Seattle-based artist AudioGust announces his new single 'Award Show', a catchy indie rock piece narrated from the perspective of a barren artist riding on inertia, as hollow accolades amplify his dread in a surreal theater of unworthiness - a gilded cage of his own past glory.
AudioGust is the solo project of songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Chris Evans, whose journey started in the 1980s as a guitarist and bassist in various bands. After a decades-long detour in the software industry (including 20 years at Microsoft), he has returned to his true passion, writing and recording in his own studio. He has since released over three dozen songs and collaborated with artists worldwide, drawing inspiration from bands such as Green Day, The Police, and Foo Fighters.
'Award Show' is the second offering from AudioGust's new album 'Here We Go Again', presenting a menu of hooky anthems for disenchanted optimists. With a sound vortex imbued with 90’s to 2000’s alternative rock, his guitar-driven music brings in a strong, driving rhythm section, big choruses and even bigger bridge sections.
“'Award Show' delves into the darker side of creative success, exposing the paralyzing grip of imposter syndrome. The song follows an artist who once thrived on inspiration but now finds himself creatively empty, yet still receiving accolades for past work," explains Chris Evans.
"As he sits in the audience of a prestigious award show, he silently prays not to win—dreading the spotlight, the praise, and the expectation that he’s something he no longer feels he is. But when his name is called, the weight of the moment only deepens his self-doubt. Playing off his lack of preparation, he accepts the honor, yet inside, he’s unraveling—proof that even recognition can feel like a curse when inspiration is nowhere to be found."
Not long ago, AudioGust released the bright and punctuated title track 'Here We Go Again', an upbeat tribute to the unpredictable nature of creative inspiration, capturing an artist’s late-night encounter with his muse—an unexpected, almost mystical moment when a song begins to take shape in his mind.
His new 14-track album is deeply personal and universally relatable. An ode to the highs and lows of creativity, it includes some of his most popular singles, along with new material. Blending raw energy with introspective storytelling, the album explores the unpredictable nature of inspiration—both the exhilarating moments when it strikes and the emptiness when it fades.
AudioGust explains, "This album is split into songs that describe the extremes of the fickle nature of inspiration and songs that have come to me in both of those places". Offering a deep dive into the creative process, this record features six brand-new songs as well as fan-favorite singles, including 'Tomorrow is Mine', a finalist in the 2024 USA Songwriting Contest.
With a knack for crafting memorable melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, underscored by upbeat rhythms and evocative guitar arrangements, AudioGust creates music that speaks to the disenchanted and dreamers alike through sonic exploration of the modern human condition. AudioGust released his debut album 'Walk With Me' in 2023, followed by the 'Hope from Darkness' and 'Love and Pain' EPs.
'Here We Go Again' is available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album by the same name will be released on May 30.
ALBUM CREDITS
All songs written by Chris Evans
except 'How You Been?' written by Chris Evans & Liz Rodrigues
Recorded, mixed & mastered by AudioGust on Whidbey Island
Performed by AudioGust
Liliana Tani - vocals on 'Dead to Me'
Leslie Irish Evans - announcer's voice on 'Award Show'
Cover artwork by Chris Evans
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
