Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Andy Evans, who discusses his new album, “Miracle.â€
Full of soul and great storytelling, Evans’ work on “Miracle†ends up carving its own niche of bluesy, tough guy with a heart rock.
With a voice that’ll remind you of a myriad of gritty balladeers from the ‘70s and the type of guitar riffs that’ll make Stevie Vaughn proud, as well as the types of stories that a mainstream pop fan can enjoy and it’s easy to say that Evans’ “Miracle†is one of the best indie albums of 2015.
Review Fix: How did you get into music?
Andy Evans: From an early age, I realized how music could change the outlook of a situation. One example was cleaning day as a child. As shitty as it was to have to clean my room and do chores, it wasn’t so bad after my mom turned up a Rush album. It’s a mystery how I got my musical abilities though because no one in my family has any. I guess I was always pulled towards it. It drew me in so much that once I found a guitar in my room it almost came naturally.
Review Fix: Every song has some sexy guitar lick. What did you listen to growing up that inspired your sound?
Evans: I listened to a lot of different stuff. Obviously everyone starts with Zeppelin and the likes, but I would listen to those guys and want to find out who influenced them. I’m really into old blues stuff anything from Chicago to the Delta and even the British guys that had their own take on it. I grew up in a christian home so I was into guys like Fred Hammond. I still think thats some of the best music out there. It all started with Tom Sawyer for me though. It never gets old.
Review Fix: How was the album’s title track written? Is there a story behind it?
Evans: I wrote “Miracle” about a girl in my life that I was in a relationship with for a long time. We had a lot of ups and downs and I was always getting into trouble. I can be a hard one to love at times and I was never very good at communicating so I would write these apology songs. Most of them were silly, but “Miracle” basically came out as it is on the record. After I would sing them to her I would try and get her to tell me she loved me. It was like pulling teeth, but on the rare occasion she didn’t roll her eyes at me and and managed to mumble I love you. I would shout “It’s a miracle.†It’s basically me kissing ass and trying not to sleep on the couch.
Review Fix: How do you want this album to affect people?
Evans: I usually write about personal experiences or someone I know that’s going through something. Instead of hiding my thoughts in lyrics that no one knows what the hell I’m talking about, I like to be as honest as possible. Ultimately I want people to listen to these songs and say hey! I went through the same thing! this guy is real and he doesn’t hold back. I’ve never been one to sugar coat.
Review Fix: Bottom line, why should someone listen to this album?
Evans: I think there’s something for everyone. my influences range from heavy rock to soul to blues and even country. I wanted all my influences to stand out on this record and really give people a sense of who I am. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to the stories. Good and bad. I think it’s different than a lot of what I’m hearing right now. At least in Texas. People want different. I think they’re tired of the same old stuff. This album has what they need and want.
Review Fix: What are your goals for this album?
Evans: Before I started recording this record I had given up on music as a profession. I was actually looking into a career as a drilling fluid engineer and set to go to school when I had a conversation with a guy who really enjoyed my music and saw something there. He basically told me that as a creative person, I wouldn’t be happy doing that no matter how much money I made. He was right. I honestly have no expectations or goals for this record. I’m just excited to have this new fire for making great music. Everyone hopes to sell records and play great gigs but right now I’m just stoked to have been given the opportunity. I feel like I’ve been given a second chance.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Evans: Right now I’m just working on booking shows and getting ready for the Release on January 26.
Leave a Reply