Prolific UK Hip Hop legend and activist Tommy Evans brings us his highly anticipated new LP Van Goth, beautifully produced by The Cat Burglar. Having previously collaborated with icons including Neneh Cherry, Martina Topley-Bird, Stereo MCs, Nightmares On Wax, Andreya Triana, Larry Peace (Prince’s DJ), Foreign Beggars, Nutty P, Doc Brown and Shaolinn (Pusha T/Heirwave), Tommy Evans presents a collection of songs that display his full range of artistry, lyricism and commentary.
We know that making claims like ‘UK Hip Hop legend’ is a bit brave but we do genuinely believe you’ll enjoy Tommy Evans’ new album. Not only does Tommy have the credentials to back that claim, but he continues to develop as an artist, making interesting shit with loads of young collaborators from all over the place.
“The Cat Burglar reached out to me via IG in April 2020. Lockdown had just started. By July of that same year we had a whole album recorded! I work quickly and our socially distanced (as was the new norm at the time) weekly sessions in the safe space of James’ (The Cat Burglar) Wandsworth studio proved to be a welcome respite from the pressures of the pandemic.
What I loved about James’ sound is how textured it was, his atmospheric beats informed by a creative background dabbling in multiple genres and disciplines; the perfect soundscape for me to skate across!
So, three years later, back to life and reality (to paraphrase Soul 2 Soul) the album is here! A slightly darker affair in comparison to my signature soulful sound – hence the title Van Goth (an adaptation of the final poem in my collection published in 2018) – but still replete with moments of hope, jokes and joy amidst the abstract lyricism, socio-political commentary and deep reflection. Enjoy!”
– Tommy Evans
Van Goth will be released on brand new and exciting, multi genre UK label SUBTXT. With the core ethos of “dig deep, shout loud“, their aim is to create a platform for artists that want their music to question, interrogate and challenge as well as delight and entertain. In times when opinions are divided, SUBTXT fundamentally sees music as a vehicle for conversation, enlightenment and hope from a diverse range of voices in sonic landscape made from belief.
Tommy Evans
- https://www.tommyevansofficial.com/
- https://twitter.com/tommya_manevans
- https://www.instagram.com/tommyevansofficial/
- https://open.spotify.com/artist/4CcYOJCtBvHYTZH3MxnKVI
Cat Burglar
subtxtrecords