Looking for some new stripped down tunes to ease you into the winter season? We’re here to introduce you to our new favorite singer-songwriter, Devon! The rising New York City musician cites Sara Bareilles, Counting Crows, and Carole King as some of her influences, which are all very prevalent in her relatable and personal songwriting. Devon has been releasing music independently since 2014 and has recently released some tracks from her upcoming EP Songs From The Back Of A Bar. Get to know Devon and check out our interview with her below!

Thanks for taking some time out to speak with us! Tell us a bit about your beginnings! Did you come from a musical family or was this something you discovered on your own?

When I was 5 years old, my dad took me to a Billy Joel concert, and it inspired my obsession with music. What I love most about songwriting is the ability that songs have to communicate feelings. Growing up listening to a lot of Billy Joel, Counting Crows, and Carole King/Gerry Goffin, helped teach me the importance of lyrics in that process. My dad taught me how to play the piano at an early age and my brother taught me how to play guitar, so I’ve been creating ever since!

You’re an NYC-based artist. Can you talk about the music community there and how it’s inspired your recording and performing?

I love making music in NYC–the artist community is really tight and supportive. This city in particular has an interesting indie and rock scene. Having approached music as a singer-songwriter all my life, I’ve found the different styles and energies in the music here to be really inspiring.

Your latest single “Love You Anyway” just dropped on November 2 and talks about a complicated relationship. Do you write most of your songs from personal experience or are they mainly stories?

They’re all personal experiences, but I think a lot of my personal experiences are probably somewhat similar to the personal experiences of other people my age. We’re all in “complicated relationships” these days haha.

I love the message behind your song “I Bet You’d Like Me Better At Coachella!” What do you think is missing from the music industry? Or, what is the biggest misconception you’ve come across?

What’s exciting about the music industry is that there have never been more distribution or promotion channels than there are right now. What’s challenging, though, is that the industry has never been so fragmented, making it difficult to cut through, especially for a developing artist who doesn’t have the money or the promotion behind them that an artist on a major label might have.

What footprint do you want to leave with your music?

I think all of us would like to believe that we will ultimately make the world a better place. I guess what I’d like my mark to be is to have some sort of influence in helping people to see the best in themselves and in other people.

Here are some rapid fire questions! Favorite venue in NYC to play at?

Rockwood, or anywhere that Jesse Malin hangs out.

Song you want to cover?

“Boys” by Charli XCX–in fact, now that I’ve thought about it, I think I’ll do it.

Favorite lyric you’ve ever written?

“Just ’cause it’s nice, doesn’t mean that it’s right.”

Dream collaboration?

Counting Crows!

Song you can’t stop listening to right now?

“Cold War” by Cautious Clay 

Featured image: Instagram (@devonsounds)