An Interview With The Singer-Songwriter DEANNA DEVORE!

“Seven Eight,” is the latest release from the Chicago/Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Deanna Devore. On this song, Devore explains that “the title, ‘Seven Eight,’ refers to the song’s time signature. There’s a beat missing which matches with the lyrics, about a relationship that can’t quite get off the ground.” 

Learn more about Deanna Devore in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you now? Is there music playing in the background?

I’m in Toronto – went home for the US Thanksgiving holiday. No music playing in the background but there’s always music playing in my head 🙂 

Overall, how do you think 2018 has been treating you and your career? What has been one goal that you have had this year and how close are you to reaching it? Or did you already reach it?

2018 has been a busy year. There were months of planning that went into both the release of the new album and booking the tour. Both were definitely goals I had for the year and I just came back from the tour so I would say that the goals were reached. Next will be a new set of goals. You have to keep the momentum going. 

Growing up, was music always a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience? Can you see yourself ever doing anything else?

Music has been a huge part of my life since I was a kid. I definitely can recall getting my first ukulele which I learned to play. I also remember the first song my dad taught me to play drums to when I was little – “House of the Rising Sun”. I really can’t imagine doing anything else – writing music has become such an integral part of my life. 

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

I would say the biggest surprise has been how much the music business has changed over the years. Mostly because of social media and the importance of it.

How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today?

I love both cities but feel I would be writing the same material no matter where I was living. 

What was the inspiration for your newest EP “half and half”? Do you think it’s different or similar to anything else that you have put out before? 

“half and half” went through many transformations, because originally I was planning on recording an all acoustic album. But then I started writing new songs that had more of a downtempo RnB/jazz feel so I decided to do a mix of the two. 

It’s called “half and half” because the album is half electronic and half acoustic (some songs are in between – picture a spectrum of sound)

I would say it sounds like the same artist as my previous releases with more of a RnB/jazz influence. I think it fits well with the times for contemporary music. 

When do you hope to release more new music? Are you currently working in the studio and in a period of creative inspiration?

I hope to release a new single in the new year. It’s a song I’m very excited about. I’ve already started recording it in the studio and have also been doing some compositions – writing music for a web series and podcast. 

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how your own music is reflecting this time period or is your music an escape from all that? Would you say that other musicians are making music that has been influenced by this climate?

I definitely think other musicians are making music influenced by this climate and it’s important that art reflect the times. In my case, I write for the love of writing.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

Social media is a great platform to connect with people, I try to stay up to date on it all. My favourite way is to connect with the audience when I’m playing live and then meeting them after the show. It’s a great feeling to watch them groove to the music. 

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

I love a lot of British artists. Tom Misch to name one. I would love to work with him!

If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you and why?

My guitar – hands down. It’s my main instrument and I play most days. 

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

There are so many shows I’d love to be on that have really good music. Insecure and Big Little Lies to name a few. That’s one of the things that I’d like to get more involved in – having my music licensed for film and tv.

Do you have any tour dates you would like to tell our readers about? What’s next on your agenda?

Just got back from a US (and Canada) east coast tour. Next is recording this new single.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music?

I would hope that the music and lyrics can resonate for them. And that they dig the mix of genres.