‘Never lose the romance’ - it’s a lyric from Mike Evin’s new song, “Recovering Romantic”, but it’s also a reflection on why he keeps making music.The Canadian piano pop tunesmith has been steadily building a loyal following across North America and beyond for over ten years, yet his new music has the feel of an artist still out to discover something fresh and honest and connect with a wider audience.
“Recovering Romantic” has an undeniable groove, rich with Afro-Latin drums, percussion and a catchy syncopated piano hook.The performance is organic, a throwback to when they made danceable pop music without the aid of computers.The lyrics capture the vulnerability, danger and beauty of falling in love. It was written in New Orleans, where Evin was living for a spell. Howie Beck (Charlotte Day Wilson, River Tiber) produced the track and manages to make it sound contemporary, classic and elusive all at once.
Evin has independently released five albums and two EP’s, and his champions include Barenaked Ladies, Ron Sexsmith and Australia’s Ben Lee. CBC Music called Evin the “next big thing”, and the lead single from his fifth full-length album Life As A Lover, “Have I Ever Loved?”, was among the Top 20 most played songs of 2015 on Sirius XM’s CBC Sonica. In 2017, Barenaked Ladies brought him out to support their US theatre tour, and he’s also shared stages with Sexsmith, Dan Mangan and Sarah Harmer. Fans love the spontaneity and energy of his live shows.
Mike Evin’s music is a modern spin on the classic piano pop of Billy Joel and Joe Jackson, and he’s been mentioned with Ben Folds and Jason Mraz. But he has a distinct voice - a heartfelt reflection of the human experience. His time spent in Cuba, New Orleans and the Aniishnaabe community of Manitoulin Island have all shaped his art.
"I have a very romantic side of me that I've let guide me in the past. It's lead me into some really beautifully intimate moments. But, in the past few years, I've gotten more guarded about letting that romantic side steer the ship. Somehow, I thought I was cultivating a more realistic view on love and the motivations behind loving someone.
It's probably also about wanting to somehow remain in control – when you're in love or falling in love, sometimes you lose it. I didn't want that feeling for a while…I wanted to feel like I had a complete handle on myself. I've really been suppressing this romantic part of myself, but it will always be here." say's Mike.
Listen to 'Recovering Romantic'.
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Links to Mike Evin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikeevin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikeevin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeevin/?hl=en