What a pleasure it was to sit down and talk to Devon. It isn't easy to bounce back with a positive mindset after getting fucked over, but Devon proves she ain't going away, with her new single "Mirrors". This young lady is just getting going and has such a bright future in Music City. We talked about her single, getting a start by playing open mics and about how she has a case of RBF... for those who don't know what that stands for... resting bitch face. (I promise she's very nice).
Get To Know Devon
"So I'm originally from Harrisburg, in the central Pennsylvania area. I got into music by doing open mics when I was about 16 years old. I didn't have any knowledge of the music industry at the time. Nobody in my area was working in music so I didn't know you could make a career out of it. I was just doing it for fun. A host that was in charge of the open mics suggested that I play this particular venue. That opportunity ended up growing into performances at a bunch of different venues. That became my work; playing every weekend, doing shows and stuff. When I turned 18, I decided it was time to do things bigger than playing only local shows. I moved here to Nashville and I actually just celebrated my 1 year residency last month. I'm trying to stay busy. I've been playing Broadway and different Writers Round's and all that good stuff."
Everything Happens For A Reason
I preach all the time about how Country Music is so raw with emotion and can make grown men cry. For me, I can tell in 15 seconds if a song is genuine and comes from real experiences and feelings or if it's cooked up just to try and make it on the radio. "Mirrors" is REAL AS FUCK. Why am I swearing so much today? Forgive me... but seriously. Devon turns a negative of getting burned in the industry while so new to the game. With the help of Sam Grow, she spins it into an absolute masterpiece, telling not only her experience but a story so many of us face daily. Lines like "wherever there's smoke, there's bound to be some mirrors" and "I was writing what I was living while they were living off my dreams". Two powerful lines that summarize how deep this song is. A voice with something to say is a dangerous thing for those trying to get in the way. Devon Beck has a powerful sound that is far behind her years and is all wrapped together nicely with a soft, mysterious production. Excited to see Devon make waves and prove all those doubters out there wrong.
Inspiration Behind "Mirrors"
Written By: Devon Beck & Sam Grow, Produced By: Tyler Thompson
"It's an interesting story... I got burned pretty badly in the music industry and it actually set me back a full year. That deal ended around the time when COVID was getting going. They put thoughts in my head that I couldn't write anymore and it really set me back. I couldn't create music for an entire year. My last EP was released last July; it's been a long time. A buddy of mine, Sam (Grow) - I had opened for him when he was in Pennsylvania - texted me randomly asking me to come over to the house and write, so I did. We were talking. He knows the people that I’d dealt with in the past and he really wanted me to tell him the story. At the time when we talked, I had no intention of writing a song about that experience. I was stuck in a rut and told him I had no idea what to do. He heard what I was trying to say and an hour later that song popped out. The song is about people who aren't really who they say they are and the idea that you have to watch out for people. There's a line in there that says "every road I take makes that clearer", which means, even though I'm in Nashville, there are people who are out to get you and you have to be aware. There are some people in the business that are there for you and want what’s best and there are others who don't. This song is about moving in the right direction and putting the negative in the past."
Q & A With Devon Beck
Q: What was the "light bulb" moment when you knew you wanted to pursue music?
A: "After I started playing the open mics. I obviously wasn't a good musician but it created a lot of firsts for me. I didn't know how and had no experience talking to people. I had no experience playing guitar. At the time, one of my best friends’ dad had previously toured with Poison. On Saturdays he would jam out in his garage, the typical jam sesh. My friend told me his dad would love to give me guitar lessons and had me come over and play with him. The first time I played with a real band it was my "ah ha" moment. I heard other people playing and believing in me and that's when I knew music was what I wanted to do."
Q: What's your favorite thing about Nashville?
A: "My favorite thing is definitely being able to see live music 24/7, any day of the week. That would be one thing. A second favorite would be the food. Every time I go to the store I ask what the best spots are. I'm such a foodie, and Nashville is a perfect spot for that."
Q: What's something most people don't know about you?
A: "If you knew me as a person, you'd know I don't express my emotions very well. People think I only express emotions through my songs, but that's not usually the case. You really have to get to know me. Others that don't truly know me think I'm standoffish and a bitch, honestly. The people who get to know me always say "oh, you are such a nice person, you aren't a bitch at all". It's crazy what taking the time to get to know somebody will do and how much you can learn about a person by talking with them."
Q: What are some things you've learned so far in the music industry?
A: "I'd say something I've learned is to always be on your A game. You never know who's in the room. One time when I played, it turned out a scout from a record label had come to see another guy. So you really just never know. Even on an off day, you have to bring it. Always bring a positive attitude even if your dog died or something like that. You have to pretend it's the happiest day of your life because you're there to entertain people. People come to hear you as an escape to get away from their own drama."
If you are just discovering Devon Beck follow her on Apple Music, Spotify, Instagram, Facebook and Tik Tok
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