Sam Evian
Sam Evian is the alias of Sam Owens, an American songwriter, instrumentalist and producer, who is recognised for a sound and songwriting style rooted in late-’60s and 70’s influences including George Harrison, Levon Helm, and Shuggie Otis.
Sam Evian is the alias of Sam Owens, an American songwriter, instrumentalist and producer, who is recognised for a sound and songwriting style rooted in late-’60s and 70’s influences including George Harrison, Levon Helm, and Shuggie Otis.
Plunge is Sam Evian’s 4th studio album, and the debut on his new imprint Flying Cloud
Recordings/Thirty Tigers set for release on March 22, 2024. Joined by his closest friends
and collaborators (including Liam Kazar, Sean Mullins, El Kempner of Palehound and
Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief), the album was tracked live to tape in the early winter
months of 2023 over a 10-day period at his quaint Flying Cloud Recording studio tucked
away in the Catskills Mountains. With a wide-open recording approach, the result is
Evian’s best album to date: a cathartic rock record that melds power pop, iridescent guitar,
raucous psychedelia, and Sam’s now sought-after grooves. The music is both fresh and
familiar, sonically inspired by his penchant for early 70s production and creatively
propelled by the free-spirited process depicted in the Beatles documentary Get Back, as
well as his urge to let go. “No-one knew the songs or what the plan was. We kept it loose
and fun. This was the spirit of the sessions. No headphones, no playback, minimal
overdubs, or bleed. Fast and loose” Evian remarks.Lyrically, Plunge is heavier than previous records. It is inspired by his parents, who in their
later years had the courage to drift apart to find themselves individually, before
reconnecting, and reaffirming their love. “These songs bounce back and forth between
perspectives – my mom’s, my dad’s and mine. I was exploring the idea of the difference
between coming and going, the idea of leaving so you can come back. Not to be Hallmark
Card about it but, in a phrase, the theme of this album is ‘wherever you go, there you are.’”
Plunge is an album about family. It is an album about love. It is an album that required a
tremendous amount of empathy and clarity on Sam’s part. It’s an homage to true love
finding its way home, even if it takes a bit of a beating along the way.