. The track reads as an opening chapter to a project about trusting your instincts without hesitation.

When Everyday Jams caught up with Eva, she spoke about "Gold" with the excitement of an artist who knows exactly where she's headed.

"I think it's a great way to open this new chapter after my first EP because it sets the tone," she shared. "It's confident, kind of hot, kind of experimental, and I just had fun making it."

A New Name, A New Confidence

While "Gold" arrives as the first taste of Eva's upcoming EP, the foundation for this moment has been building for much longer.

Earlier this year, she embraced the name Eva Pagán, reclaiming her maternal surname and allowing her music to fully reflect the person she had already become. The transition was more about reconnecting with every part of her identity than about branding.

"It's helped me deprogram from a lot of weird identity stuff I felt growing up," she told Everyday Jams. "Changing my name and paying homage to my maternal side really solidified for me that yeah, I'm Latina. Duh. I speak fluent Spanish. I'm Puerto Rican and German. Duh, I'm a baddie. How did I forget that?"

That confidence runs through every second of "Gold." Rather than writing from heartbreak, Eva flips the script, creating a song about recognizing someone's game before they ever have the chance to hurt you.

"I think it's just a lot of fun," she laughed. "My frontal lobe is developed, I know who I am, and I know what I do and don't want."

That perspective seems to come from Eva growing into herself, and it gives the song an effortless swagger.

Learning From Brilliant Women

Although "Gold" marks Eva's first fully self-produced release, she is quick to point out that she didn't get here alone.

For years, she has collaborated closely with songwriter Emma Botti and producer Sabrina Song, whose work helped shape her creative voice long before she stepped behind the production desk herself.

"Sabrina has helped me a lot and honestly taught me a lot about producing," Eva said. "Being around her in the studio while she's doing her thing gave me a push to be like, 'Oh maybe I could try this too.'"

The result is a track that feels bright, punchy, and alive. Synths shimmer underneath bilingual melodies while crisp percussion keeps everything moving forward. Despite this being Pagán's first self-produced track, it feels natural.

"I surround myself with brilliant women who have taught me a lot," she said. "I think it comes through in 'Gold.'"

Making Space for Joy

One of the most refreshing things about "Gold" is that it's upbeat and carefree, inviting listeners to celebrate themselves.

Eva describes the song as something she hopes people throw on while getting ready with friends, painting their nails, or putting on their eyelashes before heading out the door.

"I want to have fun and have other people have fun with me."

That joy extends to the song's bilingual songwriting as well. Moving effortlessly between English and Spanish, the lyrics reflect the way Eva naturally speaks and thinks.

"I have so much fun writing in Spanglish," she explained. "Writing in both languages helps me bridge the gaps between my ideas and keep the song moving forward."

It's another reminder that every creative decision in this project comes from instinct.

The Beginning of Something Bigger

Looking back just a year ago, Eva remembers wondering whether people would ever fully discover the project she had worked so hard to build. Now, things finally feel like they're clicking into place.

"'Gold' makes me excited because people are starting to listen," she said. "This project really is my baby, and I know that writing my little songs is what I want to do with my life."

It's a sentiment that captures where Eva Pagán is today: she isn't chasing trends or reinventing herself for the sake of it. Instead, "Gold" exemplifies her goal of making music that is unapologetically her own.

If "Gold" is any indication of what's waiting on the upcoming EP, this isn't just the start of another release cycle. It's the beginning of an artist settling confidently into her own voice, and inviting everyone else to have as much fun as she's having along the way.

"Gold" premieres today on Everyday Jams ahead of its official release on June 26.

Photography: Luna Alatorre