Will Kevans is an East London 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 Bedford, Cobden Club and The Troubadour. 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, who wrote Glen Campbell’s classic “Wichita Lineman”and Harry Nilsson “Everybody’s Talkin” .Both classic 1970s references whose Americana influences sit very well alongside will’s own song writing. This is indicative of Eaton’s commitment to supporting talented new artists.
The names associated with his debut solo album ‘Everything You Do (due for release early in 2008) 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.
In October last year Will undertook a two week tour of New York and surrounding areas, including a CMJ 2007 Showcase, where he was described as a “British raconteur who fashions crafty acoustic pop and sing along anthems”. He 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 and BBC Radio West Midlands. He has recently returned from 2 showcases for this year’s 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. The album has now been mastered at Abbey Road studios and is scheduled for a August 2008 release.
Artwork for both 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. 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.
