Will Kevans is a UK-based singer-songwriter and master of the catchy pop tune and lyric. ‘Dialling Tone’ recently won Will an award in the prestigious ‘International Songwriting Competition’ and the video for the song stars Being Human’s Russell Tovey. It has also been featured on a compilation album released by Universal alongside artists such as James Morrison, the Goo Goo Dolls and Keane.
Will’s 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 a publishing deal with Eaton music former home classic writers Jimmy Webb. These classic 1970s Americana influences sit very well alongside Will’s own song-writing. This is indicative of Eaton’s commitment to supporting talented new artists. Will played a very successful showcase at CMJ 2009 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, Will has just completed an opening slot for Judy in New York on 21st December 2009 at The Bitter End. Will’s single ‘Sand’ was play listed on BBC Radio 2 for 8 weeks.
The names associated with his debut solo album ‘Everything You Do’ (released on 1st February 2010) speak for themselves. He is currently working with producers Ian Grimble (Travis, Manic Street Preachers and The Enemy) Gavin Monaghan (The Editors, Ryan Adams, The Twang) and Andy Hughes (The Orb, Basement Jaxx). The album also features slide guitar legend Al Perkins (who has performed with the likes of Gram Parsons, The Eagles, Bob Dylan and Emmylou Harris). 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, whose guitar solo on ‘Reelin’ in the Years’ has entered the annuls of rock history. Will recently returned from 2 showcases at Canadian Music Week in Toronto where he also recorded 2 new tracks for the album with Tom McKay at Canterbury Studios. The new tracks were mixed by Bowie/Prince producer Mark Plati in New York and the album has now been mastered at Abbey Road studios. The first single ‘Everything You Do’ was released on 20th October 2008 through IRL Records (Damien Dempsey). The Album was released on 1st February on Stunt Dog Records through Cadiz and Universal.
Will is currently on tour throughout the summer (see tour dates below) and is also happy to announce a Gibson Guitar endorsement for the tour. The 19-day UK single tour will started on 26th May 2010 in London at Hoxton Underbelly and Will shall return to New York in September for some more gigs, the anticipated US Album release being September 2010. In October last year Will undertook a two week tour of New York and surrounding areas, including a CMJ 2009 Showcase, where he was described as a “British raconteur who fashions crafty acoustic pop and sing along anthems”. As well as playing at 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 last year’s North By North-East music conference where he received a rapturous response. Whilst there, he played a support slot to Ron Sexsmith. He has also recently supported Get Cape Wear Cape Fly and The Holloways.
Will received rotational play on US college radio, going straight to #17 on VIC top 30 and in at #6 on KASB's top 30. Dialling Tone has now received play on over 80 US College stations. Will has also played live on BBC Wales, BBC Radio West Midlands, Steve Lamacq’s Radio 2 show, and the Gary Crowley show on BBC 6. Will’s no stranger to radio either. In 2008, the ex-Junk TV front man 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.
Will’s song ‘Sand Makes a Pearl’ went to number 2 in the German mp3 charts Netzparade and he has also been the featured artist of the month on both the Hit Quarters and Sonicbids websites. His other achievements include making it to the semi-finals of the 2005 International Song Competition with ‘Out There’ which also won him the ‘Song of the Year’ competition. He was subsequently chosen to represent the ISC in both Delaware and Seattle.
Artwork for both single and album comes from Will’s wife Annie Kevans, a much lauded and well respected up and coming artist who’s entire collection of paintings ‘Boys’ was bought by Charles Saatchi in 2004. Annie has received excellent press and has been featured in the Independent, Sunday Times, Harpers Bazaar, Have I Got News For You and the Evening Standard to name a few. Annie was also interviewed by BBC London News and by Jono Coleman and JoAnne Good on BBC London Radio. The image used for the single cover had to be cropped, as iTunes would not allow the full image (including nipples) to be used.
Here’s what the critics say about Will:-
Q Mag “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."
Sunday Times (Olivia Cole) “Catchy debut single”
Guitar Techniques "This album is full of commercialism, contrasts & musical excellence."
Guitarist "Slickly produced UK singer-songwriter has a great voice & polished pop rock writing."
Blues Matters ”With the right exposure this should do very nicely for Will. Yes I liked this musical diversion a lot.”
MOJO Magazine “Messing About At the Weekend’ is a classy calling card. The bluesy guitar and adventurous use of a string quartet marks it out”
TIME OUT London: “Promising up and coming songsmith/performer, Kevans purveys his stylish and accomplished, rootsy, pop influenced rock. His sensitive and mature talent”
Gt. Yarmouth Advertiser “Will’s tracks are very commercial sounding, packed full of hooks and interesting melodies. Expressive, well-crafted lyrics & good musicianship, including some interesting guests, make this a slick album.”
Get Ready To Rock 3*** “Everything You Do is a quality piece of adult orientated pop that suggests that Will Kevans is set to become a household name.”
Birmingham 101 Lifestyle Mag "If you still like the idea of Robbie Williams but wonder where he lost the song plot, then London singer-songwriter Kevans may well be the answer to your prayers. This album deserves to put Kevans firmly on the path to success."
Burton Daily Mail ”Pop rock songs tinged with country influence all enveloped in a mainstream radio-friendly sheen.”
Classic Rock Society ”This album oozes charm, has class written all over it and is one of the best albums I’ve heard all year.”
BBC Radio 2 Steve Wright, Simon Mayo, Janice Long, Alex Lester, Richard Allinson "This is the new song from Will Kevans and we like this."
Maverick ”The album is a diverse variety of sounds which makes for fascinating listening experience.”
R2 “4**** “With a modicum of good fortune any of these tunes could & should be gracing a radio near you soon."
Eastern Daily Press ”3*** Dialling Tone is the album’s highlight, blending a pumping piano riff with a big, big chorus.”
Blackpool Gazette ”This UK based singer songwriter has come up with a refreshing slice of simplicity. Clearly one to watch.”
UK Tour Summer 2010
JULY
Wed 07 July LONDON The Cobden Club 170-172 Kensal Road, London London London W10 5NB On stage @ 8pm
Sat 10th July: CHELMSFORD The Fling Festival Central Park Essex On stage @ 6pm ADM FREE
Fri 23rd July: CHELMSFORD The Fleece 84 Duke Street CM1 1JP On stage @ 8pm ADM £5
Fri 30th July: GREAT BARDFIELD The High Barn 28 Bardfield Centre Essex CM7 4SL On stage @ 8pm ADM £5
AUGUST
Mon 16th Aug: LONDON The Bedford 77 bedford hill SW12 9HD On stage @ 8pm ADM £5
SEPTEMBER
Fri 3rd Sept: CAMBRIDGE Lodestar Festival Lode Near Cambridge On stage @ 8pm ADM £5
Fri 10th Sept: MILTON KEYNES The Stables Stockwell Lane MK17 8LU On stage @ 8pm ADM £5
Sat 18th Sept: HAILSHAM Out of the Ordinary Festival Knockhatch Farm On stage @ 2pm ADM £5
Spotlight
