Our friend Evenson bends genres with his most recent video, “Pretender.” In addition to having a million streaming plays under his belt, the young artist showcases impressive emotional depth in his songwriting and performance. Furthermore, he creates hooks that are instantly infectious and impossible to ignore. Produced by Christopher Plante, the song is a testament to Evenson’s ever-growing creativity. He describes it as “what it felt like when my parents were my age during the ‘70s, but through a lens of the future.” He explores themes of self-doubt, as well as a desire for love and acceptance amid the song’s soulful groove. “I focus on the idea of being a pretender and that yearning I have to be loved,” he says, adding that “there’s a lot of work to do before I get there.” 

For “Pretender,” Evenson reunites with Jacob Rodier, who also helmed the clips for “If I Ever Feel Better” and “LUNGS.” As with most of Evenson’s videos, “Pretender” takes inspiration from the cinematic film Arrival of 2016. “We wanted to convey a feeling of a psychological thriller,” he says. As a first-generation Haitian American, Evenson shares a connection with his heritage that fuels his creativity. “It’s where I find strength,” he says. “It’s a foundational part of my identity. I want to tackle the hyper-masculinity that is promoted in the Haitian community and culture. It’s why I touch on issues of intimacy and mental health in my music.”

Pretender is a visual treat, a gift to the senses. Evenson has accomplished something truly special with this tune. Merging vintage funk with future pop, it’s a track that captures the sound of the moment while still feeling timeless. It’s a song that will make you dance and sing along. Evenson’s achievement is nothing short of remarkable. A masterful blend of guitars and synths creates an unforgettable and captivating soundscape. The song also features an infectious hook that will stick in your head and make you want to keep returning for more. The production values are top-notch, with each element of the song coming together to create a unique and memorable experience. Evenson has crafted a perfect single that has the potential to be a classic in the years to come.

Pretender encapsulates what Evenson describes as “what it felt like when my parents were my age during the ‘70s but through a lens of the future. If you listen closely, you will hear the influences of Earth, Wind & Fire, Prince, and Magdalena Bay in the music. I wanted for there to be a contrast of the past and the future in the music, but with words that are timeless. Amid the song’s soulful, uptempo groove, the artist explores themes of self-doubt, as well as a longing for love and acceptance. “I focus on the idea of being a pretender and that yearning I have to be loved,” he says, adding that “there’s a lot of work to do before I get there. If you have ever had your heart broken, then you know that you carry it with you as you move forward into your next relationship. It takes a long time to heal.”

Evenson is gearing up for the autumn release of his EP, “Sadly, I Still Love You”, which will explore “all sides of the human experience and of myself—themes of mental health, identity, and heartbreak.” Evenson is one of the most significant rising musicians of this decade. He has been praised for his authentic sound and is sure to break records with his EP. His music speaks to a generation open to honest and thoughtful conversations about difficult topics. He is an artist to watch in the next few years.

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