Austin-based musician Chris Evans announces the forthcoming release of his first single, “Angels,” from his solo project under the name Holy Islands, set to be released on Oct. 25. This will be the first of two singles released before the drummer-turned-singer’s debut EP, “Happier Before,” is released on Jan. 17,2025. Each track off the new EP serves as a reflection on life, love, loss, personal growth, and the bittersweet journey of self-discovery. Evans’ own experience with mental health, addiction, and complicated family dynamics have heavily influenced his sound, which is a masterful blend of soulful, ambient, psychedelic Americana. “Angels” will be available to stream on all platforms starting Oct. 25. You can check out the Holy Islands website for more information about the project here.
“Angels” reflects the emotional journey Evans went through coming to terms with the loss of his father, who had a profound but complicated impact on his life. With its haunting vocal harmonies and lurid chords, the track is about searching for direction while grieving and embracing responsibility for your loved ones and community. “Angels” is a sonic exploration of life, death, and the afterlife.
“’Angels’ came about in a time of grief,” said Chris Evans. “I began writing about how I felt I needed to let go of my father’s expectations while acknowledging that I still needed guidance. I felt the freedom to be who I am, untethered from the weight of the expectations and judgments a father imposes on their son. Honestly, I feel like it’s a pretty universal experience, trying to live up to the ideals our parents project upon us.”
Following the release of his first single, Evans plans to release the title track off the new EP, “Happier Before,” on Dec. 13. “Happier Before” holds special significance for Evans, revealing new insights with each listen. The song explores all of the cutting little ways we are reminded of loss, of a relationship now gone, and the loneliness that hits you in the chest with the smallest reminder of the past. The single also reiterates the theme of Evans’ new EP, that people are usually happier before life’s hardships take their toll, but that change helps us to grow and recognize new feelings and strengths within ourselves.
“With this album, my most sincere hope is that listeners will have a cathartic experience,” said Evans “That they can find a piece of themselves in these lyrics, feel seen and understood, and let it go. That’s what they’ve done for me, and I’m excited to share this collection with the world.”
As previously mentioned, Evans’ debut EP, “Happier Before,” will be available on all major streaming platforms on January 17, 2025. Plans for a release party will be announced soon.
The EP was recorded over the course of three years at various studios across Texas, including Audiostyles Studio in Dripping Springs, Test Tube in Austin, and Neon Cowboy Studios in Dallas. GRAMMY-nominated producer Tim Palmer, who mixed the album, played a pivotal role in shaping the EP’s sound and as a mentor to Evans.
ABOUT CHRIS EVANS:
Evans’ musical journey to date has seen him collaborate with various bands and projects, including Jonathan Jeter and The Revelators, sharing stages with celebrated acts like American Aquarium, Jonathan Terrell, and Ray Wylie Hubbard, as well as a 5-year stint playing drums for Austin band, Black Books. With Black Books, he toured with the Flaming Lips in the UK and played at festivals in NYC and Austin.
Relocating to San Antonio, Evans played for regional acts such as Javi Garcia and the Cold Cold Ground, Haley Cole, and Brandon Callies. During this period, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a revelation that profoundly impacted his life and music. Seeking treatment and learning to manage his diagnosis, Evans moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, continuing to perform as a hired musician for artists like Cole Risner, Frankie Leonie, and AJ Legrand. During this time, he met Tyler Martin, who turned out to be an important collaborator in Holy Islands, and the two played together in several bands until Evans moved back to Austin in 2019. Once things took a turn due to COVID-19 and the lockdown began, Evans had more time to focus on his own personal sound and start work on his debut EP as a solo artist under the name Holy Islands.
Chris Evans’ journey is a testament to the transformative power of music. His debut EP, “Happier Before,” is not just an album but a heartfelt narrative that invites listeners to connect with their own experiences of love, loss, and redemption. Following the release of “Happier Before,” Evans plans to tour and continue writing and recording more music. For more information about Holy Islands, visit his website here.