Deanna Devore Lately Interview

Seductive Neo-Soul

Deanna Devore is a Chicago and Toronto based multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer. Her music beautifully blends downtempo electronic beats with organic instrumentation, creating emotionally captivating music that has been resonating with audiences across the globe. Devore's polished musicianship, modern production techniques and compelling songwriting emanates a maturity and sophistication that spans across downtempo electronic, R&B, neo-soul, jazz and orchestral territories.

Following the success of her highly acclaimed EP half and half, Devore is unveiling her new release 'Lately', featuring a mystery vocalist who cannot yet be announced. Thematically the single narrates the insecurity and ups and downs of a relationship, detailing how love can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster until it finally comes to an end. Its mellow grooves and smooth lo-fi beats cook up a mouth-watering release, oozing with seductive melodies and velvety vocals, which highlight the featured singer's impressive vocal range. Emitting a sensuous flowing cadence, delicately layered harmonies and a pulsating rhythm, 'Lately' provides an alluring neo-soul track, showcasing Devore's unique and fresh production.

Devore's inspiration sparks from a sonic level - the feeling and emotions that certain chords and melodies provoke. Her songwriting is built around the result and impact it will have on the listener. "Lyrically I delve into the darkness and light of love and life", reveals Devore. With influences partially rooted in the soul, R&B and jazz field, Devore doesn't allow any limitations to her sound and her music includes elements of a multitude of genres. It's this genre-blending sound which has allowed the musician to create music without boundaries. She shares, "I hope my music can bridge the gap for fans of all genres and be appealing to a variety of people".

Devore has seen success performing to sold-out venues and festivals across the map, such as Summerfest, CMJ, NXNE, and 80/35. She has also had the pleasure of opening for renowned artists including Jamie Cullum, Bonobo and SG Lewis, as well as Raveena, Mother Mother and Yoke Lore. The composer has recently explored more commercial work, where her work can be heard in podcasts, feature films and even a Starbucks ad.

Self-produced and performing all of the instruments on the track herself, Devore wishes to encourage other female artists to take a lead in their music, "I'd love to inspire other songwriters and other female multi-instrumentalist/producers. There aren't many of us out there it seems, so I'd love to inspire more female musicians to self-produce".

Devore continues to be celebrated for her remarkable musicality and 'Lately' is another indication of what to expect in 2020.

Interview with Deanna Devore

Question: Can you tell us about Lately?

Deanna Devore: Lately is a neo-soul single featuring a mystery vocalist.


Question: What inspired the track Lately?

Deanna Devore: The song is about a relationship that doesn't consistently feel secure. It goes back and forth, up and down and it's about the emotional rollercoaster ride of that until it ultimately ends.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Deanna Devore: I like them both for different reasons but if I were to choose one its recording. Writing/recording is where my passion lies.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Deanna Devore: Currently it's Lately; probably because it's new but it also has a great live vibe with the band.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Deanna Devore: The first thing that came to mind right now is the music supervisor for the show Insecure.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Deanna Devore: The way music makes me feel. I love pretty chord changes and something that moves me.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Deanna Devore: I've been listening to a lot of Spotify playlists, so no artists in particular, but playlists like lo-fi beats and alternative rnb.

Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Deanna Devore: I've been writing music ever since I can remember, so my inspiration has been the fact that it's my life - I can't picture doing anything else but writing music.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Deanna Devore: Tom Misch.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Deanna Devore: The biggest challenge is probably being able to get the proper exposure in a world where there's so much new music always being released.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Deanna Devore: I'm a teacher at a music school so a typical day is teaching guitar/songwriting.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Deanna Devore: The feeling you get when you hear something you like in the studio for the first time.

Interview by Brooke Hunter