Interview: Sam Evans
Up and coming worship leader Sam Evans talks to Louder Than The Music about how his church inspired his new single, 'One More' and discusses the recent release of his EP.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
My dad was a session musician at the age of 18 at Jewel Studio in Cincinnati, OH. I began writing songs at the age of 12 and my dad got me into recording in Lima, OH.
Tell us about your new single 'One More' and what the inspiration behind it was?
The church where I serve in Fergus Falls was preparing a vision campaign to erect a new building and increase their reach, called 'One More'. They'd just had a townhall meeting and the message of Luke 15:7 rested on my mind all night. The next morning I showed up to the office, grabbed a guitar and wrote 'One More' in about 15 minutes.
The song is taken from your recent EP, 'The Only Song Worth Singing', what more can you tell us about that release?
It's a collection of worship, praise, and Gospel that's a product of leading worship and serving in ministry for the last 13 years. Leading worship and serving is not glamorous but rather a calling that often comes with heartaches and cross-country moves. 'Only Song' emphasizes the power of Jesus music and the songs about Jesus, as He's the only person that can truly get you through life's valleys.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
Songs about Jesus are always worth singing. The Gospel is not exclusive, it's meant to be shared, just like your testimony.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I try to keep centered in the mode of worship, but I know my roots of country and gospel bleed through. I grew up on 90's country and Jesus music, but listen to a lot of Brandon Lake, Leeland, and Elevation now.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I'm still a Ryan Stevenson fan. He's been through tough times and church splits and knows how to write a song that pulls you into a moment.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I'm just starting out as an artist. I've spent my whole life being afraid of being rejected and failure, but it's never too late to believe.
What is your favorite album of all time?
This is a tough one. I would have to say High Lonesome Sound by Vince Gill.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Given the circumstance and needing some encouragement it would have to be 'Made for More' by Josh Baldwin.
What does the next year hold for you?
Leading worship, providing opening support, releasing more music, including an EP with the Naz Worship Collective.
