Interview: Evin - Fears of Letting Go

Generating over 70,000 views across social media in 2021, Evin is set to release his first single - "Fears of Letting Go" - off of his debut EP - "Good Morning World". An anthem for your mornings, “Fears of Letting Go” is a perfect hybrid of modern and 80s pop, holding an underlying message of carpe diem and self-acceptance. The power ballad clearly highlights Evin's musical inclination flaunting a ripping sax theme, heart gripping melodies and a chorus you'll defiantly find yourself singing in the shower! Through 2022, Evin is committed to building upon his small yet passionate audience, promising to establish an unmistakable presence within Londons vibrant creative community.

By Kamil Bobin

Discovered via Musosoup

What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?

When I was much much younger, I distinctly remember searching for instrumental versions of my favourite songs because I wanted to hear the melody without the lyrics!

A song or piece of music would always capture me through its melodic phrases over anything else - which is why I believe, I was so drawn towards the sound of the electric guitar back when I was 15. Today, if I look back at my development as a musician I can clearly see that all the guitar parts, all the piano parts, all the productions I have come up with over the years, started with a melody rather than harmony or rhythm.

Melody writing has always been a fascination of mine ever since I was very young, and as I go about my daily life as a producer or artist it is evident - time after time again - that this is my biggest strength as a musician.

Who inspired you to make music?

I grew up in one of those musical families, so for as long as I can remember, music has always been around me. However, I didn’t start writing my own songs until about a year and a half ago! For this, all the credit goes to George Micheal. Over the years, peers have often mentioned that my voice is reminiscent of the superstar from the late 80s. The first few times I heard this, I didn’t think much of it to be honest, I didn’t know much about him. However as more people drew comparisons between Micheal and myself I did eventually do some light research and what I found captivated me. I related to him as an artist on a profound level, more than I ever have with anyone else. As “Faith” and “Older” became the soundtrack to my life, I quickly became eager to put pen to paper and start writing my own music. “Fears of Letting Go” was pretty much the outcome of this.

Your latest track is 'Fears of Letting Go'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?

“Fears of Letting Go” was written about this time last year, the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing and I was stuck in my room here in London doodling on song ideas which is when I stumbled upon a melody line.

I matched this melody up with a rhythmic lyric idea and a load of backing vocals completing the catchy hook that can be heard today. I recorded the vocals and listened through what I had just put together over a simple Logic drum loop and some guitar chords. I was pretty happy so I spent the rest of that week working on the production, filling out the space with an epic baseline, playful percussions, soft synth pads etc…

There is one interesting point that I often think about with regards to the creation of “Fears of Letting Go”. From its creation to its finalisation, I never once questioned the work I had done on the track during that week last year. Today I listen to my own songs on repeat, I show them to my friends for feedback and I constantly comb through them to make sure everything is perfect. However, I created “Fears of Letting Go” using what I had at my disposal and what came to my mind in the moment and never questioned it. While the track has its defects and while I do listen to it and sometimes think to myself “I could’ve done that better, I wouldn’t change anything about it.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process and output is constantly changing and has always been dictated by my mood and surroundings. For example, at the moment I write upbeat music by myself in my bedroom while just a few months ago I would’ve been doing the same only in collaboration with a handful of others. Right now, there’s nothing that fulfils me more than an evening to myself with a cup of lemon and ginger tea where I can build an idea into a beat, flesh out a lyrical concept or just work through some social media content. I have a feeling it could be a seasonal thing, what I’ve just described is definitely a winter mood…

What is the biggest decision you’ve had to make?

Over the past 12 months there have been a number of sizeable decisions that I’ve made, some of which have resulted in quite a considerable change within my professional life. The most notable of which would be my decision to completely leave behind my aspirations of becoming a session guitarist so that I could focus on the development of my own music. This really was a 180 degree turn for me as I had just spent three years building myself and a network here in London that knew me as a guitarist.

What makes you different from others?

Musically speaking, I would say that the two biggest differences between myself and my peers would also be my two greatest skills; my ability to produce music and my experience within live arrangement. These two skills hold so much power as an “up and coming” independent artist. Most artists that don’t have the skills in music production need to find a producer that first of all - fits their vibe, and secondly - one that they can rely on and get along with over a lengthy period of time. It would be so difficult and frustrating for me if I didn’t know how to communicate arrangement ideas to my band or put together a track for a melody or lyric idea. The knowledge that I have luckily acquired within these two fields have paid off time after time again and have turned mountains into more manageable obstacles.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

I would want to stay a massive thanks for all the support I have received over the past 6 months. I released “Fears of Letting Go” last month and the response has been humbling.“Fears of Letting Go” is a gift from me to my listeners, an anthem for their mornings, a song to set the mood as they head out to face their day!

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

Over the past two years we have witnessed a huge shift within the music business as a result of the popularisation of TikTok. There’s so much to say with regards to the astronomical impact this app has had on the music industry mainly and most notably how music/content is both consumed and created. We now live in a world of bite size content more commonly know as “short form” content. This has not only impacted the videos we watch but also the songs we listen to.

I personally don’t mind this change as it challenges me to write songs and make content that punches right off the bat. This is the time for short, compact, explosive content made current through TikTok. For sure we will eventually see a resurgence in “long form” content but its very clear where the demand is currently.

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?

When my alarm rings at 5:30am I have to be honest but the first and only thought that goes through my mind is coffee. I’m highly addicted and drink about a litre every morning… yup

What are your plans for the future?

The past years have seen much development within the production side of my career however, in mid 2021, I promised myself that 2022 will be the year that I make time for myself! So you'll be happy to know you're going to be hearing a lot more from me as an artist over the coming weeks and months! "Fears of Letting Go" is the first single off of my debut EP which is entitled "Good Morning World". This is a handful of feel good songs that I have put together over the past six months alongside a number of incredible talents based here in London. Armed with this body of work, it is my ambition to establish a compelling and unmistakable presence for myself in the "up and coming" scene in London.