INTERVIEW: Evan Myall — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Evan Myall

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CHEERS to Evan Myall…

for telling me about his new single, Frances, and what we can expect from his upcoming (out on 16th November) album, Basic Gardening. He reveals his musical tastes and some albums important to him; a few rising musicians we need to get behind and how life as a solo artist differs from his time in bands.

The songwriter discusses his plans and tells me what he does outside of music; whether he grew up around a lot of music and whether there are things he wants to achieve before the end of the year – he selects a great track to end the interview with.

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Hi, Evan. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m hangin’ tough! It’s been a mellow week (smiles).

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Evan. ‘Myall’ is my middle name. I’m a guitar player and songwriter from Northern California.

Frances is your new single. Is there a tale behind it?

Frances is a thinly-veiled love song. I wanted to stray away from lyrics that were too cryptic or mysterious. “I love you. We can do anything. This is why…”

It is from the upcoming E.P., Basic Gardening. What sort of stories and ideas influenced the songs?

Each song has its own tale. The lyrics document the human experience in the face of...desire, heartbreak; alienation and the feelings surrounding an impending doom. We’re all in this (life) together. Divisiveness isn’t helping anyone.

Is it just yourself on the songs or are you working with other musicians?

Bobby Renz produced the record and played all over it. Owen Kelley played bass, guitar and piano on a few tracks. Hannah Moriah sang on a couple tunes. Tyler Green played guitar on one song. Couldn’t have done it without these unbearably talented friends.

I know you have worked in other projects/bands. How does life on your own differ in terms of discipline and the type of songs you are writing?

Yeah. For better or for worse, I’m writing all these songs from start to finish without any help. The collaboration part happens at the studio and within the production/recording process. But, I’m piecing the structure, melodies and lyrics together on my own. I don’t have anyone to lean on! It’s a challenge…in a good way.

Did you grow up around a lot of music? Which artists did you follow at a young age?

My first concert was at a stadium in Columbia, Maryland for Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill tour. That was awesome. I had so many different phases…both good and bad. Slash’s Snakepit. MxPx. Jay-Z. 311. The list is endless. It wasn’t until I was sixteen and bought a Velvet Underground C.D. that I felt like I had found my calling and was mostly on the right track.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

Put out the Basic Gardening album digitally (it comes out 16th November).

Do you already have plans for 2019?

One of my oldest friends is helping me put out the record on vinyl which is so cool and nice of him! I hope people will buy some copies so I can pay him back. I’m going to play more solo Ev gigs with a band.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?

Playing Mexico in front of 10,000-plus kids with Sleepy Sun supporting Arctic Monkeys was a big one. I’m so grateful for all the musical experiences I’ve had. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

The Velvet Underground – The Velvet Underground & Nico

Neil Young – Everybody Knows This is Nowhere

Evan Myall – Basic Gardening

V.U. and Neil because they’re my heroes and Basic Gardening because it’s my first solo record and I love it.