“May I always be, one of the million, who still believe”.
Welcome to the mindset of Canada’s next great musician.
Teeming with lyrical profundity, melodic emotion and reverential vocals, Angela Evans’ debut album, “Still Hope”, serves notice that the Canadian music scene is about to become much brighter.
If one could imagine an uncompromising union between Josh Grobin, Sarah McLaughlin and Celine Dion… it would only begin to set the stage for this unique Canadian talent.
The album is a story unto itself, created in the throw-back model of record-making where every track weaves itself into the bigger picture. Crafting every element of the album – songwriting, instrumentation and production – Evans has successfully delivered on the biggest undertaking of her life to date.
“This album has been the greatest challenge of my musical career,” says Evans. “I truly hope fans can feel and hear the results of that journey in each song.”
At the helm of the album is the anthemic “Still Hope”. Embracing the same spirit as fellow Canadian K’naan’s “Wavin’ Flag”, it brims with the essence of optimism and global change.
“I think there has been an incredible shift in awareness,” relays Evans. “It can make you feel helpless if there is no sense of hope to balance this new understanding. I wrote ‘Still Hope’ so that I would have something to repeat in my head during those moments of fear and weakness.”
Having already been honoured in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and receiving radio play across Canada, “Warm Hands” dives into the essence of the father-daughter relationship with unrestrained emotion. Set within the confines of a family torn apart by divorce, childhood memories and present-day boundaries collide to create a timeless classic.
“Amazingly this song came directly from a frustrating conversation, and accompanying epiphany, with my Dad,” admits Evans. “We finally came to this great place of understanding and acceptance with each other and ‘Warm Hands’ just came flying out!”
“Whisper in the Air” was a song first conceived during Evans’ visit to Zimbabwe in 2007, where she performed with Dudu Menhenga and the Zimbabwean Idol winner at a benefit show for Women with HIV and AIDS. Sponsored by the Canadian Government, the concert drew both fan and critical acclaim and helped inspire this melodic catalyst of hope.
“Without a doubt my experience in Zim was absolutely life-altering,” says Evans. “My husband and I were fortunate enough to stay with friends during our visit and their unwavering belief that better times were coming inspired me in such a powerful and poignant way.” Evans adds that “the concert helped cement my belief in the goodness and strength of people – even those who truly are living in the direst of circumstances.”
In keeping with her much-heralded reputation for crafting distinctively powerful songs about love, Evans spins a tale woven through the metaphor of her (secret) nautical passion that intimately captures the courage necessary to embrace a lifelong commitment to another.
“This song actually started as a poem to my husband,” offers Evans. “But I really wanted to include it on the album because I think it is something that anyone who has been in love before, and has now found their life partner, can relate to.”
A hauntingly beautiful spirituality lingers in the melodies and verses of “The River” while “Mother” challenges its listeners to reconsider their relationship with the world.
“It’s funny, I really think these two songs are related,” muses Evans. “They both acknowledge the Earth as a living being. She might sit in the background without saying a word, but she is always there protecting us, teaching us and offering us wonderful backdrops to fall in love against.”
The name for “Quiet Room” emerged from an online contest where fans submitted their suggestions of a title for the song many claim to be the most emotionally stirring track on the album. Evans, who hand-picked the winning entry, was astonished at the creativity and depth of the submitted titles.
“I was completely blown away by how clever and beautiful so many of the titles were,” she says in awe. “I absolutely adore being able to connect on a personal level with fans and I am so thankful that so many people took the time and effort to offer such thoughtful suggestions.”
In keeping with her lifelong commitment to empowering women (and men) across the world, “Swan Song”, “Your Lucky Day” and “Heart of a Woman” compel both genders to embrace their own melodic pulse, beating deep within themselves.
“I wouldn’t ever say I write for women,” contends Evans. “Don’t get me wrong, I feel so honoured to be engaged with so many charities that focus on empowering women and am thrilled that my songs or stories can add to that cause, but I am really just writing what I know, and I hope that everyone, men and women alike, can take something from it that works for them at that time in their lives.”
Concluding the story is the visceral anthem “Victory”. “I was thrilled to end the album with this song,” shares Evans. “For me, this song evokes such a strong response within me and I hope it does the same for others who hear it.”
After nearly 15 years of crafting, performing and living her music as venerated and multi-award winning Folk Artist “Angie Nussey”, Evans’ evolution from Canadian singer/songwriter to respected global artist mirrors her own evolution from small-town Ontario darling to mainstream industry innovator, visionary and spokesperson.
Passing on her acquired pearls of wisdom – through her music, her charitable endeavors and her engagement with fans – is all the motivation Evans needs to continue to devote her entire self to her music.
“I have been very lucky to have found a career that allows me to connect with so many new people,” offers Evans. “I continue to be surprised and amazed by what each person has to say. Every human being is so interesting and beautiful to me, and I believe there is always something new to be learned from them.”
Perhaps it is that ardent belief in others that makes Evans such a rare voice in today’s music landscape. Perhaps it is a mindset we should all take another look at adopting.
May we all be, Angela, one of those million who still believe...
For more info on Angela Evans, see www.officialangelaevans.com
listen to "Warm Hands"
listen to "Whisper in the Air"