Singer-songwriter Evan Williams, hailing from Broadstairs, Kent, released his debut album ‘The View From Halfway Down’ last Friday (April 11th) – a remarkable LP filled with skillful hooks and distinctive golden-age indie choruses.
He has also recently opened for his mentor Peter Doherty, who signed him, during three sold-out shows, and is currently touring across the country.
CLASH recently spoke with the barstool balladeer about the album – intriguingly named after an episode from the cult series BoJack Horseman…
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Hey Evan! This album tackles some serious themes – addiction and self-loathing – yet it’s also incredibly fun and catchy. Was that intentional?
Yes, it was deliberate. It helps me avoid taking myself too seriously. Even in my darkest songs, I can’t help but include a punchline or a silly one-liner.
You portray the contemporary Britain poetically, depicting a nation of stoners, tracksuits, and overdrafts.
It stems from my own experiences. Everyone feels broke and exhausted while searching for an escape. Naturally, that makes its way into the songs.
Is writing a therapeutic process for you?
Before I delved into any legitimate therapeutic treatments, writing was my only outlet. It was how I understood my feelings. Performing these songs live is cathartic now, as I know I’ve confronted these issues and emerged on the other side.
What’s behind your fascination with BoJack Horseman?
You pointed out that I hide serious themes in catchy melodies. That’s precisely what BoJack Horseman accomplished so well. It tackled very human issues through colorful comedic cartoon animals. The episode ‘The View From Halfway Down’ beautifully and tragically explores existential dread and suicidal thoughts, and it inspired a song on the album, which later became the title track.
Is the song ‘Ten Fifty-Four’ about Peter Doherty?
It’s not specifically about Peter. The character in the opening verses is a blend of many individuals. However, the line ‘the tabloids they tarnished his name’ definitely draws inspiration from the harsh and hurtful way the tabloids portrayed Peter and many in his circle.
How did you meet him for the first time?
I first met Peter when I was eighteen. My friends and I had just discovered the music of The Libertines and BabyShambles when they opened a hotel and recording studio in my hometown. I managed to get a bar job there, and it became my second home. When I left for university, they kindly gave me a couple of days in the studio as a thank you. I recorded my first two singles ‘When The Shutters Rise Again’ and ‘I’ll Stick Around.’ When Peter and his manager Jai heard them, they informed me of their plans to start a record label and offered to release my tracks.
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Sounds like COVID significantly influenced your work?
The pandemic and ensuing lockdowns made my writing much more introspective than before. The isolation compelled me to confront parts of myself I had previously overlooked. Exploring these darker, more emotional themes led to ballads. This album wouldn’t have been possible in the ‘before times’; it was truly a product of those circumstances.
What records hold significance for you?
‘Hunky Dory’ by David Bowie is one of the first albums I remember listening to entirely. A friend’s dad had it on 8-track in his car, and I can recall standing out the sunroof while it played. I must have been around six or seven. That record feels really comforting to me now.
You’re an exceptional songwriter; what’s your process? Especially for a beautiful track like The Ending?
It varies greatly from song to song. I haven’t found a specific formula for songwriting yet. The melody for The Ending had been lingering in my subconscious for a while. When I sat down to finish it, the song felt like it was already fully formed.
You’ve relocated to London now; how do you feel about Broadstairs these days?
Broadstairs and the rest of Thanet feel like a holiday destination again. It’s a pleasant escape from the city. I’m sure I’ll eventually settle back by the sea.
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Catch Evan Williams at the following shows:
April 12 Margate Albion Rooms (album launch)
April 13 Bristol Zed Alley
April 14 Huddersfield Vinyl Tap
April 15 Leeds Crash
April 17 Letchworth David’s
April 18 London Dash the Henge
April 20 Glasgow Assai
April 21 Edinburgh Assai
April 22 Newcastle Reflect
April 29 Kingston Banquet (matinee show)
April 29 Chelmsford Hot Box
May 14 Brighton Strap Originals at The Great Escape
Words: Andy Hill
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Singer-songwriter Evan Williams, hailing from Broadstairs, Kent, premiered his debut album 'The View From Halfway Down' last Friday (April 11th) – an impressive