“Songwriting is an escape from reality”: Samuel Evanson on his forthcoming album ‘The Anatomy of Attraction’

Up-and-coming Liverpool-based artist Samuel Evanson is currently anticipating the release of his sophomore album, The Anatomy of Attraction, an immaculate piece of soul-searching and unparalleled transparency. Said to inhibit “a unique ability to blend introspective lyrics with engaging melodies” by Wonderland magazine, Evanson sets out to deliver tracks of not only a distinctive nature but also to elicit resolution within his listeners. I had the pleasure of listening to the full album in advance of its release on Friday, as well as gaining some clarity from Evanson himself regarding his artistic process and inspirations for the album. 

The first single off the album, ‘Sinners’, was released way back in 2024, giving us a brief sample of the sound of the album to come. The track is a euphoric self-release for Evanson, the synth-beat creating a thrilling climax. The track is placed towards the end of the album, which, as a whole, follows the emotional landscape of Evanson’s life over the past two years. He claims, “I’m so excited you have no idea. This album has been two years in the making, and I’m so excited that people will finally be able to hear what I’ve been working on”. Yet the release of a project invested with this much time and passion does not come without some anxiety, Evanson stating, “of course I’m nervous, I mean … who wouldn’t be?”, yet I am assured that he has received nothing but support and positive feedback from those around him. 

There is always a special moment when you’ve completed a track and listen to the final version for the first time

Samuel Evanson

More broadly speaking, Evanson relishes the process of songwriting, claiming “songwriting is an escape from reality and a way of talking about your issues … there is always a special moment when you’ve completed a track and listen to the final version for the first time”. This escapism manifests clearly within the album, a whirlwind of bliss and heartbreak simultaneously being brought to fruition. He jokes that it is “a type of therapy where you can vent your problems without actually having to talk to anyone”. ‘He Gave Me Nothing’ certainly proves this point, Evanson’s growling vocals evidencing bitterness and spite towards his past lover as well as “catchy lyrics and memorable synths” inspired by his love for Chappell Roan. 

This record demonstrates Evanson’s musical flexibility, diverging slightly from the mainstream pop sound of his first album We Are Meant to Break the Rules and instead fosters self-expression and confidence in his own capabilities. He claims, “My sound has definitely evolved but I think that’s down to experience and also trying to stay current, you have to roll with the sound of the times and put in the effort to see what people are listening to without compromising your sound”. He is motivated by not only personal drive but also a desire to help others, stating “I do it for everyone that needs a voice”. ‘I Think I’m Ready’ specifically is a coming-of-age anthem with angelic harmonies, encouraging walls to be pulled down despite the risks. This aligns with Evanson’s own views on converting his thoughts and feelings into meaningful lyrics, for he confides “sometimes and especially if there’s a lot of emotion involved in the story behind it, trying to convert that into something beautiful is hard when it hurts”. 

Its very name The Anatomy of Attraction encapsulating a dissection of heartbreak through the vessel of music

Yet I would argue that the risks certainly seem to pay off, his emotional honesty and artistic clarity grouping his music amongst that of Sam Smith and Passenger. One cannot deny the cohesion of the album as a whole, its very name , The Anatomy of Attraction, encapsulating a dissection of heartbreak through the vessel of music. We are guided through the breakdown of Evanson’s relationship: experiencing intense grief, reflection, acceptance and renewal. Upon concluding the interview, I asked Evanson what advice he would give to young people navigating complex relationships today, to which he replied, “I’d say to always trust your gut, if you feel something us up it is! I’ve ignored it far too much and suffered so much heartbreak because of it”. 

On that note, The Anatomy of Attraction is well worth a listen, a glorious package of emotionally moving songs that track the ebbs and flows of Evanson’s own emotional journey, drawing you into a soft intimacy with the artist. Having been tipped by CLASH and Notion as one of alt-pop’s most exciting emerging voices, I implore you to catch Evanson’s headline gig at Liverpool’s Heebie Jeebies on Friday 13 March and listen to The Anatomy of Attraction, out Friday 20 February!