Described as a straight talking acoustic troubadour and as suburban country.Will Kevans is a UK-based singer-songwriter and master of the catchy pop tune and lyric. His song, ‘Dialling Tone’, recently won Will an award in the prestigious ‘International Songwriting Competition’. It has also been featured on a compilation album released by Universal alongside artists such as James Morrison, the Goo Goo Dolls and Keane.
His unique Nashville-influenced brand of hooky songs have given this performer quite a reputation on the live circuit, where he’s a regular at venues such as The Water Rats, The Borderline and The Fly. He was described by one critic as being ‘Ian McNabb meets Squeeze’. Will is very much one of the new breed of singer-songwriters on the new folk acoustic circuit. His heartfelt and catchy songs reflect life’s experience and the human condition. The thinking man’s Johnny Cash by way of Nick Lowe.
Will has just signed to UK publisher Eaton Music and has signed a US Album deal with Wildflower Records. The label belongs to the seminal American folk artist of the 60s and 70s Judy Collins.
The names associated with his debut solo album ‘Everything You Do’ speak for themselves. Producers on this album are Ian Grimble (Travis, Manic Street Preachers and The Enemy), Gavin Monaghan (The Editors, Ryan Adams, The Twang) and Bowie/Prince producer Mark Plati (who also mixed the new tracks in New York). The album also features slide guitar legend Al Perkins. Guest vocals come from former Beautiful South songstress Alison Wheeler, whilst keyboard skills are provided by James Blunt’s pianist Paul Beard. Further guitar excellence is supplied by ex Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers guitarist Elliot Randall.
The band line up features Richard Murray on lead guitar, Alex Cromarty on drums, Curtis Cumberbatch on bass, Miho Wada on piano and organ and Sarah Croft on backing vocals.
Artwork for both the debut single and album comes from Will’s wife Annie Kevans, a much lauded and well respected up and coming artist and who’s entire collection of paintings ‘Boys’ was bought by Charles Saatchi in 2004. The image used for the single cover had to be cropped, as iTunes would not allow the full image (including nipples) to be used.
Will’s Febraury 2010 single ‘Sand Makes a Pearl’ went to number 2 in the German mp3 charts and was play listed by BBC radio 2 in the UK.
As well as playing at last year’s North by North East music conference in Toronto where he was voted ‘Best Act of the Festival’, Will has also performed numerous showcases at Popkomm in Berlin, Canadian Music Week, South by South West, Brighton’s Great Escape Festival and at this year’s North By North-East music conference where he received a rapturous response. Whilst there, he played a support slot to Ron Sexsmith.
Last year, Will released ‘Out There’ on Badass Records to much critical acclaim. The single has since been played extensively on Radio 1’s Chris Moyles and Jo Whiley shows as well as receiving numerous other plays on stations such as Virgin, Kiss FM and Capital Gold.Will’s song ‘London Fields’ was also a finalist in BBC London’s 2012 Anthem where he received numerous plays on The Robert Elms Show.
Here’s what the critics say about Will:
‘Messing About At the Weekend’ is a classy calling card. The bluesy guitar and adventurous use of a string quartet marks it out’
MOJO MAGAZINE
‘Promising up and coming songsmith/performer, Kevans purveys his stylish and accomplished, rootsy, pop influenced rock. His sensitive and mature talent’
TIME OUT
‘Catchy debut single’
SUNDAY TIMES
‘Johnny Cash meets Pulp’
Tom McKay (producer)
"The country flavoured singer-songwriter pop of London's Will Kevans can be both delightful & sincere, particularly Dialling Tone, which won the International Songwriting Competition." Q MAG
"Slickly produced UK singer-songwriter has a great voice & polished pop rock writing."GUITARIST
“Everything You Do is a quality piece of adult orientated pop that suggests that Will Kevans is set to become a household name.” Get Ready To Rock 3***
This is happy, non-pretentious music to make you feel good. Also importantly it crosses generations as well. My seventeen-year-old daughter keeps stealing this for her room. With the right exposure this should do very nicely for Will. Yes I liked this musical diversion a lot.
Graeme Scott BLUES MATTERS
Quite possibly the finest home grown singer songwriter of recent times reared in these fair isles since Rod Thomas.
www.losingtoday.com online music magazine
Will Kevans has made my day… His recent single ‘Everything You Do’ has made me question how I had never heard of this guy and worry about what I’ve missed out on so far. Kevans offers up perfectly tinged Americana based songs, which offer boy/girl harmonies, passionate voices and lush instrumentation. In his blurb, it says this could be an instant country/Americana hit, and for once I am forced to step down and admit they may just be right.
This is a promising artist that should be welcomed with open arms in to the Americana/ Country scene. Definitely one to watch out for!
www.dieshellsuit.co.uk Magazine
'Johnny Cash meets Pulp' Will Kevans is a breath of fresh air to the folk scene and I'm sure one artist that will change many peoples perception of that music genre. I for one can't wait to hear the album based on this single. 9/10
Street Voice UK Music Magazine
Full May 2010 UK tour to be announced! Watch this space. I can’t wait to see you all again.
Will Kevans Live on Swedish and Polish TV
dialling tone
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