Pop music is rarely as personal as it is with Evenal. His songs draw the listener out of their comfort zone, gently yet insistently inviting them to ask themselves: Who are you? What defines you?

His work challenges the conventional perception of pop. Even when he plays with a bright, danceable sound, there is a touch of shadow in each track—yes, the path to self-acceptance is seldom straightforward. His new single, Close & Near, seems like an anthem for those unafraid to look within and acknowledge that true freedom isn’t about escaping problems, but overcoming them. In this interview, Evenal discusses why music for him is a dialogue, not a monologue, about searching for a sound that rings true, and why his main goal is to create a space where one can be authentic.

photo by @evenal.music

Close & Near feels like a revelation, but at the same time, it seems like you leave room for the listener’s own interpretations. What does closeness mean to you? Tell us what served as the starting point for this track.

“Close & Near” is a personal confession inspired by a real experience of mine. The lyrics are coded in such a way that I can convey my emotions without betraying the message. This mirrors the experiences of many queer individuals who are still closeted. They seek affection while simultaneously hiding their true selves. My song tries to immerse the listener in such a state of being.

When I listened to Close & Near, it felt like the song demanded movement—whether it’s dancing or walking alone at night. What picture did you have in your mind when you first heard the completed track? That must have been a special moment.

When I first heard the final version, I couldn’t believe I was the one who created it. It felt like something entirely new, and I realized that I had transformed into the artist I had always dreamed of being. Then, a bit of fear crept in—wondering if I could ever create something like this again. But I did, and I’m thrilled about both the present and the future.

Your tracks often echo the 80s, but they never feel like an attempt to imitate—they seem more like a reprogramming of that energy for the modern day. How did you decide that this aesthetic was the right fit for Close & Near?

Truthfully, it wasn’t a deliberate decision for this specific song—it was inspiration. While keeping my signature cosmic synth vibe, the themes of memory and personal experience pushed me to create an atmosphere rooted in the ’80s. Something nostalgic yet beloved.

Talking about identity in music has become louder than ever, but your songs don’t shout about it—they feel more intimate. Is that a deliberate choice? Do you want listeners to see themselves in your lyrics, or is it more of a personal confession for you?

I’ve always written songs to express how I feel to an audience. Growing up in a society that didn’t listen to me, music became my outlet. Through lyrics, I confess, and through my music, I let others hear that confession.

You often talk about self-expression and sexual freedom. How important is it for you to maintain authenticity in that? Have there been moments when you realized something felt too forced and decided to rewrite or reshoot it?

Many times! Unfortunately, I’ve had bad collaborations in the past with people in the music industry who held me back. They were probably afraid I wouldn’t be accepted by the audience, but two years later, I’ve proven the exact opposite. That’s why I consider sexual freedom, and all forms of freedom, to be among the most important aspects of life for both humans and artists.

You’ve mentioned before that the visual image of a song is just as important to you as its sound. For Close & Near, did you already have this visual world in your head before recording the track?

Of course. As I mentioned earlier, “Close & Near” is a song of confession. The listener might get lost in the lyrics, so I wanted to create a world of illusions—a confusing yet serene and alluring place where, if you want to enter, you might understand it.

Working with Wilfresh on Fatality felt like the moment you first stepped into the spotlight with a big statement. But since then, your sound—and seemingly your approach to collaborations—has evolved. How do you decide now who to work with? Is it intuition or the result of careful consideration?

I always decide based on how well our voices harmonize, ensuring a cohesive outcome. But above all, it’s about what the other artist represents. I’d never collaborate with someone whose values contradict my own.

You started in 2019, and in just a few years, the music world has changed a lot. Do you think the Evenal of 2019 would have written something like Close & Near, or was that simply unimaginable back then?

Not at all! I wasn’t ready to explore and expose such deep parts of my soul. I believe the Evenal of 2019 no longer exists. I’m a completely different person now, and combined with the evolution of society and the world, I can finally be myself and show my true worth.

Close & Near feels like a significant step forward in your career. But what’s the next step you envision? Are you thinking about releasing a full album, or do you prefer the idea of continuing to create standalone stories through singles?

I’m the kind of person who prefers “one and done,” haha. I like to pour my entire self into one song at a time. Life moves forward unpredictably, so you never know what event might inspire one of my future tracks.

Many artists today are rethinking stereotypes around gender and sexuality—whether through music, film, games, fashion, or visual art. It’s great to see the world moving toward greater acceptance, diversity, and freedom of choice. Do you feel like your work goes beyond music and borders on activism? 

I try. I want my listeners to be inspired by the strength I project and to begin uncovering the power they hold within themselves. I love people, and as a person myself, I know how encouraging it is to follow someone who can bring out the best version of you.

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