Heather Evans, a Marquette musician since her early teens, has long been a staple in the local music scene. Her journey has taken her through various performances at bars, festivals, and more, allowing her to meet countless people and share her love for music. With the release of her latest record, "Another Time," she reflects on the inspiration and process behind this deeply personal project.
"Another Time" is a collection of songs written years ago, some dating back to her time with the band 34C. Heather expressed a desire to finally record these tracks to preserve them and to add newer songs that complemented the album's overall sound. The songs reflect a period of restlessness in her early twenties, touching on themes of relationships, finances, and living situations. “They’re all definitely very literal,” she says, highlighting how these songs differ from her previous, more metaphorical works.
The album was recorded in a basement last fall, a setting that mirrors Heather’s DIY approach to music. Collaborating with Chris Moore and Ryan Lundin (of Ladoga), she brought her MacBook and some microphones to Chris’s house, where they recorded amidst cables and makeshift setups. This was Heather’s first time recording a band herself, marking an important milestone in her musical career. She says working with Chris and Ryan was enjoyable, involving weekly practices for about two months before hitting the record button.
Heather’s songwriting often begins with a melody, followed by lyrics that resonate with her current thoughts and feelings. "Fever Dreams," a standout track from the album, exemplifies this process. Written mostly on a snow day, it features lyrics that Heather finds particularly relevant to her life now.
https://heatherevanstunes.bandcamp.com/track/fever-dreams
Reflecting on her lyrics and the restlessness they convey, Heather acknowledges how she has grown over time. She’s learned to look back on her past with forgiving eyes and to recognize that she always had the tools she needed to succeed.
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Heather in our main studio about her music:
Heather’s growth as a musician is evident in her willingness to experiment and push her boundaries. Along with providing the vocals, she played lead guitar on an album, and while she claims that she "doesn't shred," the guitar work is still impressive and effective.
Heather appreciates the vibrant Marquette music scene, particularly venues like Kognisjon Bryggeri that host a variety of shows. She acknowledges the ebb and flow of the scene, which often depends on the influx of college students and their willingness to participate in local music. Heather plans to continue performing solo around town and is excited to share her music with the community.
Listeners can find Heather’s music on her Bandcamp page, HeatherEvansTunes.bandcamp.com, where all her albums are available. The new album will also be physically available for sale soon. For updates on her shows and music, follow her on Instagram at @HeatherEvansTunes.
The preceding interview was part of a broadcast of The Shuffle on July 27th, 2024.
