Boxes by Evren

After completing his BA in English at the University of Michigan he packed things up and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his musical dreams. He played in local bands first as a guitar player, then as a songwriter, finally settling into where he fit best; writing, playing guitar, singing and fronting a band.

"The process of expressing myself creatively hinged on developing the ability to do all three, write, sing and play guitar," a process that was aided by his "day gig" work as a recording engineer, and presently as a mastering engineer. When asked what his time is Los Angeles has been like, Evren says "L.A. has served as a transformational space for me, it is a city where people with creative ambitions turn up daily to pursue their dreams. I felt like I had permission to seriously pursue my music here."

Realizing that waiting for a major label deal made him feel like he was "a hopeful schoolgirl waiting to be asked to dance," he decided to start his own record label as a vehicle to get his music out. Spill Record's third release Boxes, is packed with brilliance. Song after song, the album impresses with wit, depth and musical expertise that is a breath of fresh air. When asked what the record is about, Evren says "The batch of songs that make up Boxesis the expression of various unique kinds of emotional suffering, and the resolution of that suffering.

"The title alludes to states of mind or patterns in life being like boxes... sometimes claustrophobic spaces of experience where you have to resolve an issue, a relationship, or work with a personal demon. Ultimately, these boxes require you to transform or evolve in order to move on, like an alchemical vessel that turns base metal into gold."

But don't let all of the in-depth explanation take away the one simple fact, that this is a great record. Evren will be touring the west coast throughout the fall in support of his new record.

Quotes About Evren:

"Literate pop...Flux is filled with hooks that will hang until Sunday...and crystalline-pure production"

ZH - Live Magazine

"Flux entices its listener to think and listen...It's indie rock at its finest."

Dayna Cramer - MeanStreet

"...twelve competently done, radio-ready songs."

Ron Garmon - MeanStreet

"...Göknar displayed a talent for subconscious-sinking melodies and clever lyricism...pleasing musicianship that lets you forget where you are."

Jeff Inman/Mike Prevatt - Las Vegas Citylife

"This is music without compromise."

Jon Pepper - Music Connection/club reviews

"Burning the Tulips offers intriguing lyrics, sharp arrangements - strings and slides used effectively - and some canny Beatle-y gestures."

"...intelligent alternative music that kicks ass."

Dave Gingold - Eugene Weekly

"...lyrics that are pure poetry..."

Dayna Cramer - BAM Magazine

"...Evren Göknar invented a new genre on his Burning the Tulips...songs that grow into a polished mass of plunky guitar charm."

Michael Bertin - Austin Chronicle

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