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April 13, 2024 – Scott Simon talks with musician and indie producer Sam Evian about his fourth LP, “Plunge.” Evian says the record is his most personal yet and it touches on themes of family, depression and sobriety. SCOTT SIMON, HOST: 

Indie producer Sam Evian, who has worked with really big acts, like Big Thief, says he is always so intent on making things perfect for other artists. When it’s time to do something for himself, well, he’d like something different.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, “JACKET”)

SAM EVIAN: (Singing) No matter where you’ve gone, it’s never too late, dear, to say that you’re the only one. Every day and night feels so wrong…

SIMON: His fourth LP, “Plunge.” Sam Evian had a little help from his friends to create a wild and roaming set of songs that are deeply personal, soulful examinations of sobriety, family, life and love. Sam Evian joins us now from his upstate New York studio, Flying Cloud. Thank you so much for being with us.

EVIAN: Thank you so much for having me. I’m a longtime listener and a first-time caller.

(LAUGHTER)

SIMON: Well, thank you very much for joining us. And let me ask you about where you’re located at the moment, your studio in the Catskills. It played a big role in “Plunge,” didn’t it?

EVIAN: It very much did. It’s my life’s work, this studio. And I spent some time in Brooklyn. You know, New York City is a hustle. And it’s amazing. The creative energy there is so unique. But I ultimately kind of, like, hit a wall. I needed more space, and I needed my own space. And so I looked upstate. And there’s an amazing history and pedigree up in the Catskills for artists coming up here to work and find peace and quiet.

CONTINUE@NPR