Home base: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Life from 9 to 5: “Currently, my duties are split between writing and recording and waiting tables in Manhattan.”
Songwriting process: “I typically start with an idea like a chord progression or a melody or both, and fiddle with it until a structure takes shape. I try to couple a classical style of writing with a more improvised decision-making process to make the music and form less predictable.”
The story behind the song: “I wrote ‘City of Broken Dreams’ after a two-legged trip to my hometown (Jackson, Miss.) and then Charleston. I came back with a lot of reminiscent and reflective feelings. I think the message is that certain experiences live on in memory alone; when you re-encounter a familiar place from a poignant time in your life, the resurfaced feelings can be hard to understand. Sometimes you feel estranged, even melancholic. However, it’s just proof of the fondness of the memory and the desire to relive the experience.”
The recording of “City of Broken Dreams”: “I actually recorded the track in my apartment by myself. I chose to record on cassette tape to give the song a more vintage feel. This was one of those rare occasions when a song seemed to take shape somewhat effortlessly. The only challenge was the analogue recording process, which requires taking full passes of each track on the song. I think this song represents a new school of thought in my writing style, which is to simplify and focus on the basics of melody and form, drawing more on influences from the pop music of the 1950s and ’60s.”
Music future: “My goal as a writer is a simple one, which is to grow with each project and avoid digression at all cost. As a musician, I would like to learn to keep better time and spend a little more time practicing my instruments!”
Musical highlights: “I have had songs featured on Entourage and The Hills (‘Drunk Lover’) and, most recently, Gossip Girl (‘Wolf and I’). In 2009, my song ‘Legs and Scars’ was named Song of the Year by SceneSC.com, and currently I’m scoring a documentary about the late Mississippi author Barry Hannah, which is a huge honor for me. I have toured with some decent names, such as the Zachary Brown Band, John Mayer and Howie Day. I have also been blessed with some truly inspiring mentors, namely Jay Clifford (Charleston singer/songwriter of Jump Little Children fame) and Professor Edward Hart ’88 (music department) and Professor Paul Allen (English department).”
Check out more music by Owen Evans.
Lyrics for “City of Broken Dreams”
Guess I always knew this day would come,
When our glow would finally fade.
I’d embrace a south I never even knew.
Something about digging up the past, somehow you always kill the grass.
Am I such a stranger in my hometown,
Am I such a danger to the old crowd?
City of broken dreams; population one.
Come on pack your things it’s time to disappear.
Before the smoke gets in your eyes,
Just blow the candle out before the memory dies.
You thought our love was just a game,
I thought a jet flew by spelling our names.
Am I such a stranger in my hometown,
Am I such a danger to the old crowd?
City of broken dreams; population me.
This is where I went to school, haven’t been back here in years.
This is where I had a first kiss, never will I forget this, no.
Am I such a stranger in my hometown,
Am I such a danger to the old crowd?
City of broken dreams; population one.
Listen to all of the songs on The Soundtrack.
– Photos by Sully Sullivan
