DevonSol Interview

MusicReview chats to extraordinary US artist, DevonSol. From the US Marines to recording in South Africa, his story is absolutely fascinating. 

You’ve had a fascinating life. Tell us a bit more about your background.

I actually grew up listening to rock music as well as R&B. I spent 5 years in the US Marine corps, which is when I truly started singing solo. I was in an R&B group in high school and did whatever I had to do to find gigs singing at local clubs, bars, etc. I lived all over the globe pretty much and learned to appreciate all types of music from house to Celtic.

You’re based in the USA, yet you recorded your album with local boy, Clyde Becker. How did come about?

I was actually in South Africa on business and a friend of mine (Megan Dove) started working on a few tracks, I asked her if I could make them into hits (laughs). Anyway, after writing a couple tracks we needed a really good studio and sound engineer with vision. We actually found Clyde Becker online, checked out his studio and everything fell into place after that.

What do you think of South African music? Do you have any favourite artists?

Ah man… I had no clue of South African music, being an African American artist from the US, but when I heard the song ‘Out of this Place’ by the band Prime Circle, I immediately became a fan. I am also a fan of Oran and Clyde Becker’s music.

Having travelled and lived all around the world, you’ve mentioned how you’ve been influenced by the sounds of the various countries – but which country has left the biggest musical mark?

Tough question…each country had something that added to my musical taste. Europe has great Dance and Trance music. Canada and South Africa have some of the best rock bands ever and the US has the best Hip Hop and R&B artists.

DevolSol is a “certified loner” – does this extend to social networking sites too?

Negative (laughs). I’m all over social networking sites. In today’s market you have to network as an artist and simply as someone who wants to be known.

Your new album, Each Minute Counts, consists of 4 genres (Rock, R ‘n B, Gospel & Dance) – how did you manage to bring all this together?

I wasn’t signed to a record label at the time, which allowed me to explore all different types of sound. No one I know listens to only one type of genre of music, so I needed to bring the love I have for music and fit it on one album.

What are DevonSol’s plans for 2010?

I took time off early in 2010 to focus on a new sound. You can expect 4-5 new dance track releases produced by Clyde Becker. I’m shooting a music video in London for one of my tracks from my album, Each Minute Counts, and another video in Orange County, California for one of the tracks Clyde Becker has produced for me. I’m also on tour late 2010.

Thank you for your time. Any final words to your fans out there?

Thanks to my fans for getting me a lot further than I ever imagined and stay on the lookout for my new album and singles coming out soon. None of this would be possible without you. God Bless.

Visit his official website for more information.

- Sergio Pereira
sergio@musicreview.co.za
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