NEWSLETTER
ABOUT
‘Never lose the romance’ - it’s a lyric from Mike Evin’s latest album, Evin On Earth, 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, the UK and beyond for over fifteen 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.
Evin has independently released six albums and two EP’s, and his champions include Canadian icons Barenaked Ladies and 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. “Al Green” reached #1 on Sirius XM’s The Verge.
Evin’s modern spin on the classic piano pop of Billy Joel and Joe Jackson manages to sound contemporary, classic and elusive all at once. 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.
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.
Evin On Earth reunites Evin with some key collaborators from different points in his career: producer Howie Beck (Charlotte Day Wilson) first worked with Evin on 2015’s Life As A Lover, bassist Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies) co-produced 2005’s I’ll Bring The Stereo, and drummer Ian MacKay (Basia Bulat) has toured across Canada and the US with Evin.
Since March 2020, Evin has been putting on weekly live stream concerts from his Toronto home. These 50+ shows have been loose and engaging, and they’ve nurtured a tight fan community that’s bared witness to many new songs. One of the new songs, "Paul Chambers" (co-written with Creeggan), appears on Barenaked Ladies’ latest album. Evin is currently recording a new album with producer Chris Stringer (Rose Cousins, Abigail Lapell).
MUSIC
“A rarity – a pop composer who isn’t afraid to use his wit or to wear his heart for all to hear.”
— CBC Radio
“Mike Evin taps into what motivates people, and champions the search for happiness.”
— Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies)
“Contagious energy … Mike Evin has all that it takes to get discovered by a wider audience.”
— Musicomania
“Mike Evin’s ‘Have I Ever Loved?’ is a modern classic.”
— Adam Levy (Norah Jones)
“Hauntingly beautiful vocals and mesmerizing music”
— Canadian Beats
“Evin’s soulful folk-infused pop sound is equal parts infectious and smooth, it’s a track that deserves a great deal more attention.”
— Halifax Bloggers
“His music is fun, the spirit joyful, the hooks ridiculously plentiful.”
— Bob Mersereau (Top 100 Canadian)
“The next big thing”
— CBC Music
